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

3 hours ago in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

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Tropical Storm Milton

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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Touchdown10 minutes ago

If the eye passes just south of Orlando, Orlando will see the worst of the flooding.

John park hopper20 minutes ago

Looks to have moved south a little which doesn't take Orlando out of the picture. If it makes landfall as a cat 3 it will probably be a cat 2 in Orlando -- FL flat and not much to stop it

Touchdown38 minutes ago

To anyone who thinks this will be no big deal…

Touchdown1 hour ago

Well final name change complete, Milton is now a hurricane.

Lilofan1 hour ago

With airports like MCO looking to be closed , those Lyft and Uber drivers may be cashing in if desperate travelers need their services to drive them all the way to their home state. An approx Uber fare from MCO to NJ would be $1.1K.

danlb_20001 hour ago

If their planned travel day is during the storm, they may want to extend instead of leaving early.

Lilofan1 hour ago

In storm surge areas it means mostly mandatory evacuation or some officials advise if you refuse to evacuate write your SS# on your arms for easier identification . In interior Florida it’s hide hope and pray when the storm comes across like a bomb that has been exploded.

JohnD1 hour ago

Central FL is obviously a better location than storm surge areas even if in the direct path of a hurricane.

JohnD1 hour ago

That's always one of the first on the agenda that the AG and DFS look out for.

Brian1 hour ago

DCBaker1 hour ago

Here's a new statement from Walt Disney World: Monitoring Tropical Storm Milton Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.

hopemax1 hour ago

We are leaving for Japan (TDR trip that was supposed to be Oct 2020) on Sunday. My Dad, based on fares, decided to fly to Denver from MCO early Tuesday morning. DH and I were a little annoyed he was coming so early, Thursday would have been better for us, but oh boy, is that a fortuitous decision now! Hoping rain effects will stay away long enough for him to get out. Thankfully, his house hasn't had any issues from the previous hurricanes (a leak in a heavy rainstorm, in January, revealed where the racoon had tried to eat into the house under one of the small roofs so that got taken care of) and he won't have to be concerned about damage.

rogerrabbitfan91 hour ago

While this storm is going to be bad in Orlando, Orlando will be much better off than somewhere on the gulf coast.

Lilofan1 hour ago

That’s going to be the reason why the company stock is down when Iger and the CFO reports quarterly earnings to Wall Street in public conference call trying to justify not meeting Wall Street expectations (“ because of Hurricane Milton , parks and resorts numbers were affected etc etc etc” )