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Hotels Flooded and Landscaping Destroyed; Walt Disney World Cleanup Begins

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Posted on by Eva Miller 1 Comment
On the left, a brightly lit Disney fairy tale castle under a night sky. On the right, a large tree uprooted by the hurricane, damaging a sidewalk. A yellow caution sign is superimposed over the storm damage.

Credit: Disney, Canva, Kevin Heimbach

Hurricane Milton made landfall in Orlando, Florida, last night, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and significant disruption to the Walt Disney World Resort. As the storm moved through, guests and staff hunkered down across the resort, ensuring safety as the hurricane’s impact intensified.

Now that the storm has passed, resort staff faces the monumental task of cleaning up and assessing damage to restore the parks and resorts to full operation in preparation for reopening tomorrow. While the resort as a whole seems intact, some significant damages have been reported.

Related: Over 1,000 Flights Terminated as Disney World Begins Damage Assessment, Lockdown Lifted

A vibrant street scene at Disney theme park features people strolling along a main avenue adorned with festive fall decorations. Shops line both sides, and a castle looms majestically in the background under a bright, cloudy sky. Nearby, the entrance to Peter Pan’s Flight draws excited visitors.
Credit: kaleb tapp on Unsplash

Extent of the Damage

The hurricane left its mark on various parts of the resort, with damage reported across several areas, including Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. One of the most iconic resorts at Walt Disney World, the Polynesian Village, reportedly suffered damage to its roof during the storm, leading to flooding in parts of the property. Crews are likely working to repair roof damage and clear waterlogged areas to ensure the safety and comfort of future guests.

Known for its unique architecture and proximity to the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort also faced challenges as water leaks were reported in select rooms. Guests staying at the resort were moved to unaffected areas, and maintenance teams are working quickly to fix leaks and assess any further water damage.

A major artery within Walt Disney World, World Drive experienced flooding in several sections, causing temporary road closures. Cleanup crews are now working to clear the standing water and restore safe driving conditions before guests return to the parks.

Fort Wilderness Lodge saw a particularly challenging night as a fire alarm blared continuously due to electrical issues caused by the storm. Guests were sheltered while maintenance crews worked to resolve the problem and restore order. No fires were reported, and the alarm system is being inspected to prevent any further disturbances.

Staff Response and Recovery Efforts

Resort staff have been hard at work since the storm’s passing, mobilizing teams to clear fallen trees and debris, address water damage, and ensure all pathways and amenities are safe for guests. Efforts are concentrated on clearing flooded areas, fixing roof damage, and ensuring operational systems such as fire alarms are functioning properly.

Disney’s quick response and commitment to safety remain a priority as the resort prepares to welcome back guests. While the parks are set to resume operations tomorrow, Disney has emphasized that it will only proceed once all necessary safety measures have been taken and repairs have been completed.

For now, it seems that Disney will have no problem clearing these issues before the parks reopen tomorrow. However, those planning to visit the parks tomorrow are advised to check for any operational updates before arrival. The safety and experience of guests remain Disney’s primary concern as they navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

Despite the storm’s impact, the Disney spirit remains resilient, with teams working around the clock to restore the magic and ensure guests can return to enjoy their vacations. Now more than ever, it is essential to thank the cast members who are giving their time to protect this resort.

in Featured, Walt Disney World

Tagged:Disney ResortsInclement weather

Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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