Walt Disney World Updates: Dining Changes and Resort Activities During Hurricane Milton

Oct 09, 2024 in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

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Hurricane Milton at Walt Disney World

Posted: Wednesday October 9, 2024 5:10pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

As Hurricane Milton nears central Florida, Walt Disney World Resort has released a new update regarding resort operations, dining, and guest activities.

Latest Disney Resort Hotel Updates

Dining and Food Services

Walt Disney World is continuing to operate select dining locations at its Disney Resort hotels for guests currently on property. However, operating hours and availability may change without notice due to the evolving weather conditions. Guests are encouraged to check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information regarding food and dining options.

To help guests prepare for the expected impact of Hurricane Milton, Disney recommends visiting any quick-service or food court dining location to pre-purchase breakfast and lunch for Thursday, October 10. This precaution ensures that guests have meals during the storm in case of any disruptions to services.

Resort Activities During the Storm

Disney has planned several indoor activities for guests staying at the resorts, providing entertainment options while keeping safety a priority:

Free Disney Movies are available to watch in guest rooms.
Surprise Character Visits will take place in resort hotel lobbies.
Arcade Free Play will begin at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, October 9.
Fitness Centers remain open during their normal operating hours.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Adjustments

At Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, several closures are also in effect:

The Wind & Waves Grill will be closed for dinner on Wednesday, October 9, and for breakfast on Thursday, October 10.

The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is temporarily closed starting on Wednesday, October 9.

Hurricane Milton Update: Life-Threatening Storm Approaching

As of the 5 pm advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Milton remains a Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph. The storm is currently located 60 miles west-southwest of Sarasota, Florida, and moving northeast at 17 mph. Milton is expected to make landfall near the Tampa Bay region later this evening before moving across central Florida, including the Orlando and Walt Disney World areas, overnight into Thursday.

Hurricane Milton - October 9 - 5 pm

Key Hazards from Hurricane Milton

Storm Surge:

Life-threatening storm surge of 6 to 13 feet is forecast for the west-central Florida coast, including Tampa Bay and surrounding areas. For east-central Florida, including parts of Brevard and Volusia counties, storm surge of 3 to 5 feet is possible, particularly near coastal and low-lying areas. Residents in affected areas should follow evacuation orders and take necessary actions to protect life and property.

Rainfall and Flooding:

Hurricane Milton is expected to bring between 6 to 12 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 18 inches across central and northern Florida, including the Walt Disney World Resort. This excessive rainfall poses a high risk of catastrophic flash flooding and urban flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.

Wind:

Hurricane conditions, including damaging winds, are expected to affect the central Florida region tonight into Thursday morning. Tropical storm-force winds are already impacting parts of the west coast and will extend across the peninsula, reaching the east coast by tonight.

Tornadoes:

The NWS warns of an increased risk of tornadoes, particularly this afternoon and tonight, across parts of central and southern Florida, including Orlando and the Walt Disney World area. Several tornadoes, possibly strong, are expected to develop as the storm progresses.

Stay Informed and Safe

As Hurricane Milton approaches, guests at Walt Disney World Resort are encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and monitor updates through the My Disney Experience app and local weather authorities. For real-time updates on the storm’s track and severity, refer to the National Hurricane Center and local officials for evacuation and safety orders.

With Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs already closed, guests should remain within their resort hotels and take advantage of the resort dining and entertainment options available.

Discuss on the Forums

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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