Family caught in Hurricane Milton’s path decides to ride out storm at Disney World

ORLANDO, Fla. (WSAZ/Gray News) - A family visiting Florida this week from Kentucky has found themselves caught in the middle of Hurricane Milton’s path.

When the Ratliff family arrived at Disney World over the weekend, they quickly learned about Milton’s potential impacts.

“When we found out how bad things were going to get and that it was supposed actually to hit in the area our planner had to adjust everything,” BreAnna Ratliff said.

Their first day in the park was on Sunday and things seemed to be business as usual, but the family said it has been stressful knowing that the storm is headed their way.

“We’ll be able to stay at the resort, so we won’t have to leave, and we’ll be sheltering in place there,” Ratliff said.

Hurricane warnings and flood advisories have been issued for the Orlando area ahead of Milton.

“If we had known about all of this sooner, we probably would’ve changed our vacation,” Ratliff said.

The family discussed leaving early, but travel times to get back were almost double because of evacuations.

So, that’s when they decided they were going to ride out the storm at the Disney resort.

“We didn’t want to get on the road and then get stuck in all that traffic when it’s supposed to be hitting this area. So, we figured it was just safer to stay,” Ratliff said.

This is the Ratliffs' second trip to Disney World. She said the situation has been a bit scary, but they have remained in good spirits, including the kids.

“We’ve been able to keep their minds off of everything by being able to experience so much in the parks,” she said.

The Ratliff family said this will be the first time they’ll experience a hurricane.

“I would definitely not head this way right now,” she said.

Disney World and the other theme parks in the Orlando area have announced closures ahead of Milton’s arrival.

The Ratliffs said they are planning on heading back home to Kentucky once it is safe to do so.

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