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Disney in Danger of Rapid Shutdown as Hurricane Milton Grows, Record Breaking Evacuations Begin

Cinderella Castle with Hurricane to the side
Credit: Disney Dining

Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified to Category 4 status, boasting maximum sustained winds of 150 mph.

A weather map shows a storm path across the Gulf of Mexico towards the southeastern U.S., marked with color gradients indicating intensity. Inset is an image of a castle with lightning in the background.

Credit: Inside the Magic

This upgrade comes just days before its expected landfall in Florida, prompting significant emergency responses across the state. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 out of 67 counties, underscoring the potential threats posed by this powerful storm.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Milton formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to make landfall near the Tampa Bay area.

The impending storm is anticipated to be the most significant evacuation event since Hurricane Irma in 2017, which saw around 7 million residents ordered to evacuate. Authorities have begun implementing evacuation orders for various regions threatened by the hurricane, and local officials are urging residents to heed these warnings.

Rapid intensification following Hurricane Helene’s damage

hurricane lee

Credit: National Weather Service

Hurricane Milton’s rapid intensification follows the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which recently struck Florida. Helene caused significant destruction, leaving many communities still in the recovery phase.

The NHC forecasts Milton to make landfall on Wednesday, further exacerbating the challenges faced by those already affected.

The storm is expected to drop heavy rainfall across Florida, with predictions of 5 to 10 inches of rain in several areas.

This rainfall could lead to severe flooding, alongside the risk of life-threatening storm surges along the coastline. Communities that experienced damage from Helene are at enhanced risk, as Milton’s approach threatens to worsen the already challenging recovery efforts.

Emergency measures include fuel stations and charging points

A satellite image reveals Hurricane Milton, showcasing a swirling storm system with a distinct red and black eye at the center, encircled by vibrant bands of yellow, green, and blue.

Credit: National Hurricane Center

In preparation for Hurricane Milton, state officials have enacted emergency measures aimed at facilitating evacuations.

These measures include setting up emergency fuel stations and charging points for electric vehicles along evacuation routes. Given the likely traffic congestion akin to the 2017 Hurricane Irma evacuations, officials are emphasizing the need for residents to begin preparations immediately.

Governor Ron DeSantis cautioned that power outages are expected and that downed debris from Hurricane Helene could complicate recovery efforts. Public safety officials are urging residents, especially those in low-lying areas, to stock up on essential supplies and prepare their homes for the impending storm.

Kevin Guthrie, director of Florida’s emergency management division, warned that residents should prepare for the “largest evacuation that we have seen, most likely since 2017 Hurricane Irma”.

He added: “I highly encourage you to evacuate.”

Disney World and Universal Orlando bolster safety measures

A dramatic view of a fairytale castle under a stormy, hurricane-dark sky. The Disney-esque castle features blue spires and intricate details, surrounded by ornate lampposts and an arched walkway, creating a mystical atmosphere.

Credit: Disney / Canva

When Hurricane Helene struck, theme parks like Walt Disney World made several operational changes. One of the first moves was the closure of Typhoon Lagoon, Disney’s water park. This was anticipated since Disney often shuts down the park during inclement weather or cold snaps. The water park is nearly unusable in heavy storms, so the closure didn’t come as a surprise.

Additionally, Disney preemptively canceled Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This proactive measure allowed guests to change their tickets without facing extra fees, avoiding the inevitable disappointment of a rainy parade and the resulting long lines at City Hall to reschedule. This decision helped reduce chaos while prioritizing guest safety.

Beyond Typhoon Lagoon, mini-golf courses also shut down for the day. Universal Orlando Resort followed suit, closing its water park, Volcano Bay, and canceling Halloween Horror Nights due to Helene’s arrival. Other regional parks like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay took similar precautions and shut down for the day.

As Hurricane Milton approaches, Disney is expected to take comparable actions. The resort has already blocked new hotel bookings and suspended theme park reservations for Wednesday, October 9th. This affects both Annual Passholders and regular ticket holders who usually need to secure their entry in advance. Despite still offering 1-day and multi-day tickets for October 9th, it’s expected that the parks will likely close on that day, and possibly on Thursday, October 10th.

Disney has also waived cancellation fees for hotel bookings during the storm, stating:

“Due to potential weather impacts to guest travel plans, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of Sunday, 10/6 – Saturday, 10/12.”

Guests can adjust or cancel most room-only and vacation packages online, without incurring additional fees. However, bookings involving air travel or third-party services must be handled over the phone with Disney’s customer service.

These steps come in the wake of Disney’s earlier announcement that restricted new hotel reservations for October 9th and 10th. Such actions are standard as hurricanes approach, allowing Disney to reserve room inventory for guests who may need to extend their stay and for Cast Members working on the “ride-out crew.” These employees stay on-site during severe weather to ensure the parks can reopen quickly after the storm, assessing any damage and facilitating recovery efforts.

In previous hurricanes, Disney has taken extensive precautions to protect both guests and staff. The resort ramps up communication about storm updates, provides extra entertainment for those staying at the resorts, and offers flexible rescheduling options for affected travel plans. During past storms, Disney has even provided special activities for children to maintain a sense of fun despite the adverse conditions.

Disney’s emergency response plan is robust and designed to handle significant weather events. This includes regular safety training for Cast Members, clear evacuation routes, and the availability of necessary supplies to support guests during any extended stay. Disney takes its role as a hospitality leader seriously, ensuring both safety and an uninterrupted magical experience, even in the face of natural disasters.

Hurricane Milton’s intensification to Category 4 status is forcing Florida authorities to act swiftly in implementing emergency protocols. With the potential for significant impacts in the Tampa Bay area and the largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma on the horizon, residents are urged to prepare for the impending storm. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are also taking steps to prioritize guest safety as they navigate the challenges brought by Hurricane Milton.

Would you evacuate if you were in the midst of a category 4 hurricane? 

About Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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