Hurricane Milton continues to strengthen as it moves through the Caribbean Sea. The storm was upgraded from a tropical storm to a hurricane this afternoon.
Forecasters expect Milton to become a major hurricane before making landfall in Florida. Current projections show the storm hitting the Orlando area, including Walt Disney World, on Wednesday.
Disney World Prepares for Hurricane Milton
In anticipation of Hurricane Milton, Disney has blocked out park reservations for Wednesday. This move gives the company flexibility to adjust operating hours or close parks entirely if necessary due to the storm.
Earlier, Disney World issued a statement regarding its hurricane preparedness. The resort is monitoring the storm closely but has announced no specific closures or cancellations as of now.
Concerns Over Storm Surge and Wind Damage
As a major hurricane, Hurricane Milton could bring dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall, and destructive winds to Central Florida. Low-lying areas around Disney World, such as Fort Wilderness Campground, are particularly vulnerable to flooding from storm surge.
Sustained winds over 110 mph are possible, which could cause widespread power outages and damage to structures. Disney World is built to withstand strong hurricanes, but significant damage is still a concern with a storm of this magnitude.
Previous Storms at Disney World
This isn’t the first time a hurricane has threatened Disney World. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian caused multi-day closures at the resort. Disney World also closed for Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
Disney World has a comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan that has been refined over decades of storms. The resort has only closed eight times since opening in 1971 due to hurricanes.
Guests Urged to Monitor Storm
Guests at Disney World should pay close attention to the latest forecasts and warnings about Hurricane Milton. Have a plan in place and follow any instructions from Disney cast members or local authorities.
Remember that safety is the top priority. Even if the parks remain open, rides and other outdoor activities will shut down in high winds. Be prepared for your Disney World plans to change due to Hurricane Milton.
Stay tuned to MainGatePass.com for continued updates. Always refer to local authorities for guidance on storm preparations and evacuations.