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Disney World Braces for Hurricane Milton: Emergency Response Underway, Halloween Removed

An ominous, swirling hurricane approaches a whimsical castle with blue spires at Disney World. In the foreground, a statue of two figures holding hands stands amidst the vibrant greenery and calm surroundings, creating a stark contrast with the menacing storm clouds above.
Credit: Disney Fanatic

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.

Disney World is on high alert as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, and they’ve already started making big moves to prepare for the storm.

A colorful satellite image of a swirling storm over the ocean, with Mickey Mouse superimposed on the right side, smiling and pointing towards the storm heading to Disney World.

Credit: Disney Fanatic

Just this morning, the park began taking down some of its Halloween displays in Magic Kingdom, particularly around Casey’s Corner. Gone are the pumpkin wreaths that usually adorn the lampposts, and according to cast members, more decorations will be coming down after tonight’s Halloween party. Disney is not wasting any time ensuring that everything is secured ahead of the storm.

Guests attending tonight’s Halloween party may notice that while Main Street, U.S.A. is still decked out in festive fall décor, most of the park will begin to look a little less spooky by tomorrow morning. Cast members working the event shared that they expect the majority of Halloween displays to be packed away overnight. It’s all part of Disney’s broader plan to minimize potential hazards and ensure that nothing becomes dangerous debris when the high winds of Hurricane Milton hit.

But beyond the décor, what’s truly fascinating is how Disney prepares behind the scenes. A significant part of their emergency operations involves the “Ride Out Crew.” These cast members volunteer for a unique role that goes beyond their regular duties. Once the storm begins to move in, they stay at the resort or another location to assist in ensuring the park remains safe and functional for any guests who are sheltering in place.

Satellite image captures Hurricane Milton swirling over the Gulf of Mexico, with dense cloud coverage and the eye of the storm near the coast. As Disney World prepares for possible closures, surrounding landmasses and ocean's deep blue hues are partially visible.

Credit: The National Hurricane Center

The Ride Out Crew is composed of various roles—everything from emergency responders to character performers and bartenders. They don’t just handle crises; they also keep the Disney magic alive for guests who are staying at the resorts during the storm. These cast members are expected to work continuously until the storm passes, often clocking in for several days straight. They bunk together at the resort, without family or pets, and are fully dedicated to their roles. It’s a huge commitment, but many cast members apply for the position to help guests feel safe and entertained, even during a hurricane.

This isn’t the first time Disney has activated the Ride Out Crew. The team played a crucial role during Hurricane Ian in 2022, ensuring that guests stranded at the resorts were comfortable and still had access to entertainment and food. It’s not just about handling emergencies; it’s about maintaining that Disney experience, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Image shows an emergency alert from the National Weather Service about a hurricane warning.

Credit: Jamie S, Disney Fanatic

As of now, Disney hasn’t confirmed any full park closures. However, they’ve already blocked out park pass reservations for October 9, and they’ve stopped accepting new resort reservations for October 9 and 10. These moves signal that Disney is getting ready for what could be a major disruption. Historically, the park has closed early during past hurricanes, and there’s a good chance they’ll take similar action if Hurricane Milton’s path remains the same.

While Disney structures like Cinderella Castle are built to withstand hurricanes, guest safety is always the top priority. During Hurricane Ian in 2022, the parks were closed for a day and a half to allow time for the storm to pass. A similar closure could be on the horizon for Hurricane Milton, but for now, Disney is remaining cautious and keeping operations running while they prepare.

It’s no surprise that Disney’s hurricane protocols are some of the best in the industry. They’ve weathered multiple storms over the years, from Irma to Charley, and they’ve always made guest safety their number one priority. The Ride Out Crew is just one example of the lengths Disney goes to in order to ensure that everyone is cared for during a storm.

People wearing rain ponchos walk through Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort ahead of Hurricane Milton.

Credit: Jamie Sylvester, Disney Fanatic

For guests currently at Disney World or planning a trip soon, it’s important to stay updated on the latest news. Things could change quickly as Hurricane Milton moves closer, and Disney could make additional announcements about park hours or closures. In the meantime, the resort is doing everything it can to prepare, and the cast members are ready to help keep the magic alive, even in the face of a hurricane.

So, while the Halloween decorations may be coming down, and the storm is on its way, one thing is certain: Disney is always ready. Whether it’s entertaining guests with character meet-and-greets or ensuring that safety protocols are followed, Disney’s Ride Out Crew and the rest of the team are prepared to weather the storm, just like they always do.

About Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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