Hurricane Milton closes Walt Disney World as Florida braces for battering from monster storm

Category 5 storm Hurricane Milton is due to impact Florida later today as residents in the state continue to reel from the impact of the devastating Hurricane Helene

Walt Disney World has announced several theme park closures ahead of the impact of Hurricane Milton that is due to rip through Florida.

The powerful Category 5 storm continues to barrel towards the Sunshine State where mass evacuations have already been carried out by residents on the west coast. Motorways were packed as people left their homes and possessions behind to get to safety.

The potentially historic impact is due to happen on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, local time. Many communities in Florida continue to reel from Hurricane Helene which blasted the state just two weeks ago.

Walt Disney World announced it would close several of its attractions and transport connections in preparation of the impact. The update shared via its website said people would be refunded for their pre-paid booking expenses.

"It is likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10. We will consider opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings," A Disney spokesperson said. "This includes the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park on Thursday, October 10. Event tickets will be refunded."

The company also announced its Disney Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close at 11am local time today and will likely remain closed until Sunday. Disney World transportation will also cease operating today after the theme park and Disney Springs close.

Disney announced it will not enforce cancellation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences. Prepaid booking expenses will be automatically refunded within seven to 10 business days.

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeDantis yesterday said preparations had been made ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall. He said in an October 8 post shared on X/Twitter: "Nearly 600 ambulances and more than 30 paratransits are in operation.

"They will be nearby and ready to save lives as soon as the hurricane passes. The National Guard is deploying aerial, water, and ground search and rescue teams for the largest National Guard search and rescue mobilization in Florida history.

"Florida will have 43,000 linemen staged from all over the country, and they’ll be ready to restore power when it’s safe to do so. Now is the time to execute your plan and follow any evacuation orders from your local officials. Your home can be rebuilt, your possessions can be replaced, but we cannot replace a life lost to the storm."