Walt Disney World has been hit hard by Hurricane Milton, with new footage showing the popular resort enduring the powerful storm. The video, recorded by a guest from their hotel room, captures strong winds battering the park, with palm trees nearly toppling over due to the force of the Category 3 hurricane. Despite Disney closing the resort on October 9 and 10, some guests remained sheltered in their hotel rooms as the storm passed through.
Hurricane Milton, which initially reached Category 5 with winds up to 180 mph, caused widespread damage across Florida. Although the storm weakened to a Category 1, its impact has been severe, leaving over three million people without power and resulting in multiple deaths, particularly from a tornado in St. Lucie County. Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed the tragic loss of life but withheld specific numbers, stating only that “more than one person” had died.
As guests hunkered down in Disney hotels, the resort warned them to stay indoors, stating, “Please prepare to shelter indoors in your room or building beginning at 8:30 PM, as the storm is expected to intensify.” The storm’s aftermath has left Disney facing significant financial losses, with analysts estimating the park’s closures could cost between $150 million and $200 million in earnings for this quarter.
The full extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Milton is still being assessed, but early reports indicate substantial destruction throughout Florida. In Tampa, the roof of the Tampa Field stadium was ripped off by the hurricane’s powerful winds, highlighting the devastating force of the storm.
Though Disney guests were able to find refuge in the resort’s hotels, the state of Florida continues to grapple with the widespread damage left in Milton’s wake. The storm, which many are calling the “storm of the century,” will likely have long-lasting effects on both the state and its iconic theme parks.
