Credit: Inside The MagicHurricane Milton is rapidly intensifying as it nears the Florida peninsula. It will most likely make landfall near Tampa and then move on to Orlando, where it will directly impact Walt Disney World Resort.
Right now, evacuations are in order as hundreds of guests are attempting to flee home to avoid this super-storm. Unfortunately, their time is running out as Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport close their doors, and hundreds of flights have already been canceled.
Hundreds of Flights Begin Getting Canceled Ahead of Hurricane Milton as Disney World Guests Are Running Out of Time
Hurricane Milton’s impact extends beyond local businesses and airports, with Walt Disney World and its guests facing the looming storm’s potential disruptions. As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Disney World’s response to natural disasters like hurricanes plays a significant role in shaping guest experiences, safety, and overall operations.
For visitors, especially those from out of state or overseas, the arrival of Hurricane Milton during their planned vacation can be particularly challenging.
Many guests invest substantial time and money planning their Disney trips months in advance, only to face last-minute uncertainties as the storm approaches. Disney’s ability to manage these disruptions, including park closures, hotel cancellations, and transportation delays, becomes crucial in protecting not only its guests but also its reputation as a safe and reliable destination.
In anticipation of storms like Milton, Disney World has developed a range of flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies.
This allows guests to make last-minute changes to their plans without facing steep penalties. In this instance, Disney has already updated its policies, offering more lenient options for those who want to cancel or modify their bookings. While the theme parks remain open for the time being, the closure of certain hotel offerings reflects Disney’s commitment to guest safety.
Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport To Cease Operation
With Hurricane Milton barreling toward the state, businesses, residents, and travelers are bracing for its impact. Theme parks have adjusted their operations, government officials are urging the public to use today to gather essential supplies, and airports are experiencing widespread disruptions.
As of Tuesday morning, Orlando International Airport (MCO) reported 22 flight delays and 115 cancellations, numbers expected to rise as the hurricane intensifies.
MCO will cease operations Wednesday morning and resume as soon as it’s deemed safe
MCO will cease operations Wednesday morning and resume as soon as it’s deemed safe pic.twitter.com/o726GcMaFD
— John Howie (@jhowieii) October 7, 2024
In anticipation of the storm, MCO announced it will suspend all commercial operations starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9. While the airport will remain open for disaster relief and emergency flights, it will not serve as a shelter or be available for commercial passengers. Hurricane Milton, though slightly weakened, remains a formidable threat.
According to USA Today, meteorologists warn that the storm could bring devastating damage to west-central Florida. John Cangialosi, a hurricane specialist with the National Hurricane Center, emphasized the potential severity in a Tuesday update. “Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida,” Cangialosi said.
He added that damaging winds, life-threatening storm surges, and heavy rainfall will extend beyond the forecast path. As the storm approaches, local officials have urged residents to finalize their preparations, stocking up on water, food, and other essentials. Those in evacuation zones are being asked to follow orders closely and stay informed about weather updates.
Central Florida’s tourism industry is also feeling the effects. While Walt Disney World has revised its cancelation policies and shut down some hotel services, the theme parks remain operational for now. Other major tourist destinations in the region have similarly adjusted their plans, closely monitoring the hurricane’s path.
Businesses, especially those in coastal and low-lying areas, are preparing for possible closures and damage, while local authorities continue to issue updates and warnings to ensure public safety.
For travelers with flights scheduled through Orlando International Airport, officials recommend checking with airlines directly for the latest updates, as the storm may cause further delays and cancellations. Florida residents are advised to stay tuned to local news sources for real-time weather alerts, evacuation orders, and updates on Hurricane Milton’s impact.
WDW Has Guest and Employee Safety at Top of Mind
The company’s proactive stance helps mitigate the effects of unexpected weather events, allowing travelers to feel secure in making changes to their plans.
Moreover, Disney World’s unique position as both a theme park and a massive resort complex creates additional layers of complexity in managing severe weather situations. The resort must balance the needs of guests staying in its hotels with those visiting the parks daily.
Unlike many other tourist attractions, Disney provides lodging for thousands of visitors, meaning it has a dual responsibility to offer safe shelter and ensure a smooth evacuation process if necessary. Communication with guests becomes a critical tool, as updates on weather conditions, park hours, and resort changes are swiftly disseminated through official channels and digital platforms.
NHC is now forecasting #Milton to still be a category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds as it passes just south of Orlando THU am. Hurricane warnings in effect for the entire central Florida Peninsula.
NHC is now forecasting #Milton to still be a category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds as it passes just south of Orlando THU am. Hurricane warnings in effect for the entire central Florida Peninsula. pic.twitter.com/7ApTJfNdtR
— Hurricane Tracker App (@hurrtrackerapp) October 8, 2024
The hurricane’s potential impact also underscores Disney’s role as a significant player in Florida’s economy and tourism industry. How Disney responds to Hurricane Milton could set a precedent for future storms and solidify its reputation as a leader in crisis management.
For now, the company continues to prioritize guest safety while remaining operational—balancing entertainment with responsibility as the storm approaches.
Your Disney Park ticket is still valid, so make sure you hang on to it to keep your Disney experience on hand in case you need to reschedule or change plans ahead of this super-storm.