Eerie Photos Show An Almost-Deserted Disney World After It Reopens Following Hurricane Dorian
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Eerie photos from Florida show an almost-deserted Walt Disney World following its closure amid the Hurricane Dorian chaos.
The popular resort was forced to close on Tuesday 3 September amid fears it would be battered by Dorian's fierce gales.
The theme park made the announcement on Monday, citing its 'strong commitment to safety' and 'history of being prepared during inclement weather'.
In a statement released on Friday, Walt Disney World said: "We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather, as nothing is more important than the safety of our guests and cast members."
However, despite reopening yesterday, photos from today show the park looking pretty deserted - and very, very soggy, as you'd expect.
According to Disneyland Orlando and Beyond, Disney World has an average visitor count of up to 53,000.
But in the series of images, you can't see any of the usual queues for rides and attractions, while the boulevards often packed with tourists are empty by comparison.
Announcing that the major tourist hotspot would be reopening, Walt Disney World said: "Based on the most recent weather forecasts, @WaltDisneyWorld will resume operations on Sept 4."
Based on the most recent weather forecasts, @WaltDisneyWorld will resume operations on Sept. 4. To help plan, learn more about the latest park hours and other info: https://t.co/ZhP4BU2vjr pic.twitter.com/WlRa8u2C6H
- Walt Disney World (@WaltDisneyWorld) September 3, 2019
The National Hurricane Center said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that the hurricane would be close to the east coast of Florida later that day through to Wednesday evening, before moving 'very near' the Georgia and South Carolina coasts on Wednesday night and Thursday, and 'near or over' the North Carolina coast later on Thursday and Thursday night.
As a result, Orlando International Airport was another local landmark forced to shut - meaning it, too, became something of a ghost town.
Quiet scenes in the terminal as MCO ceases operations today. #Dorian pic.twitter.com/KvHGfgtxpw
- Orlando International Airport (@MCO) September 3, 2019
However, the airport has since reopened, with a statement issued yesterday saying: "Orlando International Airport (MCO) will resume commercial operations at noon today.
"The early-morning decision was made after airport management consulted the National Weather Service (NWS) about prospective wind and weather conditions."
He's no longer the only Traveler in the terminal. MCO operations resume today at noon. :airplane: pic.twitter.com/K8SR5wM2pP
- Orlando International Airport (@MCO) September 4, 2019
"Noon was determined to be the earliest time Orlando International could reasonably resume normal operations, allowing time for damage assessment, sweeping the airfield for debris, security preparations, staff call backs for airport and federal agency employees and preparations for ground service equipment."
