Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on Wednesday evening as a Category 3 storm, impacting over 3 million customers with power outages and severe flooding, just two weeks following Hurricane Helene. Annette Devlin and her daughter chose to shelter at the Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Hotel amidst the storm. This decision drew mixed reactions online, with some criticizing locals for not evacuating further away, especially as Disney parks remained open until Wednesday afternoon, requiring staff to report for shifts without preparing for the storm.
For the Devlins, the shelter choice was driven by necessity. Annette, a 59-year-old nurse, was particularly concerned for her daughter Kayla, who has multiple sclerosis and other medical issues. As annual passholders and avid Disney fans, the hotel had previously offered them shelter during Hurricane Dorian in 2019, leading them to feel secure during this latest storm.
Annette shared that the decision to stay was made quickly. Although they briefly considered returning to Pennsylvania or heading to South Carolina, they felt safer at Disney. They knew the hotel provided access to necessary amenities, including a reliable power supply critical for Kayla’s medications, as well as nearby medical assistance.
Upon arrival at the hotel, staff helped reassure guests and provided comfort. Annette expressed relief over the hotel’s power stability and the extensive precautions taken by staff to ensure guest safety and comfort.
After posting their experience on TikTok, most responses were supportive, wishing them safety. Some commenters questioned their decision, but Annette maintained that they were prioritizing Kayla’s safety and had resources readily available in case of an emergency.
As Hurricane Milton passed, Annette recounted the storm’s escalation, noting powerful winds and rain that caused water to seep into their initial room, prompting staff to relocate them. The night was filled with noise and alarms, making sleep difficult as conditions intensified.
The morning after the storm brought a stark contrast, with quiet surroundings. While there was some debris and damage outside, including downed trees and broken lampposts, both the hotel and their home were undamaged. Having confirmed that power was intact at home, Annette planned to check out early, reassured by the support and efforts of hotel staff throughout the storm.