Some Disney World employees felt pressured to stay and work despite forecasts of looming tornadoes and flash floods in the hours leading up to Hurricane Milton

14.10.2024 - 20:57 / insider.com / Sunshine State

Rain began falling over Orlando early Wednesday morning as Hurricane Milton barreled toward the Sunshine State. Forecasts predicted violent winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes to reach the region by late afternoon.

The Walt Disney World Resort was still open for business.

"Everyone was in a rush to get out of there, and it was scary not knowing how the weather was going to be on the ride home," a parks worker told Business Insider.

BI spoke to four employees who work in the various parks at Disney World. They expressed their disappointment with how the company managed scheduling, logistics, and safety precautions in the hours leading up to Hurricane Milton's arrival, from refusing to cancel work as weather conditions worsened to engaging in what sources described as infrequent communication that left employees feeling like they were flying blind.

These workers — called "cast members" — requested their names and roles remain anonymous, citing fears of possible reprisals from Disney. Their identities are known to BI.

Shutdowns are costly: Before the storm, Goldman Sachs estimated the hurricane could cost Disney's lucrative parks division up to $200 million. The company also had to balance workers' well-being with serving eager guests who pay thousands for what can be once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Disney closed its four parks early on Wednesday due to the storm. Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom closed at 1 p.m. for guests, and Magic Kingdom and Epcot closed at 2 p.m.

Even before closing, though, the parks started to feel like wet and rainy ghost towns, cast members told BI. Attendance at Magic Kingdom, the park best known for its storybook castle, dwindled to roughly 10%, the first employee estimated.

"I wish the park wouldn't have opened up for the day at all," the employee added.

Still, workers told BI that staff were expected to stay on hand through and after closing to help batten down the hatches, which left some feeling unsettled and unsafe.

By around 2:45 p.m., when one of the workers said they left, the weather in Orange County, where Disney World is located, was worsening. A tornado warning would be issued for southeastern Orange County at 3:22 p.m. and another for south central Orange County at 4:28 p.m.

In addition to those who spoke with BI, people who identified themselves as Disney parks workers took to social media, posting on TikTok and X, voicing similar complaints and sharing what it was like working in a mostly-empty amusement park as the tempest closed in.

In a statement, a Walt Disney World spokesperson said the company prioritizes the well-being of those on park grounds.

"Safety is always our first and most important factor when making decisions that will affect our cast