As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, Walt Disney World Resort is making necessary preparations to ensure guest safety, including its first set of closures in response to the storm. The massive Category 5 hurricane is still on track to strike Central Florida’s theme park corridor late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, prompting precautionary measures across the region.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, including dining and recreation locations, along with the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, will be closing at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. According to Disney, the Copper Creek Cabins are expected to reopen on Friday, October 11, while Fort Wilderness and the Treehouse Villas will likely remain closed until Sunday, October 13.
For guests concerned about upcoming reservations, the resort has issued a hurricane policy that allows flexibility. According to Disney’s hurricane policy:
“If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.”
For more details, guests are encouraged to visit Disney Hurricane Policy.
Precautionary Measures at Walt Disney World
In 2022, much of Walt Disney World closed for three days as Hurricane Ian swept through the area, bringing wind gusts of 74 mph to Orlando International Airport and over 14 inches of rain. Flooding became a major issue, and airport closures forced Disney to have some guests shelter in place at its resort hotels.
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This time around, Disney is taking similar precautions, with closures already announced for the most vulnerable areas of the resort. Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is known for its outdoor accommodations, making it particularly susceptible to wind and flooding. The Copper Creek Cabins and Treehouse Villas, nestled in natural surroundings, also face increased risks due to the expected severity of the storm.
Guests who find themselves riding out the storm at Disney may have mixed feelings. While some might feel anxious about being stuck in a hotel, others can take comfort in the resort’s history of exceptional service during extreme weather. In 2022, cast members went above and beyond to make sure guests were comfortable, and that same level of dedication is expected during Hurricane Milton.
Universal Orlando is also likely to follow suit with similar closures as the storm approaches, though official announcements are still forthcoming. Central Florida’s theme park industry is working closely with local authorities to ensure that all necessary safety protocols are in place.
Hurricane Milton: One of the Strongest Storms on Record
Hurricane Milton has officially become one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin. As of today, Milton’s maximum sustained winds have reached 180 mph, making it a formidable Category 5 hurricane. The storm briefly skimmed across the top of Cancun, Mexico, slightly weakening its winds to 180 mph—still an extraordinary force as it barrels toward Florida.
According to the National Hurricane Service, only Hurricane Wilma (2005) and Hurricane Felix (2007) intensified more quickly than Milton. Despite some fluctuations in wind speed, Milton remains an incredibly powerful system capable of significant destruction.
Meteorologists emphasize that more important than windspeed is the storm’s barometric pressure—a metric that more accurately predicts potential damage from storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes, as well as determining the overall size and duration of the storm’s impact on a community.
Predicted path and what to expect
As Hurricane Milton draws closer, residents and tourists alike are being urged to take all necessary precautions. Central Florida counties could see severe weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rains, and potential flooding starting as early as Monday. The worst of the storm, however, is expected late Wednesday through Thursday.
While the theme parks may close, many hotels will remain open, providing shelter for those who are unable to evacuate. Both Disney and Universal have well-established emergency procedures to keep guests safe, including designated areas for sheltering and protocols for providing food and essential supplies.
The scale of Hurricane Milton has prompted comparisons to previous historic hurricanes, and the urgency of preparing for such an event cannot be overstated. Whether it’s clearing debris, stocking up on supplies, or relocating to safer areas, officials are urging everyone in the storm’s path to take these warnings seriously.
Anticipated Impact on Central Florida
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area around 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Although the storm is likely to weaken before making landfall, it is still expected to hit as a Category 3 major hurricane. Such a storm would be an unprecedented landfall event for the Tampa Bay region, which has not faced a direct hit from a major hurricane in more than a century.
Meteorologists from the Weather Channel noted that hurricanes that start as Category 5 and weaken just before landfall are often still incredibly destructive. They tend to be very large, and their impact can extend well beyond the immediate landfall area. This phenomenon was evident with Hurricane Katrina, which weakened before landfall but still caused massive devastation.
Walt Disney World has weathered many storms over the years, and the resilience of its staff and the preparedness of its infrastructure are a testament to its commitment to safety. During past hurricanes, Disney has been able to provide not only physical shelter but also a sense of calm and even entertainment to guests hunkered down during the storm.
For many families, Disney’s efforts during these events become part of their vacation story—how cast members kept the magic alive even during some of the most challenging times. The hope is that Hurricane Milton will pass with minimal impact and that Florida and its beloved attractions will be able to bounce back quickly.
As the situation develops, it’s crucial for guests and residents to stay informed. Walt Disney World is providing updates on its official website, and local authorities are continuously monitoring Hurricane Milton’s path. For those currently in Central Florida, keeping an eye on weather alerts, adhering to evacuation orders, and following all safety protocols can make all the difference.
Hurricane Milton is a powerful reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of being prepared. As Walt Disney World takes proactive steps to ensure safety, the community watches and waits, hoping for the best while preparing for whatever comes next.
