Guests staying in the Orlando area who are visiting Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, as well as locals who live there, may have recently noticed a rather concerning message on their phone warning them of Hurricane Milton turning into a Category 5 storm.
Hurricane Milton Rapidly Intensifies
Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified, achieving Category 5 status as it approaches Florida. The storm, now classified as the second Category 5 hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season, has reached maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. Wind speeds increased dramatically within a short timeframe, showcasing the storm’s power and intensity. Meteorologists noted that Hurricane Milton’s rapid intensification from a lesser category to a Category 5 is indicative of the current climate conditions fueling such storms.
This event underscores the increasing unpredictability associated with hurricane behaviors in recent years.
“Milton is a potentially catastrophic Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale,” the NHC alerts in its 2 p.m. advisory noting it had “explosively” intensified. “While fluctuations in intensity are expected, Milton is forecast to remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through landfall in Florida,” per The Orlando Sentinel.
Walt Disney World Guest Notifications Issued
The intensification of Hurricane Milton has directly affected over 100,000 guests currently at Disney World and Universal Orlando, leaving them to navigate uncertain conditions as the storm approaches the area.
Notifications were sent to all guests staying at Disney and Universal resorts through the Radar app. These alerts informed visitors about Milton’s impending arrival and shared crucial safety information for those in the vicinity.
After Hurricane Milton was upgraded to a Category 5 storm, many visitors in the Orlando area—especially the hundreds of thousands on vacation—received a notification via the Radar app. The message stated, “Milton coming Wednesday. Extreme rapid intensification is ongoing over the Gulf. Heading for Cat 5. Hits as 2 or 3 with devastating surge.”
Receiving a notification about a hurricane can be concerning, especially for guests staying at theme parks like Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando. However, these resorts prioritize guest safety and have implemented measures to ensure their well-being during such events.
In response to Hurricane Helene, Walt Disney World took several precautions. Typhoon Lagoon, the water park, was closed due to the storm, which is a common practice even during colder weather. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was also canceled proactively.
Guests with affected reservations were offered the flexibility to change their dates without additional fees, avoiding the inconvenience of long lines at City Hall.
The mini-golf courses at Disney World were also closed during the storm, and Universal Orlando Resort took similar measures. Volcano Bay, the water park, was closed, and Halloween Horror Nights was canceled due to Hurricane Helene’s arrival.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, Disney World is taking further precautions. The company has temporarily suspended new hotel bookings and halted theme park reservations for October 9th and 10th. Universal Orlando Resort has also implemented similar measures.
Disney has waived cancellation fees for hotel reservations during this period, allowing guests to modify or cancel their bookings without penalties. These proactive steps demonstrate Disney’s commitment to guest safety and well-being during challenging weather conditions.
Evacuations and State Emergency Declared
As Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida, authorities have declared the state’s largest evacuation in years. A state of emergency has been issued across 51 counties, including Orange County, where Walt Disney World is located. The swift action aims to prioritize public safety and mitigate potential risks posed by the storm.
Residents in evacuation zones are urged to leave immediately.
Officials warn that failure to adhere to evacuation orders could result in dire consequences. The widespread nature of the evacuation parallels previous storms, underscoring the urgency and necessity of response protocols in managing the complexities of hurricane threats.
Would you bet on Disney closing for Hurricane Milton?