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Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando decided to stay open on Tuesday, October 8, before Hurricane Milton's anticipated arrival. The company will close its theme parks on Wednesday, October 9, since Hurricane Milton is now predicted to land in Florida on that day.
As per the official statement on Disney's website, the theme park is functioning as usual. The statement further says:
"Looking ahead, we are making adjustments based on the latest weather forecast and some areas with unique environments."
Meanwhile, once the news went viral, netizens took to X to express their opinion. Users criticized the company for remaining open until the start of Hurricane Milton, with one remarking that the company had become "greedy."
"I cannot believe Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are choosing to remain open up until the actual start of the hurricane. How greedy. Let the workers have a chance to prepare themselves,"an X user wrote.
Other netizens also expressed a similar sentiment. One user asked why the park is "forcing" the employees to stay until Hurricane Milton hits.
"Prepping for a storm is a lot of work. We used to go to WDW at least once a year but recently we stopped because they just seem too greedy…," another user wrote.
"That’s insane. @WaltDisneyWorld WTF?! Close. Let your employees get to safety - this is unconscionable," said one user.
"Hey @WaltDisneyWorld @UniversalORL What about the employees you're forcing to stay until the hurricane hits?.... How are they supposed to evacuate if you're forcing them to work? #HurricaneMilton #Disney"one user asked the company.
On the other hand, other netizens provided support and asked the park workers to leave, stating that these jobs weren't worth their lives.
"No employer, Disney included, can hold someone against their free will. Leave!", wrote one concerned user.
"Gurlll, leave… These jobs aren't worth your life," another user wrote.
"This is nuts. I'd be gone. Your human right to seek safety supersedes any directive by an employer," one X user said.
Walt Disney World announced the closing of the park in the wake of the upcoming Hurricane Milton
The Universal Orlando Resort stated it will close Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk, and Universal Studios Florida on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and stay closed on Thursday.
Universal Volcano Bay will remain closed on these days as well. Moreover, the park intends to resume Halloween Horror Nights and all its parks on Friday, subject to Hurricane Milton's effects.
As per the company's official statement, all Disney theme parks and Disney Springs will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9. Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom theme park will also close at that time. The Magic Kingdom park and EPCOT will then close at 2:00 p.m.
Disney also stated on its website,
"It is likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, Oct. 10. We will consider opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings."
Furthermore, the entire Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom park, which was scheduled on Thursday, has been canceled. Additionally, on October 9 and 10, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Legoland Florida, and Discovery Cove Orlando will be closed.
Moreover, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf, and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will also be closed on Wednesday.
Additionally, Orlando International Airport announced that it will be closed on Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, as per Reuters’ October 8 article, Hurricane Milton is currently headed directly at the Tampa Bay region, expected to bring a storm surge of at least 10 feet. Furthermore, with a sustained wind speed of 258 km/h (160 mph), it is predicted to reach landfall within 24 hours.
