On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis eased the financial burden on Hurricane Milton evacuees by waiving road tolls throughout the Sunshine State, including on roadways near Walt Disney World Resort.
Overview of Hurricane Milton’s Impact
Hurricane Milton intensified dramatically on Monday and raised significant concerns for Florida residents and visitors. Initially classified as a tropical storm, it rapidly escalated through the categories, reaching a Category 5 classification, the highest level of hurricane severity.
With sustained winds exceeding 157 mph, Hurricane Milton poses a severe threat, especially to Florida’s Gulf Coast regions.
The National Hurricane Center issued a Hurricane Watch for Orange and Osceola Counties, which encompass Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and other Central Florida theme parks. This came days after Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 51 counties, ensuring preparedness for severe weather in the days leading up to the storm’s landfall.
DeSantis’s Toll Suspension Announcement
To facilitate safe evacuation, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the suspension of tolls across various West and Central Florida regions. The suspension began on October 7 at 10:30 a.m. EST and is set to last seven days, ending on October 1. However, this period may be adjusted according to the evolving situation with Hurricane Milton.
Areas impacted by the toll waiver include a range of highways and expressways, including Alligator Alley, major thoroughfares like the Suncoast Parkway, and certain stretches of Interstate 4. The Florida Department of Transportation is also implementing Emergency Shoulder Use on several highways to optimize flow for those evacuating from impacted zones.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
As Hurricane Milton approaches, local authorities categorize evacuation zones based on the severity of the threat. Areas in Sarasota and Manatee counties designated as the highest risk have been instructed to evacuate due to anticipated hurricane conditions.
Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System is a reliable resource for travelers seeking real-time updates. This system provides ongoing information 24/7 regarding road conditions, closures, and other significant alerts that may affect travel. Accessible through its website or mobile app, this tool is invaluable for navigating during emergencies like Hurricane Milton.
Walt Disney World Resort and Other Theme Parks’ Hurricane Preparedness and Policies
Despite the threatening weather conditions posed by Hurricane Milton, Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort initially decided to remain open. As the storm developed, both theme parks paused new reservations and provided guests with flexible options for cancellations and rescheduling.
Walt Disney World Resort, in particular, froze Disney Park Pass reservations for October 9, when Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall.
If you’re visiting Central Florida this week, check your destination’s social media page or website for regular updates.
Have you made the most out of a rainy trip to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or Disney Springs? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments.