Tropical Storm Milton is now forecast to become a major hurricane before making landfall in Florida next week, and amid the State of Emergency, Walt Disney World has paused hotel reservations for Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10.
We also noticed that DVC reservations are unavailable for Tuesday, October 8, Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10. The next available night at any DVC resort at Walt Disney World is Friday, October 11.
No official statement has been issued, but no rooms are available to book for those dates. This is often a “canary in the coal mine” for storm preparations as it means that Walt Disney World Resort is expecting to (potentially) need the available inventory.
Pausing reservations allows Disney to ensure they have accommodations for enough Cast Members to support the guests who already have reservations. These Cast Members, known as a ride-out crew, often stay at their assigned resorts to ensure smooth operations amid unusual circumstances. In the past, when the parks have closed due to hurricanes, the resorts have provided additional services for their guests, such as entertainment and activities for kids.
At this time, Walt Disney World has not made any comment on the incoming storm. Milton is expected to reach Florida late Tuesday evening or Wednesday as a category 2 or 3 hurricane.
Stay tuned for more operational updates as the National Weather Service and Walt Disney World Resort provide more information.
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