Hurricane Milton disturbed Orlando’s tourism industry on Tuesday, with major theme parks and the main airport announcing closures ahead of the storm’s expected impact. Universal Studios announced plans to close its theme parks and entertainment district on Wednesday and Thursday, including canceling Halloween Horror Nights. Orlando International Airport, the nation’s seventh busiest airport, also announced plans to cease operations on Wednesday morning. Walt Disney World, on the other hand, stated that it was operating as usual, with plans only to close campgrounds and rental cabins in wooded areas.
Despite the impending hurricane, Disney Springs, an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex within Walt Disney World, remained open for business. While a hot air balloon ride was closed in anticipation of the hurricane, other stores and restaurants continued to operate. Hurricane Milton threatened to disrupt the vacations of many tourists at Disney World, including Nicole and Zeb Downs from Arkansas, who were considering cutting their trip short due to the storm. This decision marked their first experience with a hurricane, leading to uncertainty and disappointment in the face of potential danger.
The Orlando area is a top tourist destination in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year due to its numerous theme parks, including Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. October is a particularly popular time for theme parks, with Halloween-related events drawing large crowds and generating significant revenue. Although Disney World has rarely closed its doors in the past, the resort’s hotels often serve as safe havens for coastal residents seeking refuge from approaching storms. In the past, guests have received unexpected treats during hurricanes, such as actress Kristen Bell singing for evacuees during Hurricane Irma in 2017.
After a hurricane passes, theme parks in Orlando work swiftly to resume normal operations. Following Hurricane Charley in 2004, Disney World quickly cleared debris and restored services on its property within hours. The theme parks prioritize the safety and comfort of guests and employees, working to ensure a smooth recovery process post-storm. As Hurricane Milton approached, tourists and residents in Orlando prepared for potential disruptions, with theme parks and other businesses taking precautions to protect visitors and staff. Despite the challenges posed by the storm, the Orlando tourism industry remains resilient, with a longstanding history of successfully managing hurricane impacts and bouncing back quickly.
