Walt Disney World Blocks Theme Park Reservations for October 9 Due to Approaching Hurricane Milton

Oct 06, 2024 in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

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Posted: Sunday October 6, 2024 11:35am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

As Tropical Storm Milton intensifies and moves toward Florida, Walt Disney World has proactively blocked the ability for guests to make theme park reservations for Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the day Milton is expected to make landfall.

The decision comes as the storm is forecasted to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane before hitting Florida's west coast midweek.

Tropical Storm Milton - October 5, 10am

Latest Storm Forecast

According to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Milton is currently located approximately 835 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The storm is moving east-southeast at 6 mph, but it is expected to shift to a faster east-northeastward motion by Monday, followed by an accelerated track toward Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Milton is forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane later today and could become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by late Monday. This brings an increased risk of life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall for Florida's west coast and central Florida, including Walt Disney World.

Impact on Walt Disney World Operations

As a precaution, Disney has halted the ability for guests to make theme park reservations for Wednesday, October 9, when Milton is expected to bring severe weather conditions to central Florida. This move suggests that park operations may be limited or closed on that day, though Disney has not yet officially announced any park closures.

Guests with existing reservations for October 9 should monitor the My Disney Experience app for real-time updates, as operational changes could occur depending on the storm's intensity and track. Walt Disney World frequently adjusts its park operations during hurricanes, with safety being the resort's top priority.

Rainfall, Wind, and Flooding Threats

The National Hurricane Center warns of heavy rainfall across the Florida Peninsula, with amounts of 5 to 8 inches expected, and localized totals potentially reaching up to 12 inches. This rainfall brings the risk of flash flooding in urban and low-lying areas, as well as widespread minor to moderate river flooding. More severe flooding is possible if the storm intensifies further as expected.

In addition to rain, tropical storm-force winds are likely to extend outward up to 60 miles from the storm's center. These winds could lead to downed trees, power outages, and hazardous conditions for outdoor activities.

State of Emergency and Preparedness

A state of emergency has been declared for multiple counties in Florida, including Orange and Osceola counties, where Walt Disney World is located. This declaration enables local governments to mobilize resources, manage potential evacuations, and prepare for the storm's impact. Guests visiting the area are urged to follow local advisories and ensure they have a hurricane preparedness plan in place.

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LilofanOct 19, 2024

Once Oscar crosses Cuba on Mon/Tue forecasters will be seeing if Oscar makes a northern turn up the Gulf, wait and see.

VacationeerOct 19, 2024

What’s up with this Oscar Hurricane. Little chance of making a Florida run?

donaldtooOct 18, 2024

I, personally, am not keeping a scorecard on who or who hasn’t donated what…that’s their business, not mine, and yet another thing I’m not losing sleep over. It’s just that millions upon millions of dollars to me is unfathomable. I have no more words… :cyclops:

LilofanOct 17, 2024

Even if TWDC donated millions more a few will still critic it wasn't enough or why execs don't personally donate. Disney isn't the only company meeting this feedback.

plutofan15Oct 17, 2024

I am well aware of what you were referring to. I am not defending or criticizing the man. A person has the right to do whatever he or she wants to do with their money. If making it public makes you feel better, that's on you not the individual. For the record, I do not agree with more decisions the company has made recently than I agree with. For whatever that is worth.

Figgy1Oct 17, 2024

With how upset the latest cash grabs have made people, maybe he should and I was talking about how 2 individuals have equaled or exceeded the corporate donation

plutofan15Oct 17, 2024

And yet nobody knows whether Iger has donated or has not donated. Not everybody makes their charitable donations public. Just saying.

LilofanOct 17, 2024

It won't change the haters that still hate Bob...

Figgy1Oct 17, 2024

Dolly Parton 3 million, Taylor Swift 5 million. Just saying

donaldtooOct 17, 2024

His net worth is estimated at over $700 million, so maybe he could chip in a few million more…? I’m not one of those that hate rich people, and, ultimately, it’s none of my business what they do with their money, but $700 million and you can’t donate a few million here and there from time to time…?! It’s not like he’s a spring chicken, and, as they say, you can’t take it with you…!!!!! :hilarious:;):hilarious:

John park hopperOct 17, 2024

It's great Disney is donating 3 million it would be even better if Bob donated 3 million of his 31.6 million salary

DCBakerOct 16, 2024

In a new email, Disney says it's investing $3 million that will be used to assist cast members, the local community and nonprofits aiding in recovery efforts after Hurricane Milton. Here's the email: Florida friends and neighbors, With Hurricane Milton now behind us, we hope that you all made it through the storm safely. We know it was a very challenging event and realize that many of our fellow Floridians are facing difficult circumstances as a result. It’s touching to see so many residents, local businesses and nonprofits stepping up to provide relief to those who need it. We’re especially thankful to our cast members who helped keep our guests and each other safe during the storm and continue to support our community. Like all of you, we are dedicated to helping Florida move forward. Disney is investing $3 million that will be used to assist cast members, the local community and nonprofits aiding in recovery efforts. This is in addition to the thousands of meals delivered to Second Harvest Food Bank and Osceola Council on Aging, as well as donations we made ahead of hurricane season to help Florida nonprofits stock up with supplies that could be used in storm shelters like blankets, sheets, pillows and hygiene products. The Disney Employee Relief Fund has also been activated to assist any Disney employee whose primary home was impacted by the storm, and we’re providing other personalized assistance for cast, including repair services, mental health resources, backup adult and child care, and food, water and ice distribution. As Florida continues to recover, we remain by the side of our extended Disney family and communities across the state. Thank you to all those who have stepped up before, during and after the storm to keep the people and places around us safe. We are proud to serve alongside you.

MisterPenguinOct 15, 2024

Watch out, Disneyland Paris!

jmuboyOct 15, 2024

I noticed this as well. I assume having landscape teams get into the enclosures to clean up and address replanting is a lot more challenging in this attraction for obvious reasons. I would assume the debris will slowly be removed. Also noticed a good amount of bamboo patches in the attraction were impacted which is easy to cut back and let regrow (which it regrows quickly and easily) Some degree of natural destruction and regrowth of vegetation gives this attraction its hyper realistic feel. As opposed to the manicured landscape you typically see at WDW