The effects of Hurricane Milton are still being felt at Florida’s theme parks nearly two weeks after the storm caused devastation across the state, claiming at least 16 lives and inflicting widespread damage.
While reports of destruction continue to emerge throughout the Sunshine State, the impact on Disney has been relatively minimal. Walt Disney World Resort sent home cast members (though some believe it was too late) and temporarily closed Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, but the situation in Orlando remained manageable for the most part.
Hurricane Milton Damage at Walt Disney World Resort
Despite this, World Drive experienced flooding in several areas, leading to temporary road closures. Cleanup crews quickly mobilized to remove standing water and restore safe driving conditions for guests returning to the parks. A billboard promoting Magic Kingdom’s latest attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, also suffered damage during the storm.
Several Disney hotels felt the storm’s effects as well. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa temporarily closed, while Disney’s Wilderness Lodge had a particularly tumultuous night when a fire alarm blared continuously due to electrical issues stemming from the storm. Guests were safely sheltered while maintenance teams worked tirelessly to resolve the issue, ensuring there were no fires. The alarm system has since undergone inspections to prevent any future disturbances.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort faced its own challenges, with water leaks reported in various rooms. Guests were quickly relocated to unaffected areas while maintenance teams addressed the leaks and assessed potential water damage.
Impact on Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s beloved Polynesian Village Resort was hit especially hard, suffering significant roof damage that caused flooding in multiple areas. Guests were evacuated mid-storm as rain flooded into the Aotearoa, resulting in extensive water damage. Reports also indicate that the Tuvalu building experienced similar issues.
As recovery efforts continue, guests have reported delays in their upcoming stays at the Polynesian due to the damage. One guest scheduled to check in on Sunday vented their frustration on Reddit after being bumped from their reservation. “We check in on Sunday, and the reservations have been in place for more than six months,” they shared. “Apparently it’s due to damage at the Poly because of the hurricane, but they said we could still come enjoy the resort itself, which is a bit odd. It’s understandable, though.”
Disney offered to relocate the family from the South Pacific-themed resort—home to popular restaurants such as ‘Ohana and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, plus the soon-to-open Disney Vacation Club tower—to Disney’s Contemporary Resort instead. “They called and said they could move us to the Contemporary, or they’d cancel our reservation entirely,” the guest added. “We have people coming from all over the world for a big family trip, and we’re so disappointed. The Poly has always been our favorite, and we’ve never really liked the vibe of the Contemporary.”
While it’s frustrating to see vacation plans disrupted at the last minute, footage from the Polynesian post-Milton shows substantial damage, underscoring why recovery is still ongoing. Here’s hoping the resort is back up and running soon!
Was your Disney vacation impacted by Hurricane Milton?
I live our honest reporting no bs and you got it from the source who would n know Disney.
Much Respect
Jeoff
When will this be fixed?