Last Evacuation and Safety Protocols in Place at Disney World as Hurricane Milton Approaches

Hurricane Milton has intensified to a catastrophic Category 5 storm, with winds reaching 160 mph. It is one of the most powerful storms that have threatened central Florida in recent history, and Disney World is directly on its path.

Hurricane Milton’s Current Impact on Disney World

Tracking northeast at 14 mph, the hurricane is expected to make landfall along Florida’s west-central coast shortly after midnight. The projected path indicates that Orlando, including Walt Disney World Resort, will face severe weather conditions, including damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and an elevated tornado risk.

11am EDT Wednesday- The Key Messages for #Milton are below. For more information on Milton, see http://hurricanes.gov, and for your local weather forecast

– @NHC_Atlantic on X

https://twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic/status/1844032080264761490

The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the region, urging residents and visitors to prepare for significant storm impacts. With the storm’s approach, areas around Disney World are at high risk, prompting emergency actions across the resort.

Emergency Measures and Park Closures at Disney World

In response to the impending hurricane, Walt Disney World has implemented a series of emergency measures. As of Wednesday, October 9, park operations have been significantly curtailed:

• Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios closed at 1 p.m.
• Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs closed at 2 p.m.

These closures are expected to continue into Thursday, October 10, as conditions worsen. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a highly anticipated event, has also been canceled, with automatic refunds being issued to affected guests. This move reflects Disney’s focus on guest safety and preparedness during extreme weather conditions.

Transportation and Resort Adjustments

With park closures, Disney has also suspended much of its internal transportation network:

• Buses, monorails, and boats will stop running after park closures on Wednesday.
• Guests should plan for limited Minnie Van and Mears taxi services, as availability will be reduced due to the storm.

Several Disney resorts are also closing temporarily due to heightened safety concerns:

• Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

These locations closed at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, with reopening dates depending on the storm’s impact. Fort Wilderness and the Treehouse Villas may remain closed until Sunday, October 13, while Copper Creek Cabins are expected to reopen on Friday, October 11.

Safety Protocols for Guests and Cast Members

The safety of guests and cast members is the top priority for Walt Disney World during Hurricane Milton. Guests staying at the resorts are encouraged to:

• Remain indoors and avoid traveling.
• Be prepared for power outages and potential flooding.
• Follow updates from Disney and local authorities.

Disney has set up a robust communication network to keep guests informed, providing critical updates about the storm’s progression, park operations, and any additional safety measures.

Looking Ahead: Vigilance and Preparedness for Disney World Guests

As Hurricane Milton bears down on central Florida, guests at Walt Disney World are urged to remain vigilant, prioritize safety, and use official channels to stay informed. The resort’s response to the storm showcases its commitment to keeping guests and staff safe, but everyone is reminded to follow emergency protocols and be prepared for further disruptions.

For the latest information on park closures, emergency procedures, and reopening schedules, guests should monitor Disney’s official websites and social media channels. As conditions evolve, staying connected to these updates will help ensure safety and guide decisions regarding travel and park visits in the coming days.