Disney World and Universal Go Dark as Hurricane Milton Closes in on Florida
Looks like Disney’s about to take a beating from Hurricane Milton. This storm’s rolling in and the big mouse in Orlando is shutting down everything to brace for impact. Milton’s already a Category 5, so you know it’s serious. It’s headed straight for Central Florida, and Disney World’s right in the path.
According to Forbes, starting Wednesday, Disney World is hitting the pause button. First up, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are closing at 1 p.m., then Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs are done at 2 p.m. And don’t even think about catching a cab… Disney’s cutting off most of its transportation when the parks shut down, with a few taxis still running for resort guests. They’re also refunding tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. So if you were planning on getting your “spooky” on, forget it. Milton is scary enough.
Experts like Goldman Sachs are saying this whole situation is about to cost Disney big time. Between the shutdowns and people deciding they’re better off staying home, the parks are looking at a $150 to $200 million hit for the quarter. Yikes. It might be the worst since Hurricane Irma, which cost Disney massive $100 million in 2017.
Disney World Not Alone:
Disney World isn’t not alone, though. Universal’s closing its doors too, right after its Halloween Horror Nights gets the axe. SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Legoland. Everybody’s bailing until at least Thursday. Even Orlando International Airport is shutting down for regular flights. It’ll stay open just long enough to get in some relief efforts.
So, you’re probably not going anywhere fun this week. Best bet? Grab some snacks, hunker down, and hope Milton doesn’t leave too much of a mess. Disney will be back, but right now, the parks are on lockdown until Milton is done with us.