Hurricane Milton's Impact on Employees

As Hurricane Milton bore down on central Florida, The Walt Disney Company faced backlash from employees after refusing to allow theme park workers near Orlando to leave early ahead of the storm. Sources from within Disney reported that many workers felt their safety was compromised as conditions worsened throughout the day.

Employee Experiences

Four Disney employees shared with Business Insider that management insisted on maintaining staffing levels even as the severe weather approached, leaving many feeling uneasy. "We felt like we were flying blind," one employee commented, referencing the lack of clear communication from supervisors amid the chaos.

Park Operations During the Storm

On Wednesday, when heavy rains began and attendance drastically diminished, Disney went ahead with park operations. Reports indicated that Magic Kingdom was functioning at merely 10% capacity before park closures were enforced. By 1 p.m. Eastern time, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom closed to guests, while Magic Kingdom and Epcot followed suit at 2 p.m. The parks were reopened two days later, on Friday.

Concerns of Employees

One worker recalled feeling increasingly anxious as tornado warnings were issued just after they ended their shift at 2:45 p.m. "I wish the park just wouldn’t have opened at all," they said, highlighting the precarious situation both employees and guests were thrust into amidst the impending storm.

Tourists' Experience

Tourists still determined to make the most out of their day braved the conditions—like Dr. Craig Chavis from Maryland, who documented their rain-soaked experience on Instagram. "It’s about to get interesting. But the park was almost empty today," he shared. Nearby businesses were also seen operating despite the weather warnings, which led to further discontent among employees concerned for their safety.

Disney's Statement

In a statement, Disney asserted that their top priority was safety and insisted they had been providing timely updates to cast members. Nevertheless, frustration persisted, with reports revealing that Disney managers were expecting some employees to return on Thursday for cleanup, generating concern for those whose safety was already in jeopardy during the storm.

Employee Dissatisfaction and Financial Impact

The communication sent through the Cast Life app indicated that cast members scheduled to work post-storm were encouraged to check local hotlines for updates. An employee voiced their dissent, labeling the expectation to report for cleanup as "sickening" and stated their intention not to show up for work the following day, regardless of potential repercussions.

"Orlando might be inland, but that doesn’t mean the rain and winds aren't terrifying," they expressed. Amidst the turmoil, analysts from Goldman Sachs projected that Hurricane Milton could lead to substantial financial setbacks for Disney, estimating losses between $150 million and $200 million as a result of the storm's aftermath on their beloved parks.

Conclusion

As the storm rages, the ongoing dialogue surrounding employee safety and corporate responsibilities adds another layer to the narrative of this unfolding weather crisis at one of the world’s most popular family destinations.