PHOTOS: Walt Disney World Prepares for Hurricane Milton

Andrew Iovino

Updated on:

Covered market stalls with green tarps are cordoned off with yellow tape, reminiscent of a scene from a recent Walt Disney World photo report after Hurricane Milton swept through, located on a paved area near trees and a body of water.

PHOTOS: Walt Disney World Prepares for Hurricane Milton

As Orlando prepares for the oncoming storm, Walt Disney World has begun preliminary storm preparations while the park operates as normal. We visited some of the parks to see what is being done to prevent damage during the intense weather.

EPCOT

A large geodesic sphere stands prominently, surrounded by visitors and trees, under a cloudy sky in Walt Disney World.

Flags have been removed from the flagpoles at the entrance to EPCOT, surrounding Spaceship Earth.

A closed outdoor food stand with a red and black awning, featuring signs for snacks like ice cream and pretzels, is surrounded by yellow caution tape in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

Food and drink kiosks have been strapped and bolted down to prevent movement during the powerful winds.

A person in uniform stands near closed umbrellas and a monorail track, with palm trees swaying under the cloudy skies, as they prepare for Hurricane Milton at Walt Disney World.

The Guest Services podium has been removed and umbrellas have been tied up.

People at an outdoor splash pad with a child joyfully playing in the water. Palm trees and bushes line the background, with red barriers marking the area—a scene capturing vibrant life as if plucked straight from a photo report of a carefree day, far removed from worries like Hurricane Milton.

The splash pad in World Discovery is still running but with two stanchions blocking portions of it.

The Coastal Eats booth for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival has had its umbrellas removed and orange tarps now cover the cash registers. This is our first time seeing these orange covers used. The mobile ice cooler is covered as well.

Two people set up a small outdoor retail kiosk at Walt Disney World, arranging shelves filled with hats, plush toys, and themed merchandise. Amidst preparations for a possible Hurricane Milton impact, the atmosphere remains vibrant and welcoming.

We noticed Cast Members clearing off merchandise from the kiosk outside Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.

Visitors at Walt Disney World's "Journey of Water" attraction are surrounded by lush tropical plants as they explore under a cloudy sky, creating a picture-perfect Photo Report despite the looming presence of Hurricane Milton.

The cover over the podium at the entrance to Journey of Water was removed.

In an outdoor setting reminiscent of Walt Disney World, a closed refreshment stand sits quietly amid trees and greenery. Visitors stroll nearby under a cloudy sky, creating a scene worthy of a photo report.

This mobile snack cart near The Seas Pavilion is operational but has tarps over it.

People on an escalator in a shopping center, with a wet floor caution sign nearby, seemed unfazed by the remnants of Hurricane Milton.

Inside The Land Pavilion, a wet floor sign was placed next to the elevator.

A closed outdoor food kiosk with a menu board stands silently in a palm-lined park area, basking under a clear sky. It's reminiscent of scenes from happier days before Hurricane Milton swept through, leaving Walt Disney World and beyond temporarily transformed.

Earth Eats has similar measures as Coastal Eats, with those orange tarps.

A closed food kiosk in Walt Disney World, with surrounding safety barriers due to Hurricane Milton, set under a monorail track against a partly cloudy sky.

The Imagination Kiosk has yellow straps as well, keeping it in place.

A landscaped garden with wooden planters, colorful foliage, and a few people strolling in the background under a blue sky creates a serene scene reminiscent of Walt Disney World's enchanting atmosphere.

Food & Wine props have been removed, leaving empty patches of dirt in the topiaries.

Milled & Mulled and Swirled Showcase have been prepped as well.

The booths at the Canada Pavilion have been locked down with straps and covers.

The cloudy sky looms over an outdoor area with closed, green-covered kiosks nestled amidst lush greenery. Nearby, the brick building labeled "Rose & Crown" stands prominently. This scene feels like a snapshot from a photo report of Walt Disney World during quieter times.

Rose & Crown has been locked down with straps and covers on the outdoor kiosks.

A covered cart with a blue canopy and an adjacent beige storage unit sits on a paved path surrounded by trees and greenery, evoking the charm of Walt Disney World.

The pin cart past the UK Pavilion has been covered and tied down.

Two people sit near the entrance of a yellow building with ornate details and a black door, capturing a moment that could easily belong in a photo report from Walt Disney World.

The awning above the entrance to Monsieur Paul in the France Pavilion has been removed.

At Walt Disney World, visitors line up at a Belgium-themed food kiosk, with a map and an exit sign visible in the foreground. The scene is reminiscent of a photo report capturing the day's adventures.

