Here’s how Disney World is keeping guests entertained since they closed down all the theme parks for Hurricane Irma
Unless you’ve somehow avoided the news for the past week, you know that there is very intense hurricane traveling through Florida right now. While it was downgraded from the most severe Category 5 before it made landfall in the Sunshine State, for the safety of all guests and cast members, Disney World decided to close down its theme parks for not one, but two days.
In Disney World’s 46 year history, this is an unprecedented event. While the park has closed down for the day in the past due to hurricane weather, it’s never closed for two days. Millions of people visit each year, and on the eve of a hurricane, it’s not like Mickey Mouse can just send everyone home.
So, what do you do with all the guests visiting for a Walt Disney World vacation when you have to tell them they can’t actually go to Disney World?
That’s what Disney had to figure out — and figure out fast. From the looks of social media, they completely went above and beyond delivering great service for all those holed up at the hotels. Because who isn’t going to have fun watching Donald Duck do a fashion show in one of the resort gift shops? It appears as if every resort had a cast of characters (literally) on hand to help lighten the mood, whether it was stop of pictures, “helping” guests behind the front desk, or playing games. false
Huge shout out to all of the @WaltDisneyWorld CM's making this #HurricaineIrma ride out experience the best it can be. #DisneyMagic pic.twitter.com/M9V3WMbj34
— Eric Karn (@Eric_Karn) September 10, 2017
Donald and Pluto are still here at Port Orleans French Quarter, helping out at the Concierge desk. 😊 #LiveFromWDW #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/4Sxh6Ciu8f
— CafeFantasia 💫 (@CafeFantasia) September 10, 2017
Dance party in Port Orleans Square! 🎶 @michaeljackson #LiveFromWDW pic.twitter.com/igC7oB7thT
— Mangsney ✨ (@Mangsney) September 10, 2017
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Jake is building a fort and Doc is providing checkups over at Pop Century! #IrmaWDW pic.twitter.com/lmW28MG6Pq
— BlogMickey.com (@Blog_Mickey) September 10, 2017
Big Al & Shaker are entertaining guests at Wilderness Lodge during #HurricaneIrma #IrmaWDW pic.twitter.com/f1yqgyiUmw
— BlogMickey.com (@Blog_Mickey) September 10, 2017
If characters aren’t your thing, Disney also had games, arts and crafts, and trivia throughout the resorts.
Today's activities at Wilderness Lodge. pic.twitter.com/LvRDRM97xn
— MouseGuests (@mouseguests) September 10, 2017
Ceramics Painting in the Solarium!! #HurricaneIrma @WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/PW7CMjLnHw
— Ziggy Knows Disney (@disneyziggy) September 10, 2017
Oh, and can’t forget the furry friends taking shelter from the storm. Some resorts had PUPPY PARADES and DOGGIE TALENT SHOWS.
Some doggie action at beach club resort. This melts my heart! pic.twitter.com/tTs7LLIi5F
— DisneyRachel (@WDWLOVE1971) September 10, 2017
Furry Friends Talent Show at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Hurricane Irma https://t.co/Odp4twIn8a
— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) September 10, 2017
Puppy parade at the Polynesian Resort at Disney today. I have major FOMO of the doggos… pic.twitter.com/10EAVIuE4G
— Peppa Pam (@Muthawalker) September 10, 2017
Guests were also well-fed throughout the ordeal. It looks like Disney completely slashed dining prices, making everything hella reasonable for families needing to stock up on food for 48 hours.
@WDWNT $15 breakfast buffet at Boma with all regular items. Amazing bargain. pic.twitter.com/uBIDe0M0Ig
— Mercuzio (@disneyquesting) September 10, 2017
Hot Breakfast boxes at #DisneyWorld #DisneysOldKeyWest. $6 for big portions. They are really taking care of guests! ( @WDWNT ) pic.twitter.com/ZK5eJrQQKh
— Theo Geibel (@TedSaysWhat) September 10, 2017
What is currently being served @ Disneys Pop Century resort plus burgers, chicken nuggets, & whole boxes of pizza. Price is also reduced. pic.twitter.com/gBHi7hpfub
— Attractions 360° (@SoCal360) September 10, 2017
Disney — along with all of Florida — still has a long way to go before Irma completely passes through the state. Stay safe everyone.