The arrival of Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 5 storm, has caused significant disruptions to Walt Disney World Resort, leading to both operational challenges and substantial financial losses.
Extended Park Closures and Event Cancellations at Disney World
The phased closure of Disney’s theme parks began on October 9, with Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom closing early in the afternoon. By 2 p.m., all parks, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs, had suspended operations. Given the severity of Hurricane Milton, further closures were announced, extending into Thursday, October 10, with special events being impacted as well. The cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a popular seasonal event, added to the resort’s economic burden, with automatic refunds being issued to ticket holders.
Disney’s early closure of its parks and special events reflected the seriousness of the situation. The National Weather Service warned of significant weather hazards, including damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and an increased risk of tornadoes in the Orlando area, leading the resort to take these precautionary measures.
Estimated Financial Losses from Hurricane Milton
The extended closures, along with event cancellations, are expected to have a profound financial impact on Walt Disney World. Analysts estimate that the resort may face losses in the multimillion-dollar range due to ticket refunds and lost revenue from the days of closure. Disney typically sees an average of 142,000 visitors per day, and the sudden halt in operations will undoubtedly lead to a shortfall in daily earnings.
In addition, $17 million in refunds is projected for special event tickets alone, further compounding the resort’s economic strain. This figure includes refunds for various ticket types, such as park access and event-specific purchases, including those for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Refunds and Flexibility for Guests
In response to the closures, Disney is offering refunds for all park tickets and special event tickets for dates impacted by Hurricane Milton. The resort’s dedication to customer service during this crisis is evident in its proactive handling of ticket adjustments. Refunds are automatically processed, providing relief to guests who had planned their trips around these now-canceled events.
Additionally, multi-day ticket holders with partially used tickets will benefit from an extended expiration date. These tickets, which are typically valid for a limited period, will now be usable until October 11, 2025, giving guests more flexibility in rescheduling their visits. This initiative is part of Disney’s broader effort to accommodate guests whose plans were disrupted by the storm.
Impact on Guests with Advanced Bookings
Guests who had booked their Disney vacations in advance face unique challenges due to the unexpected closures. To mitigate these issues, Disney has waived cancellation and change fees, allowing guests to modify their reservations without penalty. This approach reflects the resort’s commitment to guest satisfaction during these difficult circumstances, helping to preserve goodwill despite the disruptions caused by the hurricane.
Safety Measures and Operational Adjustments
As Hurricane Milton approached, Disney implemented safety protocols designed to protect guests, employees, and property. The resort is known for its thorough hurricane preparedness plans, and these measures have been activated to safeguard everyone on-site.
Resort and Transportation Adjustments
In addition to park closures, Disney’s internal transportation network, including buses, monorails, and boats, ceased operations as part of the safety measures. Limited transportation services, such as Minnie Van and Mears taxi, were made available but with restricted capacity due to the approaching storm.
Disney also announced the temporary closure of several resort locations, including Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. These closures, effective from 11 a.m. on October 9, aim to reduce risks to guests in these more vulnerable locations. The reopening of these resorts will depend on post-hurricane assessments, with Fort Wilderness and Treehouse Villas potentially reopening by October 13 and Copper Creek Cabins by October 11, depending on the extent of the storm’s impact.
Employee and Guest Safety Protocols
Throughout the preparations, Disney prioritized the safety of both guests and cast members. Guests were advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor official updates from Disney and local authorities. For its employees, Disney provided guidance on storm preparations and worked to ensure that staff members were well-equipped to assist guests as needed.
Before the storm’s landfall, park staff took proactive steps to secure outdoor attractions and protect facilities from potential damage. Cast members played a key role in preparing the resort for the hurricane, ensuring that safety measures were followed and that operational changes were implemented smoothly.
Future Steps for Disney World Guests
As the effects of Hurricane Milton continue to unfold, guests are encouraged to stay updated on park reopening dates and any further operational changes. Disney’s official channels will provide regular updates to assist guests in planning their visits once the resort resumes normal operations.
Given the storm’s magnitude, visitors should be prepared for potential delays in the reopening of the parks and certain attractions. Disney’s focus on safety means that the resort will take its time to assess conditions before allowing guests back into the parks.
Hurricane Milton has had a significant impact on Walt Disney World, resulting in extended closures, event cancellations, and substantial financial losses. However, Disney’s commitment to guest safety and customer service remains evident in its handling of refunds, ticket extensions, and operational adjustments. As the resort continues to monitor the storm’s impact, the steps taken now will be critical in shaping its recovery and ensuring the continued loyalty of its guests.
Wah wah. Everyone affected by the hurricane will face financial loss. It’s not just Disney World.