In a surprising twist to what was meant to be a joyous Disney vacation, Dayna Sly, an Australian mother, unexpectedly gave birth while vacationing in Florida. The incident occurred during Hurricane Milton, which severely impacted the area and posed significant challenges for the couple. Dayna and her fiancé, Tony O’Keefe, were enjoying their time at Walt Disney World when they were caught off guard by the onset of labor.
As the storm wreaked havoc, paramedics responded quickly to the couple’s call for help. However, due to the hurricane’s intensity, the medical team was unable to transport Dayna to a hospital in time for the delivery.
The family found themselves in an extraordinary situation, with Dayna delivering her baby girl, Audrey, in the hotel bathroom while the storm raged outside. The couple’s Disney vacation took a dramatic turn, shifting from a whimsical escape to a life-changing event amid a fierce hurricane.
Related: Baby Born on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Led To Disney Maternity Ward Plans
Legal Complications for Newborn Citizenship
Audrey’s unexpected arrival on U.S. soil brought forth a set of complications that no one could have anticipated during a family vacation. As a baby born in the United States, Audrey qualified for U.S. citizenship.
However, the family faced a significant hurdle in that they needed to obtain Australian citizenship for their daughter before they could return home. The process was not straightforward, and the couple found themselves entangled in a bureaucratic maze.
The family quickly discovered that applying for Audrey’s citizenship could take up to seven months. This prolonged timeline added stress to an already challenging situation.
Tony O’Keefe expressed concern as the couple grappled with the enormity of their predicament, stressing the lack of guarantees regarding the citizenship process. Frustration mounted as they navigated through paperwork and government procedures while the clock ticked away during their Disney vacation.
Unbelievable story out of Hurricane Milton, where a NSW couple holidaying in Florida welcomed a baby girl during the storm.
Unbelievable story out of Hurricane Milton, where a NSW couple holidaying in Florida welcomed a baby girl during the storm. #9Today pic.twitter.com/f7C6wlwFBw
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) October 12, 2024
Financial Strain of Extended Stay
Beyond the emotional and logistical challenges, the family faced substantial financial implications from their extended stay in the United States. Despite having travel insurance that covered medical expenses, the family quickly realized that living costs incurred from their extended stay would add up significantly.
With no clear return date and mounting expenses to consider, the financial burden grew heavier on their shoulders. Dayna shared concerns regarding the couple’s ability to sustain their livelihood in a foreign country for an indefinite period. As vacation dreams faded, it became increasingly apparent that their time in Florida would not only be longer than anticipated but also much more expensive than planned. She shared:
“They just asked us to pay $360 and they’ll ‘get back to us’ when they can if they grant her citizenship. We’re Australian citizens, we don’t have that sort of balance, or funds, to live here for almost a year. We’re Australian, we would love to go back to Australia… I’ve got to get home and we don’t know if they’re going to let us home or if we can even get home in the near future.”
Government Support and Family’s Future
In light of their predicament, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs stepped in, indicating that they were working to assist Dayna, Tony, and baby Audrey during this turbulent time. The intervention provided a glimmer of hope amidst uncertainty, although significant challenges remained.
As the family awaited a solution, they expressed hope for a swift resolution to their legal troubles regarding Audrey’s citizenship. With expenses piling up and no guarantees of when they could return to Australia, anxiety loomed large. Despite the odds stacked against them, Dayna and Tony remained resilient, determined to navigate through the complexities of their situation.
Wow what a great PR opportunity that disney is missing
I can’t believe this is a common occurrence