Disney World Employees Risk Lives as Hurricane Milton Approaches

As Hurricane Milton barreled towards Florida, employees at Disney World found themselves in a precarious situation, with many expressing disappointment over how the company handled the looming storm. Reports indicate that even as weather forecasts predicted violent winds and flash flooding, cash-strapped employees felt an undeniable pressure to work well into the afternoon.

Rain began pouring over Orlando on Wednesday morning, intensifying fears around the impending hurricane. Despite the hazardous conditions, the Walt Disney World Resort remained open for business, leaving workers to navigate their own safety as the storm drew closer. 'Everyone was in a rush to leave, and it was frightening not knowing how the weather would affect our journey home,' one cast member recounted.

Sources within the parks criticized Disney for its mishandling of scheduling and communication as Hurricane Milton approached. Several employees, wishing to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation, shared frustrations about being undermined by inadequate safety protocols and poor communication. They lamented that crucial updates about the storm were sparse, leaving them feeling like they were 'flying blind.'

As attendance dwindled to as low as 10% at some parks, employees voiced their concerns about staying to close down attractions while others were evacuating. By 2:45 p.m., Orange County was already under a state of emergency, raising alarms about tornado watches and flash flooding. Yet, workers were still required to stay back and secure the park, a decision that many found unsettling.

Facing extreme weather and personal anxiety was compounded by financial concerns. Disney’s vast operation runs with around 80,000 cast members, making it one of the largest single-site employers in the country. For many employees, the choice was stark: to stay through the storm to earn their pay, or to leave early and accept reduced wages. Reports from inside the park indicated that many opted for the former, needing the income to make ends meet.

Disney did eventually close its four parks early—the closures took effect at 1 p.m. for Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom and at 2 p.m. for Magic Kingdom and Epcot—but the decision came late for those in the park. When the storm finally hit, many cast members were still on the clock, enduring the stress of working in a near-empty park.

As the hurricane passed, the aftermath was equally daunting. Disney communicated plans for clean-up operations the following day, raising questions about employee safety and well-being in response to the storm damage. Concerned for their safety, many cast members debated reporting to work amid ongoing weather advisories and unsafe driving conditions.

In light of the massive economic implications a storm like Milton could have on Disney's parks—up to $200 million according to Goldman Sachs—employees found themselves navigating a delicate balance between their financial needs and their safety. While the company insists that employee safety is a priority, the real story showcases a troubling reality for many workers.

Ultimately, as the aftermath of Hurricane Milton unfolds, the plight of Disney employees serves as a stark reminder of the human cost behind the magic of one of the world's most beloved entertainment destinations. The storm may have passed, but the challenges faced by workers continue to raise critical questions about corporate responsibilities and employee rights in the face of natural disasters.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops—because this isn't just another weather report; it's about the real people behind the happiest place on Earth!