On Wednesday evening, Hurricane Milton struck Florida as a Category 3 storm, resulting in over 3 million customers losing power and causing flooding and high winds across numerous communities. This natural disaster came just two weeks after Hurricane Helene impacted the state. Annette Devlin and her daughter opted to take shelter at the Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Hotel as the storm intensified earlier in the week. They were among many families who chose to stay at hotels near Walt Disney World Resort, a decision that sparked some backlash online as some criticized locals for not evacuating further and mentioned Disney’s delayed park closures, which forced employees to work rather than prepare.
Devlin, a 59-year-old nurse, explained that her decision was influenced by her 28-year-old daughter Kayla’s medical conditions, which include multiple sclerosis. The mother-daughter pair, who regularly travel between Winter Garden, Florida, and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, had previously sheltered in Florida during Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and felt confident about their choice to stay at Disney property this time, understanding the available medical support and resources.
Upon arrival at the hotel, Devlin noted that the staff made significant efforts to reassure guests and provide for their comfort. She expressed feeling relieved by the hotel’s facilities and the Disney power grid, which offered an assurance of continued power. Although some online commenters questioned their decision to stay at Disney during a hurricane, most responses were supportive, expressing concern for their safety.
As Hurricane Milton made landfall, conditions began to worsen around 10:30 p.m. Devlin and her daughter, situated in a fifth-floor room, experienced rainwater entering through the balcony doors due to high winds. They were relocated to another room to avoid potential flooding. Devlin described her sleepless night during the storm, characterized by loud winds reaching speeds near 90 miles per hour.
The following morning, Devlin found the atmosphere markedly calmer, with little activity outside. While the hotel showed signs of damage—like downed trees and broken lampposts—she confirmed that her home remained intact and powered. Although initially booked through the weekend for safety, she and her daughter planned to return home that day.