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Credit: @itsnadineramosWalt Disney World Resort closed this week for the second time this year as Tropical Storm Nicole hit the Central Florida region. On Thursday, the Disney Parks began a phased reopening as wind and rain continued in the area.
Related: Disney Cruise Line Passengers Erupt into Cheers at Exciting News Related to Hurricane Ian
Much like when Walt Disney World Resort reopened following Hurricane Ian, some fans are accusing the Disney Park of putting its Cast Members at risk by reopening so suddenly. Many were called back as the storm was still raging, forced to drive through wind and rain to reopen Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs.
On Twitter, many Disney fans and even some Disney Cast Members voiced their frustration with The Walt Disney Company. @rebz4evr wrote:
Disney really showed cast members how little they care.
Disney really showed cast members how little they care.
— Rebz (@Rebz4evr) November 10, 2022
@Chef_Churro expressed similar sentiments:
I can’t believe that disney is open right now. I know it’s not a category 2 hurricane outside or anything but I have to drive to work in this shit and it’s dangerous. They should be prioritizing the cast members safety above all else
I can’t believe that disney is open right now. I know it’s not a category 2 hurricane outside or anything but I have to drive to work in this shit and it’s dangerous. They should be prioritizing the cast members safety above all else
— annalise (@Chef_Churro) November 10, 2022
@amberpunkrose alleged that some Cast Members were even forced to come in earlier than scheduled:
Not Disney making their cast members come in 5 hours before their shifts during a hurricane
Not Disney making their cast members come in 5 hours before their shifts during a hurricane
— Amber (Taylor’s Version) 🥀🖤 (@amberpunkrose) November 10, 2022
Some fans even begged Disney directly to reconsider. From @VampKittyClaire:
@Disney please don’t make your cast members come in at 9 today. The idea of them all driving there in a literal hurricane scares the crap out of me
@Disney please don’t make your cast members come in at 9 today. The idea of them all driving there in a literal hurricane scares the crap out of me
— Claire 🥃 (@VampKittyClaire) November 10, 2022
Subtropical Storm Nicole made landfall as a Category 1 Hurricane before moving inland with tropical-storm-force winds. Just over a month ago, Tropical storm turned Hurricane Ian hit the region, surpassing Hurricane Dorian, Hurricane Matthew, and Hurricane Irma as the worst storm to target the area in years.
Related: Disney Closing Immersive ‘Star Wars’ Hotel For Very First Time Due to Hurricane Ian
Central Florida, which typically avoids the worst aftereffects, faced significant flooding and wind damage. Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort experienced minor damage but reopened just two days after the storm hit.
Do you think Walt Disney World Resort should have reopened so soon?