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MCO Makes MAJOR Hurricane Announcement, Thousands of Disney World Vacations Impacted

in Disney Parks, Featured, Theme Parks, Travel, Walt Disney World

Posted on by Krysten Swensen 4 Comments
A large airplane soars over a fairytale castle backdrop near Orlando Airport, with a massive swirling storm depicted in the sky. The scene elegantly combines elements of aviation, fantasy, and weather phenomena—perfect for those dreaming of vacations to Disney World.

Credit: Inside The Magic

It is a busy hurricane season and some parts of the state of Florida are still recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Helene hit the Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, causing a lot of damage before creating a devastating path through the Carolinas. Entire towns have been swept away, thousands lost their homes and are still without power, and the death toll has risen to more than 200.

Sadly, the southern states are not getting a break and Hurricane Milton is currently on the warpath, with the Sunshine State in its sites.

Damage caused by Hurricane Helene
Credit: Florida National Guard, Flickr

Related: “Life Threatening” Storm Headed to Disney World, Parks Brace for Impact

Hurricane Milton began forming in the Gulf of Mexico last week and has only strengthened as it makes its way toward Florida. On the morning of October 7, the National Hurricane Center officially upgraded Milton to a Category 5 storm. Damaging winds and severe storm surges are expected, with some experts predicting that Milton could be one of the most damaging hurricanes to ever hit the state.

Hurricane Milton is expected to hit the west coast of South Florida on Wednesday, before making its way north. Evacuations have been ordered in certain parts of Florida and most of the state is under a flood watch, including the Orlando-area.

A dramatic stormy sky looms over a Disney World castle with a statue of Walt Disney holding Mickey Mouse's hand in the foreground. A yellow warning sign with a hurricane symbol reads "Hurricane Season." The scene blends iconic imagery with an urgent reminder to prepare for the impending weather.
Credit: Inside The Magic

Related: Effective October 9: Hurricane Milton Forces Disney World to Suspend Hotel and Theme Park Reservations

Every day, thousands of Disney World guests travel through Orlando International Airport. However, their plans are about to be interrupted as the airport made a major announcement ahead of Hurricane Milton.

On October 7, the airport (also called MCO) announced that it would be ceasing all commercial operations beginning October 9. It would only remain open for emergency air and relief flights.

Operational Update/3 – Hurricane Milton Our airport will cease commercial operations on Wednesday morning, in advance of Hurricane Milton. This move was made in coordination with our partners. We will resume commercial operations as soon as it is safe.

Both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort have suspended reservations ahead of Hurricane Milton and are preparing to keep guests who are already visiting Central Florida safe. The theme parks will not open, and guests will be instructed to stay in their hotels and not venture outside.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has encouraged those under evacuation orders to leave and has dispatched thousands of National Guard members to aid those in Milton’s path of destruction.

If you plan to visit Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort, it is vital that you stay informed about all the news regarding your upcoming vacation. Disney World is waiving cancelation fees for those who have to adjust their vacation plans due to the Hurricane. It is better to remain safe where you are instead of heading into the path of a Category 5 hurricane.

Have you ever visited Walt Disney World Resort during a serious storm? What happened? Let us know in the comments.

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