More damage has been found regarding Hurricane Milton’s damaging travel through Orlando.
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on October 10 as a Category 3 storm, bringing sustained winds of up to 120 mph.
The hurricane affected a wide range of areas from coastal cities to inland regions, resulting in severe flooding and widespread damage. Major airports and tourist attractions, including Walt Disney World, temporarily closed due to the storm.
The impact of the hurricane was devastating, with reports indicating at least 17 fatalities across the state. In addition to the loss of life, many residents faced significant challenges as over two million homes and businesses were left without power.
Rescue teams were deployed to assist those trapped in the floodwaters, and ongoing assessments were being conducted to evaluate damage across the state.
Damage Assessment at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World was not entirely spared from the effects of Hurricane Milton.
Following the storm, an evaluation of damage revealed that while the parks experienced minimal structural damage, advertising and promotional materials suffered significantly. The sign for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a new ride that opened this past summer, was destroyed during the storm.
DocKilowatt shared a photo of the torn-up sign that can be found on I-4 in Orlando as guests drive into Disney World.
Tiana’s bayou breakdown! Boy is this fitting!!!
Tiana’s bayou breakdown! Boy is this fitting!!! pic.twitter.com/6yBlKSk6nL
— DocKilowatt 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@DocEpcot) October 12, 2024
The temporary closures of parks, including Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, lasted through the peak of the hurricane’s impact.
However, operations resumed on October 11, as the parks opened their doors to guests once again.
Despite this, officials at Disney warned visitors to remain cautious, as the surrounding areas continued to face risks related to flooding and downed power lines.
If you want to see what happened during the hurricane at Disney, you can in the video below:
Financial Implications for Disney from the Hurricane
The financial repercussions of Hurricane Milton for Walt Disney World are projected to be substantial.
Analysts have estimated that the theme park division might see losses ranging from $150 million to $200 million in the current quarter due to operational disruptions and park closures. Historical context reveals that Disney has faced similar financial challenges in the aftermath of notable storms, including Hurricane Irma, which incurred losses of approximately $100 million.
Attendance is expected to decline by around 6% in the current quarter, reflecting concerns among potential visitors regarding safety after the storm. This situation highlights the broader economic implications of natural disasters on tourism-dependent economies.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Its Significance
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which replaced the controversial Splash Mountain ride, opened in June 2024. The attraction, inspired by the Disney film The Princess and the Frog, sought to celebrate diversity and overcome the problematic legacy of its predecessor based on the racist film Son of the South.
The decision to close Splash Mountain was a response to long-standing criticisms regarding its source material and the way it depicted race. The ride also has faced negative reviews based on the fact that it has been breaking down quite often.
The destruction of the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure sign during Hurricane Milton has ignited discussions in the community, with mixed reactions to both the ride itself and the storm’s impact. Although the attraction has faced operational issues since its debut, including technical difficulties and ride evacuations, it symbolizes a significant shift for Disney in addressing its cultural narratives.
As Disney World continues to assess and recover from Hurricane Milton’s impact, the fate of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure sign serves as a reminder of ongoing challenges amidst the company’s efforts for growth and innovation in storytelling.
Are you a fan of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
