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Notifications Warn Disney Guests of Life-Threatening Hurricane Hitting Max Cat 5 Power

A satellite image shows a large hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico. Inset is a photo of a fairytale castle with stormy skies in the background, surrounded by a red circle at Disney World.
Credit: Disney Fanatic

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. 

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

Credit: Jamie Sylvester, Disney Fanatic

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.

The image shows the entrance to Disneyland Park, a popular theme park, with a train station building in the background. People are gathered in front of the gated entrance, and flags adorn the rooftops. The sky is cloudy inside of this Disney park in California.

Credit: Ed Aguila, Disney Fanatic

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.”

Notification warning about Hurricane Milton, expected to intensify to Category 5 over the Gulf, with potential impacts as a Category 2 or 3. Advises tapping for an update with Matthew Cappucci.

Credit: Disney Fanatic

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

main street, usa, rainy day

Credit: theKNB, Flickr

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? 

 

About Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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