Walt Disney World Resort made the decision to cancel auditions scheduled for October 9 in Atlanta, Georgia, due to the impending threat posed by Hurricane Milton. Initially categorized as a tropical storm, Hurricane Milton rapidly escalated to a Category 5 hurricane on Monday.
The Official Disney Auditions Instagram account shared this story on October 7, confirming that the parade performer audition was canceled.
Interested parties were invited to attend the October 8 Disney College Program character performer open call in Atlanta. The decision came just days after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, and other Southeastern states.
Impact of Hurricane Milton on Disney Parks
Closure Plans for Disney Parks
In anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s impact, Walt Disney World Resort implemented park closure plans. Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will close at 1:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, October 9, with Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, and Disney Springs following suit at 2:00 p.m. EST.
Comparison with Competitors
As Hurricane Milton hovered nearby, the approach taken by Walt Disney World differed from other regional theme parks. Competitors such as LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Universal Orlando Resort had already initiated modified operations or closures before the storm. This delay in action prompted scrutiny regarding Walt Disney World’s preparedness in handling extreme weather events.
Potential Risks Faced
The threat of Hurricane Milton extended beyond just closures. Meteorologists warned of potential winds reaching up to 110 mph in Orange and Osceola counties, which could not only impact visitor safety but also cause significant damage to attractions and infrastructure within the parks.
Governor’s Response to Hurricane Milton
State of Emergency Declaration
In light of the imminent danger posed by Hurricane Milton, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency across 51 counties. This declaration facilitated mobilizing state resources and enabled local governments to implement evacuation orders where necessary. The Florida Department of Transportation suspended tolls on popular evacuation routes and implemented emergency shoulder use to ensure smoother traffic flow.
For updates on Hurricane Milton, visit the National Hurricane Center website.
If you could play any Walt Disney World Resort entertainment role, which would you choose? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
