An influencer faces criticism for planning a family trip to Disney World Orlando amid an approaching category five hurricane. Cecily Bauchmann, a TikTok personality, received backlash for her intention to visit Orlando, Florida, during mass evacuations prompted by Hurricane Milton. The storm, initially a category five, has downgraded to category four and is expected to reduce to category three by the time it reaches Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The hurricane is anticipated to make landfall on Wednesday evening, October 9, and move over Orlando. Millions have evacuated, with the storm predicted to be the most severe to hit the Tampa Bay area. Onshore winds could cause water levels to rise by 12 feet above ground, as reported by FOX Weather. The National Weather Service office in Tampa Bay urged residents to “Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous.”
Despite these warnings, Bauchmann appeared ready to travel with her family to Orlando. In a TikTok video, she shared footage of her family preparing to leave for the airport, stating, “We’re leaving for Florida in one hour, and I need to pack.” She then packed her and her children’s clothes into suitcases, signing off with, “Hey guys, we will see you at the airport. Love you, bye!”
“I – the kids … please do not, we’re trying to GET OUT OF FLORIDA, not in.” In the comments, people agreed. https://t.co/N3ZdZwGfKp
— Distractify (@Distractify) October 9, 2024
Although the video was later deleted, another user reposted it, captioning, “This lady’s heading to Disney knowing a cat 5 hurricane is on the way. The lights are on but no one’s home.”
Bauchmann isn’t alone in her plans. One user commented about a coworker who also headed to Florida despite the hurricane, saying, “Nothing is stopping me from the beach; I’ve waited for this all year.” Another criticized such travellers, stating, “People traveling like Cecily to places where residents need hotels and Airbnbs to evacuate are so selfish.” A third user expressed disbelief, saying, “I thought that was a POV. There’s no way this is real.”
Should Bauchmann and her family have reached Florida, they would face further disappointment as Disney announced that Disney World would be closed on October 9 and 10.
Attempts to contact Bauchmann for comment have been made.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AOL: A mom faced backlash for posting a packing video just before her family trip, highlighting the tension between sharing travel preparations and privacy concerns.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Cecily Bauchmann?
Cecily Bauchmann is a TikTok influencer criticized for planning a family trip to Disney World during Hurricane Milton.
What category is Hurricane Milton currently?
Hurricane Milton has dipped to category four and is expected to drop to category three by landfall.
When is Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall?
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday evening, October 9.
What actions have residents taken in response to Hurricane Milton?
Millions of residents have evacuated the area in response to Hurricane Milton.
Will Disney World be open during Hurricane Milton?
No, Disney World will be closed on October 9 and 10 due to Hurricane Milton.