ORLANDO, FLORIDA: In the wake of Hurricane Idalia's destruction, an unusual scene emerged on the internet -- families and visitors enjoying the magical atmosphere of Walt Disney World in Florida.
Despite the chaos caused by the storm's aftermath, images of Disney Wrold-goers sporting ponchos and braving the rain to experience the park's enchantment have flooded social media platforms.
Walt Disney World, renowned for its theme parks and resorts, took a compassionate step forward in response to the hurricane's impact. The resort announced a series of measures aimed at providing assistance to those affected by Hurricane Idalia.
Disney World offers discounts
On Tuesday, August 29, the company revealed a significant 50 percent discount on new hotel bookings for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, specifically targeting Floridians seeking refuge from the storm and first responders engaged in evacuation efforts.
In a bid to alleviate the burden on travelers, Disney World also announced the waiving of cancellation and change fees for individuals who had previously booked stays from Monday, August 28, until the following Monday, September 4.
This gesture aimed to provide some respite to those whose travel plans had been disrupted by the storm.
Hurricane Idalia, which had weakened to a tropical storm, left a trail of destruction in its wake.
Making landfall south of Tallahassee with fierce winds of 125 mph as a Category 4 storm, the hurricane caused significant damage and claimed two lives due to weather-related car accidents.
Power outages affected hundreds of thousands of customers across Florida and Georgia, further exacerbating the challenges faced by affected communities.
Amid the chaos, the scenes at Disney World captured a semblance of normalcy.
While certain attractions like Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf remained closed due to the storm, other sites within the park continued to operate.
Images shared on social media showcased dedicated Disney enthusiasts embracing the unique opportunity to explore an unusually empty park while wearing rainproof attire.
The resort's hotels, including the iconic Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, remained open, albeit with precautions. Guests were advised to store outdoor items and camper awnings to ensure their safety.
Furthermore, Disney offered special consideration for those who found themselves stranded due to the storm's impact.
"At this time, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023, through September 4, 2023," Disney said in a statement.
"Guests currently staying at our Disney Resort hotels whose travel plans have been impacted by the storm may receive a discounted rate to extend their stay through the evening of August 31, if needed, by visiting the front desk," the park added.
Are Florida airports open?
In the wake of Hurricane Idalia's impact, Florida's airports experienced shifts in operations and offered travel flexibility to affected passengers.
Tampa International Airport reopened for incoming flights by 4 pm on Wednesday, with minimal damage reported. Departing flights resumed on early Thursday.
Orlando International Airport maintained normal operations, urging travelers to stay updated with airlines. Jacksonville International Airport remained open, advising passengers to monitor airlines for updates.
Southwest Florida International Airport saw certain morning flights canceled, prompting travelers to verify flight status.
St Pete-Clearwater International Airport reopened Wednesday afternoon, aiming to resume flights Thursday. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport resumed operations Wednesday morning.
Airlines including Alaska, Allegiant, American, Avelo, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest, Sun Country, and United, offered waivers for upcoming flights to affected regions. Passengers were directed to consult airlines for specific terms, USA Today reported.
