Tampa Airport To Close for Hurricane Milton: Orlando International and Walt Disney World Operations Update

Oct 07, 2024 in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

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Posted: Monday October 7, 2024 10:38am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

UPDATE 1:30pm - Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Halt Operations Ahead of Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton rapidly strengthens in the Gulf of Mexico and approaches Florida, Tampa International Airport (TPA) has announced it will suspend all commercial and cargo operations starting at 9 am on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

The airport will remain closed to the public until the storm passes and a damage assessment can be completed. This closure could significantly affect visitors traveling to Walt Disney World Resort, especially those flying into Tampa or planning to travel through the area.

Tampa Airport's Preparations

Tampa International Airport is preparing for the storm by securing jet bridges, ground equipment, and any remaining aircraft. The airport, which is located in an "A" evacuation zone, will not be staffed during the closure and will not provide shelter for people or vehicles. Airport officials are urging travelers to follow emergency management guidelines and avoid bringing vehicles to the airport for parking.

Impact on Walt Disney World Visitors

Many travelers flying into Walt Disney World Resort may have planned to use Tampa International Airport as their arrival or departure hub. The closure of TPA will likely result in significant disruptions, including flight cancellations and rebooking challenges. Guests who had planned to arrive at or depart from TPA should contact their airlines immediately to confirm their flight status and discuss alternative arrangements.

Travelers heading to Walt Disney World are encouraged to consider alternate airports, such as Orlando International Airport (MCO), which remains operational but has activated its Emergency Operations Center and is taking precautionary measures as Hurricane Milton approaches. However, delays and cancellations are also expected at MCO, and passengers should monitor airline updates closely.

Orlando International Airport Prepares for Milton

Although Orlando International Airport (MCO) has not announced a full closure as of this time, airport officials have initiated pre-storm procedures. These preparations include securing outdoor items, construction sites, and boarding bridges in anticipation of strong winds and heavy rain associated with the storm.

MCO has also been holding briefings with airlines and other partners as part of its hurricane emergency response plan. While the airport remains open, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information, as delays and cancellations are expected throughout the week. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates if further operational changes are needed.

Hurricane Milton Forecast and Expected Impact

As of this morning, Hurricane Milton has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. The storm is located approximately 745 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, and is forecasted to continue intensifying into a Category 4 hurricane as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to make landfall along Florida's west coast by Wednesday, October 9, with potential life-threatening storm surge, high winds, and heavy rainfall impacting much of the state.

Hurricane warnings and storm surge watches are already in effect for parts of the Florida Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay, where storm surge levels could reach between 8 to 12 feet. In central Florida, including the Orlando area, the storm could bring significant rainfall, leading to flash flooding and potential disruptions to travel and resort operations.

Hurricane Milton - October 7, 7am

What Walt Disney World Guests Should Do

Visitors heading to Walt Disney World in the coming days should closely monitor updates from both Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport to assess their travel options. With TPA closing and MCO expecting delays, it's crucial for travelers to contact their airlines for the latest information and to explore alternative travel arrangements if needed.

Guests staying at Walt Disney World should also be prepared for possible park closures or operational changes depending on the storm's trajectory and intensity. Disney is actively monitoring the situation and has already suspended theme park reservations for October 9, the day Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall.

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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