Hurricane Milton is threatening the west coast of Florida proper on the heels of Hurricane Helene‘s destruction. After the storm intensified into a Category 4 — then quickly a Category 5 — in the Gulf Coast, residents in the Sunshine State are preparing for the worst. Since Walt Disney World could be in the hurricane’s path, will the Orlando parks shut?
When Is Hurricane Milton Going to Hit Florida?
Milton is projected to make landfall on Wednesday, October 9, and it’s anticipated to spiral by way of the remainder of Florida by way of the tip of the week. Milton ought to then unfurl over the south Atlantic Ocean, however meteorologists have famous that it’s too early to foretell the precise path of the hurricane.
Is Disney World Closing for Milton?
Hurricane Milton Strengthens Into Class 4 Storm, Anticipated to Hit Walt Disney World and Common Thursdayhttps://t.co/i9cNE193XQ
— WDW Information Right now (@WDWNT) October 7, 2024
On Monday, October 7, the Walt Disney Firm introduced the parks had been nonetheless open in a press release by way of the Orlando parks’ web site. Nonetheless, Disney additionally inspired friends “to prepare for the local climate and check the weather forecast for Central Florida.”
“Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions,” the announcement learn. “We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and cast members.”
In line with the parks’ climate insurance policies, if the Nationwide Hurricane Middle (NHC) points a warning inside seven days of a visitor’s scheduled arrival date, the visitor can “reschedule or cancel [their] Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort Hotel Package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.”
Per Florida Right now, Disney World has quickly closed the power to make park reservations on Tuesday, October 8, and Wednesday, October 9.
Disney World up to date its web site at 6:00 p.m. ET on October 7 with the next assertion: “We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm, and the safety of our guests and cast members remains our top priority. Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions and will continue to be on Tuesday, October 8. Looking ahead, we are making adjustments based on the latest weather forecast and some areas with unique environments.”
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will “temporarily close beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9,” per Disney’s web site. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa can even “remain closed until Sunday, October 13,” however the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will “likely reopen on Friday, October 11.”
As for the parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will shut at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, whereas Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney Springs will shut at 2:00 p.m. that day.
WDW famous on October 8 that it’s “likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10” and that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Celebration at Magic Kingdom is canceled that day. Occasion tickets for MNSSHP shall be refunded.
Hurricane Milton’s Projected Path
0800 UPDATE -Milton has quickly intensified right into a Main Class 4 Hurricane. Information from each Hurricane Hunter plane point out most winds are estimated to be 150 mph with a strain fallen to 940 mb. Adjustments will shall be mirrored within the regular 10 AM CDT advisory merchandise. pic.twitter.com/YbQAub1RQw
— Nationwide Hurricane Middle (@NWSNHC) October 7, 2024
In line with the NHC, Milton “has rapidly intensified into a Major Category 4 Hurricane” as of October 7, the group introduced by way of X.
Final month, Hurricane Helene made landfall within the Massive Bend area of Florida on September 26. The storm moved its manner up the east coast and in the end killed greater than 200 folks in a number of southern states.