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Orlando Theme Park Closures Conflict with State Shelter Advisory, Sparking Safety Concerns

One the left: Mickey Mouse inside of Disney World. On the right: The Universal Orlando Resort globe.
Credit: Disney Fanatic

Both Disney and Universal appear to be defying a state-wide hurricane advisory by setting their new closure times.

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.

Credit: Disney Fanatic

Theme Parks Announce Phased Closures

Disney’s Closure Schedule

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

Credit: Jamie Sylvester, Disney Fanatic

Walt Disney World has confirmed its phased closures due to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Milton.

The closures will begin on Wednesday, October 9, with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom shutting down at 1 p.m.
Subsequently, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will close at 2 p.m.

The park’s management anticipates that the parks will likely remain closed on Thursday, October 10, with only limited offerings expected at Disney Springs that afternoon.

Universal’s Closing Timeline

Universal Orlando Resort issues a blue weather alert for Hurricane Milton, announcing park closures on October 9 and 10. Reopening is planned for October 11, depending on the storm's impact. The Universal Orlando logo is featured at the bottom of the notice.

Credit: Universal Orlando

Likewise, Universal Orlando Resort has announced similar measures.

Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk will also remain open until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, contingent on weather conditions. The park will remain shut on October 10.

Additionally, the water park, Volcano Bay, is designated to shut down on both Wednesday and Thursday. The Halloween Horror Nights event has also been canceled for these same dates.

Impact on Special Events

The closure of theme parks affects not only general operations but also specific events.

Disney’s cancellation of the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party scheduled for Thursday will result in refunds for ticket holders.

Similarly, Universal’s operations have faced interruptions during this weather emergency.

Current Status of Hurricane Milton

Universal Orlando Resort guests driving into the parking garage for a day in the theme parks.

Credit: Universal Studios

Hurricane Strength and Forecast

Hurricane Milton, which had previously escalated to a Category 5 storm, has shown signs of slightly weakening but remains a significant threat as a Category 5 hurricane.

As of early Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center reported sustained winds of 160 mph with the storm highly likely to make landfall as a major hurricane in the Tampa Bay area. Forecasts suggest fluctuations in strength leading up to its landfall.

Timeline of Expected Landfall

Meteorologists predict that Hurricane Milton will affect Florida’s Central Gulf Coast late Wednesday. Given its recent history of intensification, residents are advised to take immediate precautions and consider evacuation if situated in vulnerable areas. The urgency is underscored by emergency declarations from state officials.

Recent Evacuations and Emergency Declarations

Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for multiple counties, including Orange County, where Walt Disney World is located.

Mandatory evacuations have been implemented in several inland regions as officials brace for potential catastrophic impacts from Milton.

Public Response and Concerns

Universal Studios

Credit: Aditya Vyas on Unsplash

Reactions from Guests and Employees

Reactions from park guests and employees reflect a mix of concern and disappointment. Many have voiced apprehension regarding the timing of park closures coinciding precisely with the recommended lockdown at 2 p.m. Critics argue that such decisions endanger both those still visiting the parks and employees tasked with ensuring safety in the face of anticipated severe weather.

Meteorologist Eric Burris did state that there is a shelter-in-place locked-in advisory at 2:00 p.m., which has left many looking at Universal and Disney wondering why they would leave their staff in a situation where they are out and on the road past that time.

By setting their final closure times for 2:00 p.m., both Universal and Disney are aligning their shutdowns with the exact hour residents are advised to be in shelters, putting cast and team members in a risky situation. Staff will be tasked with waiting until the last guest leaves, then rushing to close the parks and make their way home, all while the storm intensifies.

This timing could also mislead guests into thinking it’s safe to stay in the parks until the last minute. Instead of heading back to their hotels earlier, they may linger, assuming it’s fine to be outside until 2:00 p.m. However, by the time the parks close, roads may already be treacherous, with worsening winds and weather conditions. This delay could leave both employees and visitors dangerously close to the storm’s critical moments before seeking shelter becomes urgent.

Criticism of Closure Timing

A busy theme park scene with numerous visitors walking along a brightly colored street lined with shops. At the end of the street stands a large, iconic castle with pointed towers. Trees and decorations add to the festive atmosphere under a sunny, blue sky.

Credit: Lee Bailey / Flickr

Critics on social media have articulated their disapproval of Disney and Universal’s decisions to keep operations running until the storm’s recommended shelter time. Comments have emerged highlighting the belief that this poses unnecessary risk to guests and staff who may be misled into believing it is safe to remain on the grounds.

Read them all here.

Comparisons to Other Attractions

Commentators have noted that other local attractions like SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have opted for more conservative approaches by closing entirely ahead of the storm. This has fueled further criticism towards Disney and Universal for placing commercial interests over employee and guest safety.

Safety Protocols and Future Implications

Walt Disney World Resort

Credit: Inside the Magic

Importance of Early Evacuations

Experts emphasize the necessity of early evacuations and safety measures as critical during such severe weather events. Prioritizing proactive measures can mean the difference between safety and danger, especially when dealing with unpredictable storm patterns.

Economic Effects of Closures

The economic repercussions of this decision extend beyond the parks themselves. Local businesses and communities rely heavily on tourist patronage. The closures mean a potential loss of revenue not only for Disney and Universal but for surrounding businesses and the travel industry as a whole.

Historical Context of Disney Closures

In its 53-year history, Walt Disney World has closed only a handful of times, with the vast majority of those instances due to hurricane threats. With the closures tied to Hurricane Milton, the operational protocols in place are being scrutinized and reassessed for their adequacy and timing in future situations.

The latest actions by both Disney World and Universal Orlando underscore not only the immediate challenges posed by Hurricane Milton but also raise important questions about safety prioritization and operational standards during natural disasters.

Do you think that Disney and Universal are putting their employees at risk?

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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