In almost every way, the predictions for Hurricane Ian have worsened. We provide our expectations for just how impactful the storm will be to the theme parks.
All of Florida is bracing for a hurricane that is much stronger than anticipated. What was once a Category Three storm that might bring tropical winds to Orlando has been upgraded to the edge of a Category Five. It may become one over the next hours. Simultaneously, the hurricane is on track to hit the west coast of Florida at high tide, the worst time it could possibly land. It now seems that Hurricane Ian will be a historic storm that will be so powerful that it permanently alters the west coastline of the state.
That’s a heck of a storm and it’s also a worst case scenario. It will also be, in all probability, by far the worst hurricane to ever hit the Orlando theme parks since their existence. Yesterday, WDW Pro covered the preparations Florida attractions have in place for the hurricane. He covered that prior to their released plans and all of it seems to be coming to fruition. That’s great reporting and we’re pleased to be able to offer it here on That Park Place first. However, you may note that Disney World is going beyond their normal procedures. The most popular travel destination in the world is actually shutting down entry to their hotels at 3PM today and is preemptively closing the parks for 48 hours rather than the usual 24 hours. We’re being told that may be extended, actually. Universal Studios appears to be moving in lockstep with Disney Parks in their procedures as well.
Because this is on the cusp of a Category Five hurricane, and because it is on track to pass directly over Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, we expect significant damage to the parks. That doesn’t mean they will suffer catastrophic damage and they are designed to withstand a hurricane. But significant damage is still likely. Where we had originally intended to have reporters on the ground inside Walt Disney World early Friday, that will likely have to be later in the day as roadways are cleared. Flooding is a potential significant problem, downed trees are very likely, and we even expect some structural damage to the parks. Much of our expectations have to be hedged on the possibility that the hurricane eye moves east of the major Orlando attractions. If so, while the storm would be still the worst ever for Disney World and Universal Studios, they would face a less difficult situation. If, on the other hand, the hurricane center passes to the west, the parks will take the brunt of the full force winds — this is called the “dirty side” of the hurricane.
Unfortunately, natural disasters are a phenomenon that we must contend with. We hope that everyone who needed to evacuate has done so already and we wish everyone on the west coast of Florida well. The storm surge, the winds, the damage… all of it will be history-making. We take no joy in saying that. We also take no joy in saying that a storm of this magnitude hitting the major Florida theme parks could impact operations for longer than we have ever seen from a weather event in the past.
Stay safe everyone. We’re thinking and praying for you.
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