Three theme parks in Orlando, Florida, including Walt Disney World, closed on Oct. 9 in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. The powerful storm made landfall on Florida’s coast as a Category 3 Wednesday evening, causing widespread power outages and resulting in more than a dozen deaths. In the aftermath of the hurricane, images circulated on social media purportedly showing the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom flooded, along with a photo depicting a character performer dressed as Pluto rescuing a child.
However, after a thorough fact-checking process, it has been determined that these images are not real and were generated using artificial intelligence (AI) software. Generative AI technology can produce new content, such as images, videos, audio, and text, based on a given prompt.
To confirm the authenticity of these images, VERIFY analyzed them and compared them to real photos from Walt Disney World and the Associated Press. Several visual cues indicated that the images were AI-generated. The AI image of Cinderella Castle displayed misshapen features, distorted details, and added elements that are not typically present. The AI image of Pluto also exhibited discrepancies, such as an incorrect number of fingers, a poorly fitting costume, and misshapen features of the child being rescued.
Furthermore, there were no credible reports of widespread flooding in Walt Disney World during Hurricane Milton. The park’s official social media accounts did not mention any areas affected by flooding, and no reputable news reports corroborated the claims made in the images. Considering the park was closed during the storm, it is unlikely that anyone could have taken these photos.
It is essential to be cautious when encountering AI-generated content, as it can be misleading and spread false information. The presence of artifacts, such as distorted features and over-stylized elements, can serve as clear indicators that the content is not genuine.
In conclusion, the images depicting Cinderella Castle flooding and Pluto rescuing a child during Hurricane Milton at Walt Disney World are not real. They were created using generative artificial intelligence software. It is crucial to rely on credible sources and fact-check information before sharing it on social media or other platforms.
For more fact-checking and verification, please visit VERIFY’s website or contact them at questions@verifythis.com.