Disney has reported a loss of approximately $120 million due to reduced theme park attendance and temporary shutdowns caused by the 2024 hurricane season. The company’s quarterly financial report attributed weaker-than-expected park attendance income in the second half of 2024 to the weather.
Domestic parks and experiences’ operating results were unfavorably impacted by Hurricane Milton, which forced Walt Disney World Resort to close for a day and cancel a cruise itinerary. Although no major damage was reported at Disney’s Orlando-area properties, other industries across Florida suffered significantly. The state’s agricultural industry lost over $1 billion due to the storm.
The Category 3 hurricane caused widespread damage, with losses totaling more than $30 billion, including impacts from over 40 tornadoes that affected communities far from the storm’s center. Disney leaders are closely watching the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in May and are aware of Florida’s daily summer downpours and potential hurricane activity.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to begin on June 1 and may have a significant impact on operations, similar to previous seasons. Early outlooks predict slightly above-average activity in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean, but uncertainty due to the status of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) complicates predictions.
The ENSO is currently in a La Niña phase, which typically signals an active Atlantic hurricane season, but it may transition into a neutral phase by summer. The first named storm of the 2025 season will be Andrea, followed by Barry, Chantal, and newcomer Dexter.
Source: https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/orlando-milton-helene-magic-closure