Fact-Check: Hurricane Milton Did Not ‘Destroy’ Disney World

Recent claims that Hurricane Milton devastated Walt Disney World have been proven false. The theme park sustained only minor damage and reopened the day after the storm. Misinformation regarding significant damage circulated through social media, relying on unrelated footage and images from a satirical source.

Recent social media claims assert that Hurricane Milton “destroyed” Walt Disney World in Orlando. However, upon investigation, these assertions have been confirmed as false. A Facebook video circulated widely portrayed severe flooding and damage at the theme park, claiming it was the result of Hurricane Milton. This video received significant attention, being shared over 12,000 times within a span of 13 days. In actuality, Disney World experienced only minor damage from the storm and reopened shortly after. Reports indicate that the footage featured in the video includes unrelated images from a satirical website, thus misrepresenting the park’s situation. The theme park temporarily closed its doors on October 9th before the hurricane made landfall but was able to resume operations the following day, having sustained no major harm. Fact-checking organizations, including Reuters and PolitiFact, have debunked the claims fully, underscoring that Disney World remains operational and has not suffered an indefinite shutdown.

In the wake of Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm that impacted Florida, misinformation proliferated across social media platforms, particularly concerning the state of Walt Disney World. Historically, Disney World has weathered closures due to hurricanes on less than a dozen occasions, highlighting its resilience and the positively built infrastructure to withstand storms. As a highly frequented tourist destination, accurate information regarding its operational status is paramount for visitors and stakeholders alike. This recent incident reflects broader trends in how misinformation spreads rapidly online, often exacerbated during times of crisis.

In conclusion, the claims that Hurricane Milton resulted in the destruction of Walt Disney World are unfounded and have been thoroughly debunked. Despite temporary closures due to safety precautions, Disney World suffered minimal damage and was able to resume operations shortly after the storm. It serves as a critical reminder of the importance of verifying claims before sharing information, particularly on social media, which can lead to unnecessary panic and misinformation.

Original Source: www.usatoday.com