Credit: Inside The MagicWalt Disney World Resort is closed until further notice, but when the parks reopen, those who are on vacation, hunkered down inside the resort hotels, will most likely be paying a heavy price. Here’s why and what you can do about something called price-gouging.
Disney World Extends Operational Closer, Leading to Millions in Refunds
As Hurricane Milton approaches Central Florida, Walt Disney World Resort has announced an extended closure on Thursday, October 10, in response to the powerful storm. This decision, confirmed via Disney’s weather updates page, comes after earlier suggestions that the parks would “likely” close on Thursday.
The phased closures began on Wednesday, October 9, with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom closing at 1 p.m., followed by Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs at 2 p.m. The continued shutdown reflects Disney’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its guests, employees, and the surrounding communities as Hurricane Milton edges closer.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Cancelled
Disney also confirmed the cancellation of the popular Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which was scheduled for Thursday evening. Guests who purchased tickets for the event will receive refunds. This cancellation adds to the mounting financial challenges for the resort, with Disney expected to refund around $17 million in event and theme park tickets.
With 142,000 daily visitors, each paying an average of $119 for a one-day park ticket, Disney faces substantial revenue losses from both the canceled special event and regular park admissions. The resort is bracing for further financial strain, with multiple days of closures anticipated and potential damage from the hurricane still to be assessed.
Multi-Day Ticket Extensions for Disney Guests
In response to the storm’s disruptions, Disney is offering ticket extensions for guests with partially used multi-day tickets. Originally set to expire within a specific time frame, these tickets will now be valid through October 11, 2025, allowing guests flexibility in rescheduling their visits.
This extension, along with the waiving of change and cancellation fees for hotel and dining reservations, demonstrates Disney’s effort to ease the inconveniences caused by the storm. These measures reflect a focus on maintaining goodwill and supporting guests affected by the closures.
Transportation Adjustments and Curfews
As the hurricane moves closer, Minnie Van transportation services were suspended as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, with limited Mears taxi services continuing for guests staying at Disney hotels. Additionally, Osceola County, which includes parts of Walt Disney World, issued a county-wide curfew starting at 8 p.m. Wednesday, further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are under a Tornado Watch due to the hurricane’s outer bands. Cast members were seen securing attractions and preparing for potential extended downtime, as Disney implements extensive safety measures.
State of Emergency and Operational Changes
As Hurricane Milton, initially classified as a Category 5 storm, made its way toward Florida, the state’s governor, Ron DeSantis, declared a State of Emergency for the region, including Walt Disney World, on October 5. With the storm weakening slightly to a Category 4, but still posing significant threats, Disney has paused new hotel reservations and blocked park reservations for the affected dates.
Several accommodations, including Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, closed at 11 a.m. Wednesday. These locations will remain closed until the storm passes and safety assessments are completed.
Disney’s Preparedness and Safety Measures
Known for its robust hurricane preparedness plans, Disney has been in constant communication with local authorities and weather experts to ensure guest and employee safety. The magnitude of Hurricane Milton has prompted an especially cautious approach, with staff securing attractions, buildings, and parking areas to minimize potential damage.
Parking garages at Disney Springs closed early Wednesday to prevent vehicles from being left in vulnerable locations. Guests were advised to remain inside their accommodations as high winds, heavy rains, and potential flooding are expected.
Financial and Operational Impact
The total financial impact of Hurricane Milton remains uncertain. However, with multiple days of closures, significant ticket refunds, and potential storm damage, the hit to Disney’s revenue could be substantial. The resort will likely face not only immediate losses but also challenges in the days following the storm as they work to restore operations and assess damages.
Looking Ahead
As Hurricane Milton continues its path toward Central Florida, guests with future reservations are encouraged to monitor Disney’s official channels for updates on park reopening dates and any further changes to operations. Visitors planning trips in the near future should remain prepared for possible delays, as Disney will prioritize safety above all else in its recovery efforts. But in the meantime, will price-gouging impact your Disney vacation once the parks reopen?
Price-Gouging at Disney World: Is It Possible?
