Navigating Climate Change and Extreme Weather: A Case of Walt Disney World

Abstract

In October 2024, Hurricane Milton forced Walt Disney World to close its theme parks and Disney Springs for 1.5 days, resulting in a 4% drop in annual attendance and a US$125 million profit loss. As climate change increases extreme weather events, Disney’s response—keeping most hotels open, informing guests via its app, offering discounts, and relying on dedicated staff—demonstrated effective crisis management. Investments in resilient infrastructure, like reinforced power lines and steel rides, further enhance preparedness. However, challenges remain, including the need for more indoor attractions and flexible ticket policies. Ultimately, theme parks must adopt broader sustainability initiatives to address climate risks.