Walt Disney World is grappling with significant financial losses as Hurricane Milton makes landfall in Florida.
The powerful storm has prompted widespread evacuations and severe storm warnings, particularly for Florida’s west coast.
The economic ramifications of the hurricane on Disney’s theme parks are being explored. Additionally, the safety precautions being taken are also discussed.
Hurricane Milton hits Florida, forcing Disney parks to close
Walt Disney World is facing significant financial losses as Hurricane Milton makes landfall in Florida.
The hurricane, a powerful category 5 storm, has triggered widespread evacuations and storm warnings, particularly for Florida’s west coast.
Storm surges of up to 15 feet and winds of 160 mph are expected to cause massive damage.
In anticipation of the hurricane’s arrival, Disney has temporarily closed several of its major theme parks.
Additionally, these include Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The Orlando area, where Walt Disney World is located, is directly in the storm’s path.
Revenue losses projected in the Millions
According to a report by Goldman Sachs, Disney could face losses between $150 million and $200 million due to the closures.
As a result, the losses aren’t just from the temporary park shutdowns. Attendance is expected to decline by up to 6% this quarter, even after the parks reopen.
If projections hold, Hurricane Milton could be the most expensive storm for Florida since Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Disney reported $100 million in losses from Irma when it closed Walt Disney World for two days and canceled Disney Cruise Line sailings.
Orlando under Hurricane warning
Orlando, home to Walt Disney World, is currently under a hurricane warning.
Additionally, the National Weather Service predicts winds between 74 and 110 mph, with up to 12 inches of rainfall. These wind speeds are described as a “threat to life and property,” with warnings for significant damage.
Video captures early storm conditions at Disney
On Tiktok platform, a user, who goes by @justthemeparks shared a video showed wind speeds picking up at Walt Disney World as the storm approaches.
The video was shot by a guest seeking shelter in their hotel room, capturing the early effects of the hurricane.
In the comments section, many viewers expressed their shock after Hurricane Milton devastated Disney.
One person said: lol! I must be just down the hall. I have almost the exact same video. I’m glad it didn’t get bad here. It was like a Windy day in Oklahoma.
A second wrote: Hey neighbor! I’m at Pop right now! Stay safe over there.
While a third commented: my daughter is staying there. prayers for you all.
Someone else said: did it fully flood? People are posting pictures of it flooded but I’m not sure they’re real
Walt Disney World has closed at least seven times before due to hurricanes. While, these closures, like those from Hurricane Milton, lead to significant financial impacts for the park.
Walt Disney World faces serious revenue losses from Hurricane Milton, adding to the financial strain caused by past storms. With parks closed and potential declines in attendance, the storm’s impact on Disney’s bottom line could be severe.
Additionally, As Florida braces for more extreme weather, the full extent of the damage remains to be seen.
@justthemeparks Hurricane Milton is here at Walt Disney World! We’re staying safe in our room at the Art of Animation & hope everyone else in Florida is safe too! We’d also like to say a huge thank you to all the cast members who are working through the hurricane and those who kept the Magic Kingdom open this morning! The small queue’s definitely helped distract us! ❤️😂 Trust us to time our vacation during a hurricane! 🌀 #hurricanemilton #wdw #waltdisneyworld #artofanimation #disneyparks #themeparks