Some more Disney World damage has been reported from Hurricane Milton.
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on October 10 as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing destructive winds of up to 120 mph.
The hurricane caused extensive damage across the state, leaving communities grappling with the aftermath. Rescue teams mobilized to help those trapped in flooded areas, while significant power outages affected over two million homes and businesses across Florida.
Witnesses noted severe flooding and debris cluttering local roads, complicating recovery efforts.
In particular, the areas around Orlando, where Disney World is located, faced substantial disruptions, including the suspension of all flights from Orlando International Airport. As a precaution, Walt Disney World temporarily closed its theme parks and resorts on the evening of October 9, just hours before the storm made landfall.
Damage Assessment at Tiana's Bayou Adventure
While Disney World appears to have avoided significant structural damage, the hurricane inflicted destruction on promotional materials, including signs for various attractions.
One of the most affected was Tiana's Bayou Adventure, a new attraction that had just opened in June 2024. Reports indicated that promotional signage for the ride, prominently displayed on I-4, was torn apart by the storm's winds, as well as the pre-storm prep, which placed cutouts in the sign.
DocKilowatt shared a photo of the sign, “Tiana's bayou breakdown! Boy is this fitting!!!”
Tiana's bayou breakdown! Boy is this fitting!!! pic.twitter.com/6yBlKSk6nL
— DocKilowatt 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@DocEpcot) October 12, 2024
Though the signage was destroyed, the attraction itself sustained minimal damage, a relief considering the potential for more severe consequences. Guest reactions have varied; some expressed disappointment over the loss of the billboard, considering it symbolic of the ride's ongoing challenges, including reports of technical issues since its debut.
The irony of the ride's promotional troubles coinciding with operational difficulties has not gone unnoticed among fans. Some have interpreted the destroyed signage as fitting, given the prior operational struggles of Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which replaced the controversial Splash Mountain.
Financial Consequences for Disney
The financial repercussions from Hurricane Milton are projected to be substantial. Goldman Sachs analysts estimate that the storm could induce losses of between $150 million to $200 million for Disney's theme park division during the current quarter. Such losses stem from operational disruptions and a potential decline in visitor attendance, which may dip by approximately 6% as travelers reassess their plans in light of the hurricane's aftermath.
Historically, Disney has faced significant financial challenges following notable storms.
For example, Hurricane Irma in 2017 resulted in losses estimated at $100 million. Disney World has closed due to hurricanes multiple times in the past, impacting earnings and attendance across its four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Recovery Efforts and Reopening
As recovery efforts continue, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando announced plans to reopen their parks shortly after Hurricane Milton moved offshore. Operations resumed on October 11, 2024, although safety warnings remain in place for returning guests.
However, certain areas, including Fort Wilderness Resort and some sections of Disney Springs, are expected to remain closed temporarily to ensure the safety of both guests and staff. The management of Disney has emphasized the importance of community safety, advising visitors to avoid flooded roads and infrastructure that may have been weakened by the storm.
The operational recovery follows a similar reopening strategy by other major theme parks in the area, including Universal, which had also faced closures during the storm. As attractions continue to prepare for guest influx, the focus remains on ensuring a safe and pleasant return experience, particularly for those hoping to visit Tiana's Bayou Adventure, amidst ongoing operational assessments and repairs.
Have you noticed any damage on social media of the Orlando theme parks?