The Belgium booth is still operational but has some orange tarps out already.

A covered outdoor bar setup at Walt Disney World features decorative panels and a soda fountain machine, with walls adorned with plates and artwork.

The smoothie bar at Morocco has mostly been cleaned out.

The Japan and Greece booths are still operating as normal. Even the registers are uncovered.

Traditional Japanese building with blue-tiled roof, stone base, and wooden details at Walt Disney World. Bamboo poles lean against the white wall.

In the Japan pavilion, posters for the Kawaii art installation were removed.

Two closed umbrellas, one red and one green, perch on a wheeled cart in front of a building with wooden columns and a sign—a scene documented in this photo report. Nearby, shrubs and a tree add to the atmosphere as Hurricane Milton looms over Walt Disney World.

Umbrellas were also being removed on pull carts.

Stanchions block off this covered drink cart and the umbrellas have been zip-tied.

A small food stand at Walt Disney World, with a "Taste of America" sign, is buzzing with visitors. Amid the brick path and vibrant red flowers in the foreground, trees provide a lush backdrop to this charming scene.

Umbrellas were being actively removed by Cast Members at the still-operational Flavors of America booth.

The exterior of the smokehouse restaurant is captured as if in a photo report, with a sign above the door adorned with red and white swags. Two strollers rest outside, hinting at nearby family attractions reminiscent of Walt Disney World, while a wooden bench sits invitingly in the foreground.

The banners outside Regal Eagle Smokehouse were still up.

An outdoor stage with wooden benches, trees, and a lamppost creates a peaceful foreground, while stage equipment and curtains hint at the excitement ahead. Captured for a picturesque photo report, this scene conveys tranquility amid the magic reminiscent of Walt Disney World.

No changes yet at the America Stage.

The public square, reminiscent of classical architecture, unfolds under a cloudy sky like a scene from Walt Disney World. People stroll leisurely past the landscaped flower beds, as if part of a live photo report capturing the serene moments before Hurricane Milton's looming approach.

We also didn’t spot any changes at Italy yet.

The Tiny Village is still running as normal with the figures and trains yet to be removed.

The Bier kiosk at the Germany Pavilion has been covered with a yellow strap wrapped around it, securing it to pillars.

The beer kiosk has also been locked down in the usual fashion.

Three people stand at an outdoor food kiosk labeled "India," ordering food and drinks amid traditional Indian patterns. This lively scene was captured during a Photo Report from Walt Disney World, offering a taste of cultural cuisine.

The India booth is still operating with orange tarps over the outdoor registers.

The kiosks at Africa have been locked down.

Amid a cloudy sky, people stroll toward a traditional Chinese architectural structure, evoking scenes from a captivating photo report.

At the China Pavilion, all the banners were taken down.

Visitors wandered near the China food booth with its distinctive blue-tiled roof at Walt Disney World, enjoying a partly cloudy sky overhead.

The China booth is still operating with open umbrellas. Only one register is covered.

At Walt Disney World, visitors gather near the entrance of Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, its stone facade framed by lush trees under a partly cloudy sky. A staff member gestures invitingly as they await the day's magic, capturing an enchanting scene for any photo report.

Umbrellas are still open at the Norway Pavilion.

People stand in line at an outdoor food kiosk with a taped-off awning and caution tape, reminiscent of a scene from a recent Photo Report on Hurricane Milton. Trees and additional seating are visible in the background.

The Norway kiosk is still operating with yellow straps already affixed.

A man in a green shirt strolls by a costumed character clad in a multicolored poncho, set against an ancient stone wall backdrop, reminiscent of a scene straight out of Walt Disney World.

Donald is missing his sombrero today!

The Australia booth is missing its tent and has orange tarps over the registers.

Magic Kingdom

Under a cloudy sky, people stroll past the theater building with its ornate architecture and a sign reading "Theater," reminiscent of a scene from Walt Disney World.

The banners outside Main Street Theater have been rolled up.

Not much has been done to prepare for the storm at Magic Kingdom yet. It will likely be done overnight after Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ends.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Umbrellas were still up and open when we visited the park. It seems the Hurricane prep has not yet made it to Hollywood.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Lamps are tied up outside the entrance gate to the park.

Lamps inside the park are tied up as well.

Cloth wings from bird signage around the park were removed for Hurricane Helene and are still missing.

Walt Disney World announced closures across the resort for the hurricane. Certain resorts will be closed and park reservations have been blocked for October 9. Additionally, Orlando International Airport has suspended commercial operations starting Wednesday.

Stick to WDWNT for the latest updates on the storm and how it can affect your upcoming Disney Cruise or Walt Disney World vacation.

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