Credit: Flickr, UssamamA few Disney World Resort locations are gearing up to reopen after days of closure due to the devastating Category 5 Hurricane Milton, which made landfall this past week.
Disney World Locations Damaged by Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton made its presence known across Florida, leaving Walt Disney World Resort to grapple with storm-related challenges. Several parts of the world-famous resort experienced significant damage, prompting swift action from Disney to repair affected areas and ensure the safety of its guests and staff.
As the resort begins to recover, here’s a closer look at the specific impacts of the hurricane, how Disney is handling the situation, and what guests can expect moving forward.
Polynesian Village Resort Faces Major Challenges
One of the most iconic resorts at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, sustained notable damage during the storm. Known for its tropical theming and close proximity to Magic Kingdom, the Polynesian is a guest favorite, offering a unique mix of island-inspired architecture and convenient access to Disney parks.
However, the hurricane reportedly damaged the roof of the resort, leading to water intrusion in several parts of the property.
Flooding from the storm created immediate concerns for guest safety, prompting Disney to take quick action. Crews have been working tirelessly to repair the damaged roof and clear out waterlogged areas to prevent further issues.
The resort’s management has made it a priority to address these challenges swiftly to minimize the impact on guests currently staying at the Polynesian or those with upcoming reservations.
Given the importance of this resort in Disney’s broader portfolio, these repairs are being conducted with a sense of urgency. The Polynesian Village Resort’s unique atmosphere, particularly its beachfront location and popular dining spots like ‘Ohana, draw in thousands of guests each year.
The storm’s impact, however, has shown just how vulnerable even the most well-prepared resorts can be to the unpredictable nature of Florida weather.
Contemporary Resort Experiences Water Leaks
The effects of Hurricane Milton were not limited to the Polynesian. Disney’s Contemporary Resort, another flagship property known for its futuristic design and convenient monorail access to Magic Kingdom, also faced its share of challenges. Water leaks were reported in select guest rooms, forcing Disney to relocate affected guests to alternative accommodations within the hotel.
The Contemporary, celebrated for its clean lines and sweeping views of Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom, is another cornerstone of Walt Disney World. Guests who were moved due to the leaks were placed in other areas of the hotel that were not impacted by the storm.
Maintenance teams have been on-site since the storm passed, working quickly to patch up the leaks, assess the situation, and ensure that the resort remains safe and dry.
Guests staying at the Contemporary have praised Disney’s quick response, noting that the resort staff worked efficiently to relocate guests with minimal disruption. The safety and comfort of its guests remain Disney’s top priority, and while the leaks are inconvenient, the resort’s fast-paced recovery process is a testament to how prepared Disney is for unexpected events like Hurricane Milton.
Flooding Along World Drive Leads to Temporary Closures
Outside of the resorts, Hurricane Milton also caused flooding along World Drive, a key thoroughfare within the Walt Disney World Resort that connects various parks, hotels, and attractions. Several sections of the road were submerged, leading to temporary closures as Disney worked to manage the situation.
World Drive is critical for transportation across the sprawling resort, and its closure presented logistical challenges. Cleanup crews have been working around the clock to clear standing water and restore safe driving conditions.
Disney’s priority is to ensure that all roads within the resort are safe for both guests and Cast Members, especially as more guests are expected to return to the parks in the days following the hurricane.
Resort Closures and Reopening Timeline at Disney World
In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Disney took the proactive step of closing all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and various resort areas to safeguard guests and Cast Members. These closures are part of Disney’s well-rehearsed hurricane protocol, which is designed to keep everyone on property safe while minimizing damage to the resort’s infrastructure.
Most of Disney World reopened on Friday, October 11, including all theme parks and Disney Springs. However, some areas remained closed for further inspections and repairs. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa were among those areas that did not reopen right away.
Initially, Disney had announced that these two locations would remain closed until Monday, October 14, to allow for more time to repair any storm-related damage and ensure they were ready for guests.
Fort Wilderness and Treehouse Villas to Reopen Sooner Than Expected
In a positive development for guests looking to visit these areas, Disney recently updated the reopening timeline for Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas. Both locations are now scheduled to reopen on Sunday, October 13, two days earlier than originally planned.
This means that by the end of the weekend, nearly all of Walt Disney World will be back in operation, much to the relief of both guests and Cast Members. Disney’s ability to expedite repairs and reopen these areas ahead of schedule demonstrates the resilience and efficiency of their recovery teams.
The reopening of these locations, combined with the already reopened theme parks, signals a strong return to normal operations following Hurricane Milton.
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Reopens
Adding to the good news, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park also reopened this morning, further bringing the resort back to its full pre-hurricane schedule. Typhoon Lagoon, known for its massive wave pool and lush, tropical theming, is one of the most popular water parks in the area. Its reopening is a clear sign that Disney World is on track to fully recover from the storm’s effects by the weekend.
A Swift Return to Normalcy at Disney World
As the recovery process continues, Disney has shown remarkable agility in addressing the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. The swift reopening of parks and resorts highlights the company’s commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for its guests, even in the face of natural disasters.
Guests planning upcoming trips can rest assured that Disney is working diligently to ensure all parts of the resort are in top condition. With most of the resort scheduled to be fully operational by Sunday, October 13, visitors will soon be able to enjoy their vacations with minimal disruption.
Disney’s handling of Hurricane Milton serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Florida weather and the importance of staying informed and prepared when visiting during hurricane season. However, with the resort’s extensive safety protocols and quick recovery efforts, Disney World continues to demonstrate why it remains one of the most trusted vacation destinations in the world.