On Wednesday evening, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm, impacting over 3 million customers with power outages and causing flooding and strong winds in various communities, just two weeks after Hurricane Helene struck the state. As Milton gained strength earlier in the week, Annette Devlin and her daughter chose to take shelter at the Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Hotel. They were among numerous families who opted for the hotel near Walt Disney World Resort to weather the storm, which stirred some online backlash, with critics arguing that residents should evacuate elsewhere. Compounding the situation, Disney parks remained open until Wednesday afternoon, forcing employees to report for work instead of preparing for the storm.
For Devlin, a 59-year-old nurse, staying at the hotel was a practical decision due to her daughter Kayla’s medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis. The pair are avid Disney fans and maintain homes in both Winter Garden, Florida, and Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This marked the second time they faced a hurricane while in Florida. Devlin shared her experience of weathering Hurricane Milton at what is often referred to as the Happiest Place on Earth.
Devlin expressed that learning about Hurricane Milton was daunting, having never experienced a storm of this magnitude before. Her main concern was ensuring access to medical help in the event of flooding or emergencies, especially considering her daughter’s condition.
The decision to seek shelter at a Disney hotel was made swiftly. Although they briefly contemplated returning to Pennsylvania or heading to South Carolina, Devlin felt safer remaining there, especially since their previous experience during Hurricane Dorian in 2019 at Animal Kingdom Lodge was reassuring. The hotel provided necessary amenities, including air conditioning and medical support, which were critical for her daughter’s health.
Upon arrival, Devlin noted that hotel staff were present to comfort guests and assist with their needs. She described feeling a sense of relief, thanks to Disney’s reliable power supply and the staff’s extensive safety measures.
Devlin shared that her TikTok post about their decision to stay received mostly supportive comments, though some questioned why they chose Disney over evacuation. She clarified that their intent was solely for safety, ensuring that her daughter’s needs were prioritized and that resources were readily available in case of emergencies.
As Hurricane Milton made landfall, Devlin recounted the intensity of the storm beginning around 10:30 p.m. They were initially located in a fifth-floor room where winds and rain began to infiltrate. Due to rising water concerns, staff relocated them to another room. Devlin reported little sleep that night, feeling the powerful winds which peaked at nearly 90 miles per hour.
The morning after the storm, the atmosphere was notably quieter compared to the previous night filled with alarms and activity. While there was damage outside, including downed trees and debris, the hotel staff worked diligently to restore order. Devlin also confirmed that her home remained unharmed and that they would be returning home earlier than planned, as power was restored there.
This interview has been streamlined for brevity and clarity.