Claims that Hurricane Milton destroyed Disney World are false; the park experienced only minor damage and reopened shortly after the storm. The viral video misrepresented the hurricane’s impact, including unrelated footage that falsely illustrated extensive damage.
The assertion that Hurricane Milton has caused catastrophic destruction to Walt Disney World has been firmly debunked. An Oct. 10 post on Facebook featuring a video claimed “BREAKING: Disney World Destroyed By Hurricane Milton!” This video misrepresented the situation, showcasing footage that included severe flooding and storm damage; however, the truth is that the theme park experienced only minor damage and promptly reopened on Oct. 11, following its temporary closure on Oct. 9 due to the impending hurricane. Disney World is renowned for its resilience against hurricanes, having closed its parks only a few times in its history, such as on Sept. 11, 2001, and for nearly four months during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative to note that the video circulated on social media is deceptive; it combines various unrelated images, including those borrowed from a satirical website, to falsely illustrate extensive damage at the theme park. Reports from Florida Today confirmed that there was no significant damage to major parks in the area, including Disney World and adjacent venues. The initial video, shared over 12,000 times, unfortunately, garnered attention for spreading misinformation, prompting calls for responsible sharing of news online. While some social media posts have captured footage of the storm’s impact, none indicate the alleged devastation depicted in the viral video.
In the aftermath of hurricanes, misinformation tends to proliferate across social media, creating panic and confusion. The incident involving Hurricane Milton and the exaggerated claims regarding its impact on Disney World serves as a reminder of the necessity for responsible media consumption and verification. The original claim emerged on Facebook, suggesting that a Category 3 hurricane had obliterated a renowned entertainment venue. However, authoritative sources and official communications from Disney World established that the park sustained minimal damage, reopening shortly after the storm.
In summary, claims that Hurricane Milton inflicted severe destruction upon Walt Disney World have been deemed false. The park sustained minor damages and was able to reopen quickly after the incident. The circulating video, which misrepresented the reality by featuring unrelated imagery, is an example of how misinformation can spread rapidly online, underscoring the importance of fact-checking before sharing sensational news.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
