Rediscovered 2001 Disney World Letter Shows Resort Extended Stays After 9/11 Airspace Shutdown
A Reddit post on the anniversary prompted recollections of comped rooms, early closures, and in‑place guidance.
Overview
- The room note from Disney’s Grand Floridian thanked guests, cited the president’s closure of the national air traffic system, and offered to extend stays.
- Disney‑focused outlets published the letter’s text on September 11, 2025 after a guest found it tucked in an old Birnbaum guidebook and shared it on Reddit.
- Guests and former Cast Members recalled that hotel stays were extended or comped for those stranded and that staff provided steady, hands‑on assistance.
- Parks reportedly closed early on 9/11, shift schedules changed, and guests were advised to remain in place while resort front desks handled needs.
- Coverage notes flags at half‑staff for the anniversary and reports no evidence that attractions such as Hall of Presidents were directly altered in response.