State of Emergency Declared for Walt Disney World Area as Milton Expected to Intensify into Major Hurricane

Oct 05, 2024 in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

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Hurricane Milton

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Posted: Saturday October 5, 2024 7:15pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Tropical Storm Milton has strengthened in the southwest Gulf of Mexico and is forecasted to become a major hurricane as it tracks toward Florida’s west coast.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts that the storm will make landfall by midweek, bringing dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall, and powerful winds to central Florida, including the Walt Disney World Resort area.

A state of emergency has been declared for multiple Florida counties, including Orange and Osceola, which are home to Walt Disney World. This declaration by the Florida Governor ensures that local authorities can mobilize resources, prepare for evacuations, and activate emergency plans to keep residents and visitors safe. Other counties included in the state of emergency are Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia.

Tropical Storm Milton - October 5, 4pm

Major Hurricane Forecast

Currently, Tropical Storm Milton has sustained winds of 40 mph, but it is expected to intensify rapidly. Favorable conditions in the Gulf of Mexico, such as low wind shear and warm waters, are likely to strengthen Milton into a Category 3 major hurricane with winds exceeding 115 mph by the time it nears the Florida coast. The storm is forecasted to become a hurricane within the next 36 hours.

Projected Path and Timing

Milton’s track has shifted slightly north, with the storm projected to accelerate east-northeastward. The center of the storm is expected to reach Florida’s west coast by Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. However, severe weather—including high winds, heavy rains, and flooding—will likely be felt across central Florida well before the storm’s center makes landfall.

Impact on Walt Disney World and Central Florida

The Walt Disney World Resort in central Florida is bracing for potentially severe impacts from Hurricane Milton, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of localized flooding. Visitors should expect park closures or operational changes, especially for outdoor attractions.

Guide to Walt Disney World's Policy on Hurricane Cancellations and Refunds

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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