Bob Iger Blasted For Hypocritical Instagram Post
For several days, Walt Disney World cast members have been working around the clock to prepare the resort for Hurricane Milton’s arrival. Milton began forming in the Gulf of Mexico last week and hit Florida as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday, October 9. The storm brought with it damaging winds, severe rain, flooding, and storm surges along the coast.
Thankfully, Hurricane Milton has moved out into the Atlantic Ocean, but the storm’s effects are still being felt. Both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Orlando remain closed on Thursday as the parks are cleaned and restored to their original state.
Related: Hurricane Aftermath: Floods, Roof Damage, and More Strike Walt Disney World
Despite Hurricane Milton being predicted to be a very dangerous storm, Disney decided to keep its Florida theme parks open the day the hurricane was going to hit.
On October 9, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom remained open until 1 p.m., while the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT stayed open until 2 p.m.
From the outset, Disney received a lot of backlash for keeping the theme parks open when it knew that a major hurricane was going to hit. Guests were also criticized for visiting the parks during such a dangerous time. Once the theme parks closed, guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel were told to stay indoors and given specific instructions from cast members.
Related: Influencer Faces Backlash for Ignoring Hurricane Warning for Disney Trip
Disney CEO Bob Iger did not make things better when he posted on Instagram encouraging everyone in Hurricane Milton’s path to stay safe.
Our thoughts are with the people of Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches.
Please take care and stay safe!
View this post on Instagram
Related: A Disney Nightmare: Guests Stranded on Skyliner Amidst Terrifying Hurricane
The post garnered a lot of comments, but they probably weren’t the ones Mr. Iger was hoping to see. Most of the comments criticized him for telling people to stay safe while forcing cast members to work because the theme parks remained open. Several comments said that some employees were forced to remain in the parks even though curfews had been ordered.
Yeah right, Robert. You gave cast members NO time to evacuate and some are scheduled to work until 8 PM today!
Worst hurricane Florida has seen in 100 years and you’re keeping parks open. Empty PR statement.
Related: Former Imagineer Blames Bob Iger For “Eroding” Disney Parks
Since his return in November 2022, after the sudden firing of Bob Chapek, Bob Iger has failed to get back into the good graces of the fans he was once so popular with. He has been accused of focusing on nothing more than how to make the company more money while ignoring fans and hard-working cast members.
After his post, he was once again accused of being so greedy that he would put cast members in danger, all so the parks could make money.
12:15pm on wednesday, the cat. 5 storm is already hitting Florida’s cost and yet CMs are still working, parks are still open. Glad to see money remains more important than employees’ physical and mental wellbeing. Stay consistent Bob
With Hurricane Milton behind it, Walt Disney World Resort will be open for normal operating hours beginning Friday, October 11. Refunds have been issued for the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that was cancelled.
While most of the resort will be open, it is important to note that Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa both remain closed.
If you are planning to visit the theme parks, it is important to check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information.
Do you think Disney should have closed on October 9 instead of remaining open for half the day? Did Disney put greed above its cast members’ safety? Let us know in the comments!
Yes- they should have closed earlier. Opening the parks for half a day was greedy and impacted cast members and their families.
Yes….the Disney Company showed greediness by keeping Disney World opened during a hurricane crisis. For Iger to put danger over safety towards the cast members and guests is without shame and greed. Someday, Disney will fold when people finally get smart and open their eyes because of Disney’s greed in increasing their prices all for the good of their stockholders instead of the thrill for the guests!