After a thorough assessment, Disney World announced plans to reopen its theme parks and Disney Springs.
Disney World Will Reopen to All Guests After Hurricane Milton Leads to Minor Damage
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on the night of October 9, bringing widespread disruption across Central Florida, including Disney World. With wind gusts reaching up to 86 mph, the storm’s intensity surpassed that of previous hurricanes such as Irma and Ian, prompting swift precautionary measures across the state. For Disney World, guest and staff safety took precedence, leading to the early closure of all theme parks and Disney Springs that day.
Despite not taking a direct hit, with the hurricane passing just 30 miles south-southwest of the resort, Disney’s operations team acted quickly, instructing all guests to shelter in place within their hotels. The company assured guests that communication would be constant, keeping them informed of any developments and ensuring that safety was maintained at all times. Once the storm passed, clean-up efforts and damage assessments began in earnest, with Disney working diligently to restore the park to its former glory while maintaining transparent communication.
Details on Reopening Plans
After completing its initial assessments, Disney World announced plans to reopen its theme parks and Disney Springs on October 11. While there was growing excitement among guests for the park’s reopening, Disney emphasized the importance of remaining cautious, as not all areas would be fully operational right away. Additionally, some attractions and facilities might still be affected by the lingering effects of the storm, even after reopening.
Disney World theme parks, Disney Springs and “possibly other areas” of the resort will reopen on Friday. “Our hearts are with our fellow Floridians who were impacted by this storm.”
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Leading up to the reopening, the parks remained closed on October 10 to ensure all necessary safety inspections were completed. Guests with tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party were disappointed to learn the event was canceled, but Disney promised to issue full refunds to ticket holders. During the closure, Disney continued to offer services to hotel guests, ensuring that they were well taken care of, with food, entertainment, and regular updates via the company’s website and social media channels.
Damage Report from Disney Resorts
As clean-up efforts progressed, damage reports began to surface from various Disney resorts. Debris was scattered across properties, with notable damage at several key resorts. For instance, roofing damage was reported at Polynesian Village Resort, and siding was torn off at Caribbean Beach Resort. Additionally, minor flooding occurred near the iconic Swan Fountain at the Swan and Dolphin Resort, while downed streetlights and damaged decorations were among the more cosmetic impacts of the storm.
Despite these challenges, Disney staff worked tirelessly to clean up and repair the affected areas. The presence of characters, like Pluto, provided some much-needed lightheartedness, as families and staff navigated the post-storm situation together. With swift action and dedication from Disney’s team, the resort was on track to be operational again in a matter of days.
Key Attractions Affected by Closures at Disney World
The hurricane’s impact went beyond just park closures, also disrupting some of Disney’s most anticipated events and attractions. Among these was Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which was canceled for October 10. This seasonal event draws large crowds every year, making its cancellation a disappointment for many visitors. However, Disney quickly responded by offering full refunds for the canceled event, ensuring that guests felt taken care of despite the storm’s unexpected interference.
In addition to the canceled Halloween event, Disney’s water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, remained closed due to weather-related safety concerns. Both parks, which are particularly susceptible to storm damage, required additional time for inspections and repairs before reopening. Other recreational activities, like the golf courses, also experienced temporary suspensions. Guests were encouraged to monitor the Disney World website and mobile app for updates regarding the reopening of these facilities.
During this transitional phase, Disney remained committed to providing high-quality service to guests who were staying at the resort. Hotel services continued to operate smoothly, ensuring that guests had access to dining, entertainment, and other amenities while they waited for the parks to fully reopen.
Looking Ahead: Restoring the Magic at Disney World
As Disney World prepared for its official reopening on October 11, the focus remained on ensuring guest safety and restoring the magic. Enhanced safety protocols were put in place, and the team worked diligently to address any lingering challenges caused by the storm. With the parks set to open their doors once more, there was a shared sense of optimism and excitement among guests, who were eager to return to the magical experiences that define Disney World.
Though Hurricane Milton caused temporary disruptions, the resilience and dedication of Disney’s staff helped mitigate its impact, allowing for a swift recovery. As the gates reopen and guests return, the spirit of Disney’s enchanting world will undoubtedly shine again, delivering the unforgettable memories that visitors have come to expect.
