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Joe Biden Praises Ron DeSantis as Hurricane Milton Barrels Toward Disney World

in Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World

Posted on by Jess Colopy 23 Comments
A composite image showing two men in front of a Disney castle with a rainbow in the background. The man on the left is speaking, wearing a suit and tie. The man on the right is smiling and raising his fist, also in a suit. Trees are visible in the foreground.

Credit: Inside the Magic

President Joe Biden has commended Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for his efforts in preparing for Hurricane Milton, which he warned could be the worst in a century in the Sunshine State. The historic hurricane is expected to make landfall on the state’s Gulf coast on Wednesday and travel inland, including toward Walt Disney World Resort.

Hurricane Milton intensified to a Category 5 storm on Monday, reaching wind speeds of over 170 mph. National Hurricane Center meteorologists currently predict that the storm will make landfall near Tampa with Category 4 winds, historic rain, and a life-threatening storm surge.

Map showing the projected path of Hurricane Milton from the Gulf of Mexico towards the southeastern U.S. over several days, potentially affecting areas near Disney World. The cone indicates possible track zones, with lines marking expected storm positions and intensity.
Credit: National Hurricane Center

In preparation for the storm, Governor DeSantis announced a state of emergency in 51 counties and issued evacuation orders in certain jurisdictions. The Florida Department of Transportation suspended road tolls on hurricane evacuation paths, including Central Florida highways near Walt Disney World Resort, and instituted emergency shoulder use.

Related: Universal Orlando Resort Confirms Its Opening Plans Post-Hurricane Helene

On Tuesday, President Biden warned that Hurricane Milton could be the “worst storm to hit Florida in over a century.” “God willing, it won’t be but that’s what it’s looking like right now,” Biden said.

Composite image featuring Governor DeSantis in a suit speaking animatedly, superimposed next to an image of the Disney castle under a clear blue sky.
Credit: Inside the Magic

Biden spoke with Governor DeSantis on the phone, whom he called “cooperative.” He also gave the Republican governor his private phone number.

“He said he’s gotten all that he needs,” Biden said. “I talked to him again yesterday, and … I said, ‘No, you’re doing a great job. It’s being all being done.’”

Joe Biden edited on Main Street, U.S.A., at Walt Disney World Resort.
Credit: Inside the Magic

DeSantis previously refused a phone call from Vice President Kamala Harris.

On Tuesday afternoon, Walt Disney World Resort announced plans to close its theme parks and select resort areas early on Wednesday, October 9. Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will close at 1:00 p.m. EST. Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will close at 2:00 p.m. EST.

All four theme parks will likely remain closed through Thursday, October 10, but Disney Springs may open later in the day with limited offerings.

Have you visited Walt Disney World Resort during a hurricane? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments. 

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