The aftermath of Hurricane Milton is palpable as visitors navigate the whimsical yet resilient grounds of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Sandbags are sparsely arranged both inside and outside the property, a visible testament to the storm’s recent visit. In an unusual display of preparedness, benches lie overturned, and pool furniture stands chained together, hinting at the extraordinary measures taken to protect both guests and facilities. Despite these precautions, the atmosphere inside is remarkably buoyant, reflecting Disney’s knack for hospitality even in turbulent times.
I arrived at the Beach Club on a family getaway, fully aware that the trip would deviate from the ordinary. What I harbored as apprehension quickly transformed into appreciation as I witnessed Disney’s adept management of hurricane circumstances. My travel advisor has been relentless in her support, ensuring that we were informed and cared for at every turn. After a night filled with rain and gusty winds, we awoke to cheerful smiles and the comforting routine of dining options available at the resort.
Our first experience was dinner at the Cape May Café, where the coastal cuisine brought us a taste of the seaside. Following dinner, we retired to Martha’s Vineyard lounge for nightcaps—a charming diversion from our originally intended presence at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Although our plans had taken a detour, we marveled at how well the resort was functioning under the circumstances.
On the day the hurricane began to make its mark—Wednesday—we enjoyed a serene pre-storm morning at Animal Kingdom. The park was notably uncrowded, which allowed for an exceptional viewing experience of the gorillas, a highlight that might not have been possible under normal conditions. We indulged in lunch at Tiffin’s, where the tranquil ambience featured fewer patrons than usual, allowing us to savor our meals before the anticipated park closures at 1 p.m.
The orderly chaos of evacuation and pre-storm alertness provided a curious backdrop for our day. Returning to the Beach Club, we saw a flurry of activity as cast members resolved to remain overnight, ensuring a seamless operation. Sandbags adorned the ground-floor entrances while staff maintained a warm, engaging environment for guests. Disney excelled at transforming potential anxiety into a playful, supportive atmosphere.
As the storm loomed, Disney’s proactive approach became evident. The resort teemed with energy, activities, and optimism. The lobby brimmed with character appearances, live music, arts and crafts for kids, and parades featuring stuffed animals. My daughter was particularly enchanted by a “campfire crown” craft station, as she colored alongside other children. Dining continued to operate with minimal disruption—existing reservations were honored, and wait times for walk-ins were kept down to a mere ten minutes.
The camaraderie among the cast members shone brightly amidst the tension of the storm; their unwavering positivity turned a trying situation into an unforgettable experience. Remarkably, power remained consistent throughout our stay, with internet connectivity uninterrupted, allowing us to feel connected to the world beyond our bubble of safety.
As we approached Thursday morning, a sense of normalcy infiltrated the resort environment. Guests were encouraged to remain indoors to weather the remnants of the storm, with the resort providing activities and entertainment that felt reassuringly routine. At first glance, the storm’s impact on the property seemed minimal. Water pooled in areas near the volleyball court, and scattered branches displayed the force of the wind, yet overall, the landscape remained welcoming.
While Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc across parts of Florida, my heart empathized with those experiencing loss and disruption. Reflecting on our experience at Disney’s Beach Club, a sense of gratitude emerged for the resilience shown not only by the resort’s staff but also for the very spirit of the magic kingdom itself. Despite the storm’s swirling winds and rain, it seemed to be shaping up for a brighter day ahead.
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