Disney World, a famous vacation spot in Florida, closed its doors temporarily. This was due to Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 storm that hit the Gulf Coast on October 9, 2024. It’s the 12th time the resort has closed because of weather or emergencies.
As the storm got closer, Disney World started to close in phases. Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios closed at 1 PM ET on October 9. Then, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs closed at 2 PM ET. The Walt Disney World Transportation system stopped too, but some taxi services were available for guests.
Also, the water parks, miniature golf courses, and some dining and entertainment spots were closed for the day.
Key Takeaways
- Disney World closed its theme parks and other attractions on October 9 due to the approach of Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 storm.
- Closures occurred in phases, with Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios closing at 1 PM ET and the remaining parks and Disney Springs closing at 2 PM ET.
- Disney World transportation services, water parks, and some dining and entertainment experiences were also shut down.
- The resort has closed a total of 12 times due to weather or other emergencies.
- Disney has not yet announced a specific reopening date, but the parks are likely to remain closed on October 10 as cleanup and damage assessments are underway.
Hurricane Milton Wreaks Havoc on Florida, Forcing Disney World Closure
The powerful Hurricane Milton hit Florida’s Gulf Coast on the evening of October 9, 2024. It brought strong winds, storm surge, and flooding. The storm was a Category 3, with winds of 120 mph, leaving over 2 million without power.
Powerful Storm System Brings Catastrophic Winds and Flooding
Hurricane Milton quickly grew from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in just 46.5 hours. This rapid growth surprised meteorologists. Pictures showed the Tropicana Stadium in Tampa, with its roof torn off by the winds.
Authorities feared storm surges could reach up to 12 feet. This was one of the highest predictions on record. Governor Ron DeSantis sent 9,000 National Guard members and 50,000 utility workers to help.
| Statistic | Impact |
|---|---|
| 125 homes destroyed | Mainly mobile homes in senior communities |
| 195 km/h wind speeds | As the hurricane approached Florida |
| 4 m storm surge predicted | Some central-west coast Florida areas at risk |
| 3 million power outages | Homes and businesses left without electricity |
| 2 fatalities | Directly attributed to the hurricane |
With Hurricane Milton coming, major theme parks in Orlando closed. This included Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. Thousands of tourists were left stranded or unable to enjoy their vacations.
is disney world open Amid Hurricane Milton’s Aftermath?
Hurricane Milton has hit Florida hard, affecting its tourism. Many airports and theme parks have closed, including famous spots.
Key Orlando Airports and Theme Parks Temporarily Shut Down
Tampa International and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airports are closed because of the storm. Orlando International Airport, Florida’s busiest, has stopped flights too. Orlando, 84 miles inland from Tampa, is badly hit.
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Major theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld have closed. Disney World has not set a reopening date yet. It’s expected to stay closed on October 10 as cleanup goes on.
Disney World is facing a big financial loss from the storm. The company predicts a loss in the hundreds of millions.
“The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office advised residents to stay off the roads due to hazardous conditions following Hurricane Milton.”
The closures have messed up travel plans for many. Airlines like Virgin Atlantic have canceled flights from the UK to Florida. The tourism industry is worried as cleanup and recovery efforts continue.
The area is working to get back to normal. Safety for everyone is the main concern. Travelers should keep up with news and follow local advice.
Safety Concerns Persist as Cleanup Efforts Begin
After Hurricane Milton, safety is a big worry in Florida. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office says it’s not safe to drive because of power lines and trees down. Many bridges are also blocked after the storm hit near Siesta Key.
People are told to stay inside. This lets emergency teams work safely. Travel warnings are out for these areas, telling everyone to wait until it’s safer.
Travel Warnings Issued for Storm-Affected Areas
As cleanup efforts go on after Hurricane Milton, travel warnings are up in Florida. Everyone is asked to stay away until it’s safe again.
Over 2 million Florida homes lost power. Hardee, Sarasota, Manatee, and Pinellas counties were hit hard. Even Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg got damaged.
