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Walt Disney World Issues Warning: Hotel Stays May Be Canceled Right Now

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Credit: Disney

The aftermath of Hurricane Milton continues to be felt at Florida’s theme parks nearly two weeks after the storm wreaked havoc across Florida, claiming at least 16 lives and causing widespread damage.

Reports of destruction are still surfacing across the Sunshine State, but the impact at Disney has been relatively minor. While Walt Disney World Resort sent home cast members (too late, by some estimations) and temporarily closed Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, the situation in Orlando was, for the most part, manageable.

Wet pathway leading to Cinderella Castle during Hurricane Milton at Walt Disney World Resort.

Credit: Jamie S., Disney Dining

Regardless, World Drive still experienced flooding in several areas, prompting temporary road closures. Cleanup crews swiftly sprang into action, removing standing water to restore safe driving conditions so guests could return to the parks. Additionally, a billboard advertising Magic Kingdom’s newest ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, sustained damage during the storm.

Several Disney hotels were impacted, too. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge faced a chaotic night as a fire alarm blared continuously due to electrical issues caused by the storm. Guests were sheltered safely while maintenance teams worked diligently to resolve the issue, ensuring that no fires occurred. The alarm system has apparently since received inspections to prevent future disturbances.

Construction Disney World workers inspect the parks after Hurricane Milton.

Credit: Disney

Disney’s Contemporary Resort also faced challenges, including water leaks reported in various rooms. Guests were promptly relocated to unaffected areas while maintenance teams addressed the leaks and assessed potential water damage.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was hit particularly hard, suffering significant roof damage that led to flooding in several areas. Guests were evacuated mid-storm as rain poured into the Aotearoa, resulting in extensive water damage. Reports indicate that the Tuvalu building faced similar issues.

Overnight Report from Disney World Cast:
-Some Polynesian Rooms Flooded, Roofing Damage too
-Water leaking in some rooms at Contemporary
-Fire alarm went off at the Wilderness Lodge in the middle of the hurricane
-Section of World Dr is flooded

Hurricane Milton’s Impact on Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

As Disney continues its recovery efforts, guests have reported delays in their upcoming stays at the Polynesian due to this damage.

One guest scheduled to check in on Sunday took to Reddit to express their frustration after being bumped from their reservation. “We check in on Sunday, and the reservations have been in place for more than six months,” they shared. “Apparently it’s due to damage at the Poly because of the hurricane, but they said we could still come enjoy the resort itself, which is a bit odd. It’s understandable, though.”

polynesian village resort disney world

Credit: Disney

Disney offered to relocate the family from the South Pacific-themed resort—home to favorites like ‘Ohana, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, and the controversial, soon-to-open Disney Vacation Club tower—to Disney’s Contemporary Resort instead. “They called and said they could move us to the Contemporary, or they’d cancel our reservation entirely,” the guest added. “We have people coming from all over the world for a big family trip, and we’re so disappointed. The Poly has always been our favorite, and we’ve never really liked the vibe of the Contemporary.”

While it’s disheartening to see vacation plans disrupted at the last minute, footage from the Polynesian post-Milton reveals significant damage, making it clear why recovery efforts are still in progress. Here’s hoping the resort is back up and running soon!

Was your Disney vacation impacted by Hurricane Milton?

About Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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