Matkailu Orlandossa loppui nopeasti keskiviikkona. Päälentokenttä sekä ainakin kolme teemapuistoa ja muuta yritystä suljettiin, mikä pakotti Floridan asukkaat ja turistit pakenemaan hurrikaani Milttonin...
Milton, which is forecast to arrive on the coast late Wednesday night as a major hurricane, could ruin the vacations of many tourists who have come to Orlando for the likes Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando or SeaWorld, to attend October festivities such as Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. Disney and Universal Orlando were to close on Wednesday afternoon. SeaWorld was not open at any time. All are expected to be closed on Thursday.
Orlando International Airport, the seventh busiest airport in the United States and Florida’s most heavily trafficked, ceased operation Wednesday morning. The closures dampened expectations for some tourists, while the impending storm caused anxiety in others.
Linda and Bob Shaffer of northeast Pennsylvania said that they had stocked their rental condo with pizza, peanutbutter, drinks, flashlights, and a decks of playing cards. They decided to take a walk through the resort’s entertainment before they planned to hide out during the hurricane.
Linda Shaffer said:
“We’re just passing the time until we have stare at each other for 24 hours.”
Serena Hedrick and her 16-year old son, Corey did not seem to be affected by the rainy weather as they entered Universal Studios on Wednesday. Corey was worried about what might happen during their first storm, but he was comforted when their hotel promised nonstop movies, kid’s activities and food.
Serena Hedrick: “It’s what it is.”
The Osbornes left Memphis two days before Milton so they could enjoy almost two full days of theme parks. Alexander Osborne stated that other family members decided not to go because of Milton, but Alexander was not concerned about experiencing his very first hurricane.
“It’s safe to be here right now. I want to take my time and enjoy it because we’ll be in hotel rooms for a few days,” he explained.
Nicholas Gutowski, a 15-year-old boy, said he had faith in Disney’s hotel infrastructure where he stayed with his sister.
“It’s scary, but Disney is there to help,” he said.
Gutowski, originally from Texas, but now living in Tennessee with his sister Joy Blackburn, 26, they squeezed two Disney theme parks into one day knowing that the time was running out before the theme parks closed.
Workers in a parking lot at Universal Orlando hugged goodbye and wished one another good luck as the hours dwindled before Milton was due to land.
Orlando is the most popular destination in the United States, thanks to Disney World, Universal, and other attractions. 74 million tourists visited the area last year. Halloween-related celebrations make October a busy and lucrative time for theme parks.
Disney’s hotels are often a haven for residents who flee storms. Disney World’s reservation system showed no vacancies on Tuesday.
Hurricanes in Orlando are not uncommon. In 2004, three hurricanes crossed the Orlando region – Charley Frances and Jeanne. Hurricane Irma, which hit metro Orlando in 2017, tracked just west. Hurricane Ian, a downgraded storm, plowed through in 2022 as a tropical storm, causing flooding.