Flash flood emergency statements were issued in west-central Florida. Many roads and bridges are closed. The authorities are warning everyone to be careful and follow the travel warnings.
“Safety is our top priority as we work tirelessly to restore power and clear the roads,” said a spokesperson for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. “We ask that everyone in the affected areas heed the travel warnings and stay off the roads until the situation is stabilized.”
British Tourist Describes “Shredded” Vacation Spot Amid Catastrophe
Chris Ball, a British tourist, and his family were in Florida when Hurricane Milton hit. They saw the destruction up close. Ball told Sky News about their terrifying experience.
Their gazebo’s steel frame was torn apart by the winds. His wife and son were scared, hiding in their rooms. Even though they weren’t told to leave, they were told to seek shelter. Their holiday company said it was safe to stay.
“I wasn’t expecting it to be as bad as this,” Ball said. They didn’t know the dangers of visiting Florida during hurricane season. Their trip to Disney World turned into a nightmare.
As the florida tourist hurricane got worse, Ball’s family faced a disaster. Their florida vacation hurricane was ruined. They were left shaken and unsure of what was next.
“The steel frame of our gazebo has been shredded, and my wife and son are scared, locked in their rooms. We weren’t expecting it to be as bad as this.”
Chris Ball’s story is a warning about the dangers of hurricanes like Milton. The british tourist hurricane experience shows the risks of visiting Florida during storm season. It’s a lesson for all tourists.
Conclusion
Hurricane Milton has hit Florida hard, closing Disney World and other big theme parks and airports. The storm brought strong winds, flooding, and power outages. Now, cleanup and safety are top priorities.
Disney World has not set a reopening date yet. It’s likely the parks will stay closed on October 10. Travelers should watch the situation and follow local advice before visiting.
The hurricane has caused a lot of damage in Florida. Over 3 million homes and businesses lost power, and more than 1,700 flights were canceled. Theme parks like Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando had to close.
Waffle House locations also shut down because of the storm. The tourism industry will feel the effects, with Disney expected to lose $150 million to $200 million this quarter.
Florida is working to recover from Hurricane Milton. It’s important for everyone to stay safe and listen to local authorities. The reopening of Disney World and other places will depend on damage assessments and restoration.
With hurricane season ongoing, it’s a good time to remember the need for preparedness and resilience. Staying informed and planning ahead is key.
FAQ
Is Disney World open?
No, Disney World is closed due to Hurricane Milton. This Category 3 storm hit the Florida Gulf Coast on October 9, 2024. The parks started closing at 1 PM ET on October 9, finishing by 2 PM ET.
Disney hasn’t set a reopening date yet. It’s likely the parks will stay closed on October 10 for cleanup and damage checks.
When will Disney World reopen?
Disney hasn’t given a reopening date for Disney World. The parks might stay closed on October 10 for cleanup and damage checks. Guests should watch Disney’s official channels for updates.
What is the current status of Disney World’s park operations?
Disney World has closed its theme parks and attractions due to Hurricane Milton. The closures started at 1 PM ET on October 9 and ended by 2 PM ET. There’s no reopening date yet, but they’ll likely stay closed on October 10.
How has Hurricane Milton affected other Florida tourist attractions and transportation?
Hurricane Milton has closed many Florida tourist spots and transportation hubs. Tampa International and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airports are shut down. Orlando International Airport, Florida’s busiest, has stopped flights too.
Universal Orlando and SeaWorld have also closed due to the storm.
What safety concerns are present in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton?
Safety is a big worry after Hurricane Milton. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office warns people to avoid roads due to dangers. Downed power lines and trees block roads.
Several bridges are impassable. Officials say to stay indoors to let emergency crews work safely.
How has Hurricane Milton impacted tourists visiting Florida?
Hurricane Milton has badly affected tourists in Florida. A British tourist, Chris Ball, saw his vacation spot destroyed. His gazebo’s steel frame was shredded, and his family was scared.
Even though there was no evacuation order, Ball’s family was advised to seek shelter. Their holiday company said it was safe to stay.
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