As Hurricane Milton intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico and approaches Florida, Orlando’s theme parks are keeping a close eye on the storm’s development.
Late Monday morning, Milton turned into a Category 5 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph by the evening, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Milton comes just 11 days after Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region. More than 230 people have died due to Helene, according to the Associated Press.
Check back here to see which theme parks are open, closed or impacted by the latest storm.
Is Walt Disney World closing for Hurricane Milton?
Guests at the Magic Kingdom break out ponchos at Cinderella Castle as bands of weather from Hurricane Helene move through Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Fla., Sept. 26, 2024.
Joe Burbank/AP
While Walt Disney World Resort is currently open and operating as normal, staffers said they are “making adjustments based on the latest weather forecast and some areas with unique environments,” according to its website as of Monday at 6 pm E.T.
Among the changes are the temporary closure of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (including dining and recreation locations), the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa beginning at 11:00 AM E.T. on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
The resort said Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are likely to remain closed until Sunday, Oct. 13. Meanwhile, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will likely reopen on Friday, Oct. 11.
“We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm and the safety of our Guests and Cast Members remains our top priority,” the resort added.
Is Universal Orlando Resort closing for Hurricane Milton?
Like Disney, Universal Orlando is also currently open with normal operating procedures.
“At this time, our park operations and hours are continuing as normal. We are closely monitoring the weather,” Universal stated on its website.
Editor’s Picks
Is SeaWorld Orlando closing for Hurricane Milton?
SeaWorld in Orlando is also open for parkgoers as of early Monday afternoon.
“At this time, SeaWorld Orlando remains open as we continue to monitor conditions,” SeaWorld stated in an update on its website.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News and “Good Morning America.”
As Hurricane Milton approaches the state of Florida, many are wondering how popular tourist destinations like Disney World and other Orlando theme parks are preparing for the storm. Despite the looming threat of severe weather, these iconic attractions are determined to maintain operations and ensure the safety of their guests and employees.
Disney World, which is one of the most visited theme parks in the world, has a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan in place for situations like hurricanes. The park has a dedicated team of experts who closely monitor weather patterns and make decisions based on the latest information from the National Hurricane Center. In the event of a hurricane, Disney World has designated shelters on site where guests and employees can seek refuge until the storm passes.
Other Orlando theme parks, such as Universal Studios and SeaWorld, also have similar emergency plans in place to ensure the safety of their visitors and staff. These parks have well-trained employees who are prepared to handle emergencies and evacuate guests if necessary. Additionally, they have invested in infrastructure improvements to make their facilities more resilient to extreme weather events.
Despite the potential impact of Hurricane Milton, Disney World and other Orlando theme parks are committed to maintaining operations as long as it is safe to do so. They understand the importance of providing a memorable experience for their guests and are taking all necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this challenging time.
In conclusion, while Hurricane Milton poses a threat to the state of Florida, Disney World and other Orlando theme parks are well-prepared to handle the situation and maintain operations. Their top priority is the safety and well-being of their guests and employees, and they are taking all necessary steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
