UPDATE (10/8): Walt Disney World Resort has now announced that it will close down early on Wednesday, October 9 and it is likely the parks will remain closed through Thursday, October 10.
As Hurricane Milton looms over Florida, Disney World is taking significant steps to prepare for the storm, ensuring the safety of its guests, staff, and infrastructure.
While the theme park rarely closes, even during inclement weather, a hurricane of Milton’s magnitude has prompted the resort to start implementing various precautionary measures.
A noticeable change is the removal of Halloween decorations at Magic Kingdom. The iconic pumpkin wreaths, once lining the streets around Casey’s Corner, have already been taken down. Cast members on-site have confirmed that while Main Street, U.S.A. will retain its spooky décor for tonight’s Halloween party, much of the festive decorations throughout the park will be removed overnight as the storm nears.
This preemptive removal ensures that no lightweight structures will be left out that could potentially become hazardous during the high winds expected from Hurricane Milton. Guests enjoying their Disney day may find it odd to see their favorite Halloween displays disappear, but it’s all part of Disney’s stringent safety protocol.
But that’s not the only preparation underway at Disney World. Behind the scenes, cast members are being called upon for a unique role—joining the “Ride Out Crew.”
This specialized team consists of Disney employees who apply for the responsibility of remaining on-site during the storm. Once a hurricane approaches, they are stationed at key locations around the resort, including hotels and essential guest services. These cast members play a critical role, ensuring that guests who remain at the resort during the storm are not only safe but entertained.
The Ride Out Crew consists of a wide variety of roles. It’s not just emergency personnel on standby; there are also character performers, bartenders, and other hospitality staff who will be on hand to ensure that guests can still enjoy a touch of Disney magic, even during a hurricane. Once members of the Ride Out Crew clock in, they remain on duty for the entire duration of the storm, working multiple days without any breaks. During this time, they bunk together at the resort—no family members or pets are allowed—with a focus on maintaining safety and providing essential services.
Historically, Disney has utilized this Ride Out Crew during hurricanes like Ian in 2022 and Irma in 2017. The cast members selected for this duty volunteer for the position, knowing full well the long hours and limited personal time it involves. Yet, many see it as an opportunity to be a part of something special, helping to maintain the resort’s reputation for guest care even during some of the toughest situations.
Currently, Disney has blocked out park pass reservations for October 9, and resort bookings have ceased for October 9 and 10. While Disney has not officially confirmed whether the parks will close, this move is a clear indicator that the resort is preparing for a significant weather event. Historically, Disney has been cautious in its hurricane responses, sometimes closing the parks early to ensure that guests and staff can remain safe. Given the projected strength of Hurricane Milton, it wouldn’t be surprising if the resort shuts down park operations for at least part of the day.
Disney’s hurricane preparations have always been robust. The buildings, including Cinderella Castle, are designed to withstand major storms, but the safety of the thousands of guests and staff within the parks is paramount. Closing the parks during extreme weather events is a rare occurrence, but it’s not unprecedented. Disney World has closed for hurricanes in the past, including during Hurricane Ian in 2022, when the parks were shut for a day and a half.
For guests planning to visit Disney World over the next few days, the key is to stay informed. Keep an eye on official announcements from Disney, as the situation is fluid and subject to change based on the storm’s path and severity. While the parks remain operational for now, things could change rapidly, and it’s best to have a flexible plan.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, it’s reassuring to know that Disney is taking every precaution necessary. From removing Halloween decorations to preparing the Ride Out Crew, the resort is doing everything possible to ensure the safety and well-being of its guests and staff. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available.