Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a significant weather event. As it moves across the southern Gulf of Mexico, it is expected to reach Category 4 with sustained winds of 145 mph and gusts nearing 175 mph. Predictions indicate that Milton may make landfall near Sarasota, Florida, as a “life-threatening” hurricane, with possible impacts extending from south of Naples to near Horseshoe Beach.
Weather effects forecasted for Central Florida, including Walt Disney World Resort, include heavy rain accumulation of 5 to 10 inches, with specific areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches. Alongside the rainfall, wind damage and storm surges are anticipated.
The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor Milton closely, providing updates as forecasts change. Residents and visitors in Central Florida have been urged to make the necessary preparations as the cone of uncertainty indicates a possibility of the storm's trajectory shifting.
Emergency Measures by Florida State Officials
On Saturday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency that encompasses 51 counties, including Orange County, where Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort are located. This declaration mobilizes resources and outlines procedures to ensure safety during the storm. Mandatory evacuations have been implemented in especially vulnerable areas.
Walt Disney World Resort's Statement on Hurricane Milton
Walt Disney World Resort is closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and has frozen some Disney Resort hotel reservations in anticipation of the storm. As of the latest updates, the Disney parks are currently operating under regular conditions. However, Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park have suspended all park reservations for October 9, the day experts predict the hurricane will strike.
The Central Florida Disney park has historically provided safe accommodations during severe weather incidents, leading many Florida residents to evacuate to Disney Resort hotels during past hurricanes. Walt Disney World Resort has implemented a policy waiving cancellation and change fees for hotel reservations from October 6 to October 12, 2024, allowing guests flexibility to alter their travel plans.
This flexibility extends to reservations made directly through Disney but does not apply to third-party bookings, which remain subject to their respective cancellation policies.
Walt Disney World Resort has previously closed in some capacity for Hurricane Matthew (2016), Hurricane Irma (2017), Hurricane Dorian (2019), Hurricane Ian (2022), and Hurricane Nicole (2022).
Other Local Theme Parks' Responses
Several other local theme parks have also issued statements outlining their preparedness plans in response to Hurricane Milton. Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed that its parks will remain open but will closely monitor the weather situation.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort has likewise announced its ongoing monitoring of Hurricane Milton. The park is currently operating under normal conditions but cautioned that select operations may be unavailable should the storm's trajectory threaten operations.
Both theme parks offer flexible, free hotel and ticket cancellations or rescheduling.
Have you visited Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, or another Central Florida theme park during an active hurricane? In the comments, share your experience with Disney Fanatic.
