An influencer is under fire for complaining about her Walt Disney World Resort visit during Hurricane Milton. She previously drew controversy for claiming she was “targeted” with a dress code violation at Disneyland Resort.
Disney Influencer Sparks Controversy
Background on Ashley Aiello’s Past Issues
Ashley Aiello (@gardenofarden on TikTok) is no stranger to controversy. In 2022, she faced backlash for a dress code incident at Disneyland Resort, where security asked her to change out of a ball gown because it violated the park’s rules. She claimed she’d previously worn a similar dress at Walt Disney World Resort with no issue.
@gardenofarden Replying to @katsdesgins Do you think I should have been dress coded??😅😬 #disneyland #dresscoded #ItsGreatOutdoors #AmazonMusicProudHeroes #PrimeDayDreamDeals #momsontiktok #xyzbca #CheetosReaperReactions #badmamatiktok
This incident made headlines, drawing mixed reactions from the public. Some supported Aiello’s claims of being unfairly targeted, while others criticized her for not adhering to the park’s guidelines.
Now, she finds herself again at the center of controversy due to comments made during a recent vacation at Walt Disney World Resort amidst Hurricane Milton.
Hurricane Milton Intensifies
Hurricane Milton is forecasted to impact Florida’s Gulf Coast late Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center predicts that it will make landfall as a Category 4 storm and warns of life-threatening storm surges.
On Tuesday, Walt Disney World Resort announced the closure of the Disney parks and Disney Springs, beginning Wednesday afternoon in response to the growing threat. On Thursday, Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will remain closed. Disney Springs may reopen with limited operations depending on weather conditions.
The Controversial Video
Amid the approaching hurricane, Aiello posted a video showcasing her family enjoying an empty ride at Magic Kingdom Park alongside some Disney cast members.
@gardenofarden It was actually adorable 🥰#disneyparks #magickingdom #magiccarpetride #momlife #badmamatiktok #momsoftiktok #momsontiktok #momsbelike #zyxcba #momsover30 #momsontiktok #distok #wdw #disneycreator #disneytok #disneyworld #xyzbca #vlogger #mommyvlogger #fyp #travel #travelblogger #travelvlogger #traveltiktok #travellife #travelbucketlist #traveltokok #travelvlogger #dayinmylife
A few days later, she shared another clip featuring her children playing on a baggage belt at the Orlando International Airport, captioned, “When your kids’ Disney trip was ruined by a hurricane and this is the only ride they get.”
@gardenofarden 🥲🥲🥲 #hurricane #disney #disneytrip #momlife #badmamatiktok #momsoftiktok #momsontiktok #momsbelike #zyxcba #momsover30 #momsontiktok #distok #wdw #disneycreator #disneytok #disneyworld #xyzbca #vlogger #mommyvlogger #fyp #travel #travelblogger #travelvlogger #traveltiktok #travellife #travelbucketlist #traveltokok #travelvlogger #dayinmylife
This light-hearted depiction struck many viewers as tone-deaf, especially in light of the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Milton. The Walt Disney World Resort area is currently under a Tornado Warning and could see up to 110 mph winds.
Public Reaction to Influencer’s Post
Criticism for Insensitivity During Crisis
Thousands of commenters labeled Aiello’s content as insensitive.
“At least you get to go home,” one user commented. “Some people will be losing theirs,”
“At least you have a house to go back to,” another wrote. “My cousins and aunt and uncle live there and I have no idea what’s gonna happen to them.”
“How cute!” another user replied. “My parents won’t evacuate and I have to count down the hours til they lose cell service!”
Support from Some Followers
Not all reactions were negative. A subset of Aiello’s followers defended her right to express her frustrations.
“As someone who is evacuating, I find it funny,” one commenter stated.
“Two things can be true at once y’all,” said another.
Were the influencer’s videos insensitive? Let Disney Dining know in the comments.
Yes, she was insensitive! Not to mention letting her son ride a baggage line was unsafe. Just another parent using her kid for a video to make money all the while breaking rules. Disgusting!