As Hurricane Milton approached Florida’s western coastline on Wednesday, the Biden administration issued a strong warning to businesses and consumers regarding the increased risks of fraud, price gouging, and collusion that often arise during natural disasters. These warnings are part of the administration’s broader effort to protect residents as they prepare for the storm.
“Bad actors are always looking to take advantage of natural disasters and those affected for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe Jr. from the Middle District of Louisiana in a public statement.
Lina Khan, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), echoed similar concerns, highlighting that the agency had been receiving alarming reports of price gouging for critical goods and services, including hotels, groceries, and gas, which are essential for those evacuating or bracing for the storm.
By midday Wednesday, gas shortages were already a significant issue, with nearly 25% of Florida’s gas stations running out of fuel, according to Patrick De Haan, an oil and gas analyst. The shortages compounded the anxiety of Floridians attempting to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton’s expected landfall.
“Companies are on notice: Do not use this hurricane as an opportunity to exploit people with illegal practices,” said Manish Kumar, Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division.
Price Gouging Laws and Preemptive Actions
Most U.S. states have laws designed to prevent price gouging during states of emergency, often restricting price increases for essential goods and services. Despite these protections, the issue persists, particularly during large-scale natural disasters. Several major retailers and airlines preemptively responded to the administration’s warning by freezing prices to avoid exploitation claims.
For instance, Home Depot announced that it froze prices once the emergency was declared. “Once we have an emergency, all our prices are frozen,” said Kelly Mayhall, president of Home Depot’s Southern division. Other businesses are also reportedly taking similar measures to comply with state laws and federal guidelines.
The Impact on Consumers: Scams and Fraud
Beyond price gouging, the Biden administration also warned consumers about scams related to fraudulent charities, phishing attempts aimed at stealing personal information, and inflated prices on essential items. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the administration’s vigilance in a statement: “Any company or individual seeking to exploit Americans during an emergency should be aware that the administration is monitoring for fraud and price gouging, and will hold offenders accountable.”
Hurricane Milton’s Approach and Evacuation
As Hurricane Milton, a Category 4 storm, continued its path through the Gulf of Mexico, officials urged residents along Florida’s Gulf Coast to complete evacuations by early Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center warned that the storm’s most dangerous impacts were expected between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. ET.
This storm follows Hurricane Helen, which caused widespread devastation across the Southern U.S. in September, claiming over 230 lives. The aftermath of that storm has heightened concerns about price gouging during disasters.
Tourism Pricing and Price Gouging at Disney World
Concerns about price gouging have also surfaced at major tourist destinations like Walt Disney World. The theme park has faced criticism during past hurricanes for allegedly raising prices on essential goods and services, especially when guests are stranded on-site due to travel disruptions.
In the past, Disney has been accused of increasing the cost of food, water, and hotel stays during hurricanes. Notably, during Hurricane Irma in 2017, guests claimed that Disney charged them higher-than-usual rates for hotel accommodations when they were unable to leave due to flight cancellations.
While Disney has implemented some relief measures during emergencies, such as offering discounted accommodations or extending park tickets, the accusations have led to ongoing debates about how major corporations should respond to crises.
Corporate Responsibility in Emergencies
The situation at Walt Disney World and other major tourist hubs reflects a broader issue of corporate responsibility during emergencies. Price gouging, whether intentional or incidental, puts guests in a vulnerable position, especially in confined areas like theme parks. With travel restrictions in place, guests may have no alternative but to pay inflated prices for necessary goods and services, leading to concerns about corporate ethics during natural disasters.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Vigilance for Disney World Guests
The Biden administration’s warnings highlight the need for vigilance from both consumers and corporations as the nation faces what is projected to be an active hurricane season. North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, referencing past issues, warned his state’s residents to be on alert for similar unethical practices following Hurricane Milton’s aftermath.
As Hurricane Milton approaches and preparations intensify, businesses are urged to comply with anti-gouging laws, while consumers should remain cautious of potential scams and fraudulent charities.
The intersection of disaster preparedness and ethical pricing will continue to be a focal point as Florida prepares for the storm’s arrival.