Walt Disney World tourists enjoy day at park ahead of Hurricane Milton – as staff worry about home: 'Sort of-add up'

When Orlando theme parks opened Wednesday morning, a handful of tourists showed up — determined to enjoy even half a day of fun before Hurricane Milton hit central Florida — while employees who greeted them worried what the storm's fury would do to them. house

“This is going to be interesting,” Dr. Craig Chavis, a chiropractor in Maryland, posted on Instagram, along with a photo of his rain-soaked family enjoying the Magic Kingdom.

“But the park was almost empty today.”

Walt Disney World and Universal Studios spokespeople told The Post they monitored the weather and decided to stay open Wednesday morning, and guests are welcome to join them.

But not everyone was happy to see the absolute guests.

Nearby restaurants, shops and gas stations were also open – sometimes over the objections of their staff.

Follow the latest from Hurricane Milton's post:

“They got their precious few hours of fun,” said Amy Shavers, who was waiting at a family diner table near the theme park.

“Good for them. Meanwhile, I don't know what's going on at home with my kids, and the rain is getting worse. But good for them that they got to see Mickey.

A Disney employee echoed the sentiment.

“I really didn't want to go to work today,” said the woman, who works at a store in the Magic Kingdom.

“Everyone who worked today has a home and a life outside of work, and we don't know if that will wash away. But we should be cheerful and upbeat anyway. It's kind of f-ked up.”

When the parks closed at 1 p.m. Wednesday, most employees were sent home, although some essential employees stayed through the evening.

Both Disney and Universal Studios will be closed Thursday and are expected to reopen Friday after Milton passes through.