By Juliana Octavini
A Walt Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. What many visitors do not know is that, apart from magic and charms, there is a backstage structure highly prepared to face one of the biggest climate challenges in the region: storms and hurricanes.
Orlando's choice as Disney Park headquarters was no accident. In 1965, when Walt Disney announced the construction of Disney World, the strategic location in central Florida was a carefully planned decision.
Orlando is located about 60 miles (100 km) from the coast, which protects it from direct hurricane impacts, which usually lose power before reaching the region. This distance from the ocean helps reduce the damage caused by large storms, making the city a safer place for such an enterprise.
Resistant and prepared structures for large storms
Disney theme parks are designed with high building standards that meet Florida's strict regulations for buildings in hurricane-prone areas. This includes the use of strong wind resistant materials and efficient drainage systems to prevent flooding.
In addition, there are underground tunnels known as “Users”, which not only facilitate the internal logistics of parks, but also function as a security measure, allowing the rapid displacement of employees and supplies during emergency situations.
The backstage areas of the parks are also designed to withstand intense storms.
According to an article published in 2019 by Orlando Weekly, Walt Disney World is fully prepared for situations such as storms and hurricanes: “the structures are built to withstand at least one medium- and high-level Category 3 hurricane with little or no preparation,” they guarantee.
This includes massive structures such as the Tree of Life, the Animal Kingdom, and Spaceship Earth, the Epcot.
In fact, all Walt Disney World buildings must join Construction Codes established in 1970. These codes have been developed to pave the way for the appropriate innovative construction and design for the "Community of Experimental Prototypes of Tomorrow", while meeting strict safety standards.
EPCOT codes, for example, "exceed traditional regulations" according to the Central Florida Tourist Supervision District, both to accommodate the unique and considerable attractions of the park and to ensure the safety of the buildings that house them.
Cinderella Castle is made of extremely durable materials
Disney World's most famous tourist spot, the Cinderella Castle, is made of materials such as concrete, steel, cement, plaster and fiberglass, according to the official blog of the Disney parks.
In 2021, Disney Imagineers made special adjustments to the castle in honor of celebration of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Disney World Senior Project Manager Elaine Schomburg-LaFleur told Orlando Sentinel at the time the new pieces that adorn the castle, including 10 fiberglass ribbons, were designed to "delete with any hurricane".
This puts an end to the rumor of decades that Disney removes the castle towers before a hurricane, noting that they are simply not detachable.
Disney has its own power sources.
Another reason Disney is able to withstand hurricane conditions so well is due to its power plants. This includes the power plant operated by Reedy Creek Energy Services located near Magic Kingdom, according to Orlando Weekly.
The power lines at the resort are also buried underground, which means they are not susceptible to being destroyed by fallen trees during windstorms.
Action protocols for hurricanes
Walt Disney World has strict protocols for hurricanes. The company closely monitors weather warnings, collaborating with local authorities to ensure the safety of all. As a hurricane approaches, the complex can adjust operating times, temporarily close parks and accommodate guests in safe areas within resorts.
Disney resorts are also built to provide shelter in emergency situations. Guests are guided on best practices and, in case of need, detailed supplies and information on how to proceed are provided. In extreme cases, parks are closed in advance to ensure that everyone is safe.
Although Disney is fully prepared for such situations, the experience of visitors during a storm or hurricane is carefully managed. The trained staff keeps guests informed, while indoor entertainment areas are available to minimize the impact of the situation on the tour.
In addition, Disney has a flexible policy for rescheduling and cancellations of travel in case of hurricanes, offering visitors convenient options to reorganize their holiday in a peaceful manner.
Walt Disney World's priority will always be the safety of its visitors and employees. Even in storm and hurricane situations, the company stands out for its efficient and organized way of dealing with climate challenges, providing peace of mind for those who visit this magical place.
Cast members participate in quick cleaning
Like any storm, fallen trees and many scattered debris are expected. And with Disney, it's no different. However, according to Orlando Weekly, an important reason why Disney World is able to return to normal operating procedure so quickly after a storm is because of the dedication of its employees.
Cast members volunteer to be part of teams"passing" the parks, staying on site during big storms, in order to continue managing resort hotels and ensure the safety of guests staying there and according to Orlando Weekly, to ensure that "all the complex reopens as soon as possible" as soon as it is safe to do so.
After Hurricane Irma in 2017, fallen trees and other debris were seen around Magic Kingdom, as seen on images shared by the unofficial Disney blog AllEars.
Usually within 48 hours, cast members clean the entire resort after a storm, reports the blog DVC Shop. According to this unofficial website, "the cast members of the hurricane team will carry enough clothes for 2 to 4 days" in preparation for the storm and to avoid traveling during bad weather.
That's why Disney is always enchanting its visitors! And you, have you heard all this information?
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