As Hurricane Milton continues its east-northeast trajectory away from Florida, Walt Disney World has issued a new operational update this morning, urging resort hotel guests to remain indoors while the storm’s impact is assessed. The latest advisory from the National Weather Service highlights the ongoing threat of strong winds, heavy rain, and flash flooding in the area.
Walt Disney World Operational Update (Thursday, October 10, 2024, 7:30 am ET)
Walt Disney World Resort has asked all resort hotel guests to continue sheltering inside their rooms as the resort assesses the damage and safety conditions post-storm. The safety of guests and Cast Members remains the top priority, and additional information will be provided when it is deemed safe to go outdoors.
Resort guests are advised to monitor the My Disney Experience app and other official channels for further instructions.
Hurricane Milton Update
At 8:00 am EDT, the National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Milton was located about 75 miles east-northeast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. Milton, now a Category 1 hurricane, is steadily moving away from the Florida coast at 18 mph and is expected to weaken as it heads into the Atlantic Ocean later today.
Although Milton is pulling away from Florida, the storm’s outer bands are still producing strong winds and heavy rainfall near the Space Coast, with wind gusts of up to 76 mph being reported at Marineland and Cocoa-Patrick Air Force Base.
Weather Conditions and Warnings
Hurricane warnings remain in effect for parts of east-central Florida, including areas near Sebastian Inlet and up the coast to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. In addition to hurricane-force winds, a storm surge warning has been issued for the same area, with water levels expected to rise 3-5 feet above normal levels. The St. Johns River is also under a storm surge warning, with the potential for 2-4 feet of flooding along its banks.
Tropical storm conditions are also being experienced across parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and the northwestern Bahamas.
Rainfall and Flash Flood Risk
As Hurricane Milton continues to move away from Florida, additional rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches are expected along portions of the east-central and northeast Florida coast through this morning. This rainfall increases the risk of flash flooding, particularly in urban areas, and could exacerbate river flooding in already swollen waterways.
Significant rainfall has already led to flash flooding in parts of Orlando and surrounding areas, including regions near Walt Disney World.
Guests are advised to avoid traveling through any flooded areas and follow all local safety instructions.
Walt Disney World guests should continue to stay indoors and monitor official communications for updates on when it will be safe to move around the resort. Resort dining and in-room services are available, and Disney is working to ensure guests remain safe and comfortable during this time.
Theme Parks and Disney Springs to Remain Closed on Thursday, October 10
Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs will remain closed throughout Thursday, October 10, as Hurricane Milton is expected to pass through central Florida. This closure includes all four major parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Canceled
The Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, scheduled for Thursday, October 10, has been canceled. Guests who purchased tickets for the event will receive automatic refunds.
Multi-Day Ticket Expiration Adjustments
For guests with partially used multi-day tickets, Walt Disney World is making accommodations by extending the ticket expiration dates. These tickets will now expire on October 11, 2025.
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