- Walt Disney World Resort includes Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.
- Universal Orlando Resort includes Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley), and Volcano Bay.
- SpaceX Falcon Heavy Europa Clipper launch near Kennedy Space Center was postponed because of Hurricane Milton.
(This story is from Monday, Oct. 7. See the update for Wednesday, Oct. 9.)
There's a hurricane coming, and that undoubtedly means these questions come up: Where is it headed and will Disney World in Florida close?
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene’s destructive wrath on parts of Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, weather experts were tracking Hurricane Milton.
As of Sunday, Oct. 6, the National Hurricane Center said Milton strengthened into a hurricane, warning the Category 3 hurricane would make landfall in the West Coast of Florida on Wednesday. On Monday, Oct. 7, Hurricane Milton bumped up to a Category 5 storm, the hurricane center reported.
On Tuesday, Oct. 8, Hurricane Milton was downgraded to a Category 4 storm.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for several counties (see below) on Saturday, including Orange County, which is home to Orlando’s theme parks.
Walt Disney World Resort has been open, though this week was likely a rainy-day experience for theme park guests (see the live weather radar below).
Here's a look at what we know about Hurricane Milton, how to track Milton’s path, and Florida’s theme park policies on inclement weather.
Here's the status of each theme park as of Tuesday, Oct. 8, and the overall hurricane policies.
State of emergency declared in Florida
On Saturday, Oct. 5, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for several Florida counties ahead ofHurricane Milton, which could bring tropical storm-force winds and flooding to already-heavily damaged Gulf Coast communities and beyond. The Florida counties included in the emergency declaration extend across the peninsula. They are:
Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie Sumter, Suwanee, Taylor, Union, and Volusia counties.
Where is Milton? Will Hurricane Milton impact Florida?
Yes. Expect life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds along the coast of the Panhandle and Florida’s Gulf Coast. Heavy rain, flash flooding, and the potential for tropical tornadoes are also expected.
Don't focus on the center of the storm. Impacts will be felt hundreds of miles away, especially on the north and east sides, because of the outer bands.
➤For more details on impacts and timing on Florida impacts
Weather radar: Will we get showers, thunderstorms, rain in Florida today?
Shown is the National Weather Service radar for the Southeast United States, which shows conditions in real-time. The current date and time show up on the bottom right of this radar embed; otherwise, you may need to clear your cache.
Is Disney World in Orlando closed for Hurricane Milton?
Walt Disney World theme parks arestill open to the publicas of Tuesday, Oct. 8; however, it has shut down the ability to make park reservations for Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
Some experiences will be impacted by the storm. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was canceled for Hurricane Helene. Magic Kingdom had been scheduled to close at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, due to the Halloween event, but officials extended operating hours until 8 p.m. for guests to enjoy more time in the park.
Before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, Disney posted a hurricane update on itsDisney World weather updates and information page: “We continue to closely monitor the path of Hurricane Milton. Based on the latest projection, we are making operational adjustments to maintain the safety of our guests and cast members beginning Wednesday, October 9.”
Hurricane Milton became a hurricane on Sunday, Oct. 6, then strengthened into a Category 5 storm a day later. On Tuesday, the hurricane was briefly downgraded to a Category 4 storm before regaining its Category 4 status. Landfall is expected a day or so later in the West Coast area of Florida.
As of 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, Disney had posted a hurricane update on its Disney World weather updates and information page: “We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm, and the safety of our guests and cast members remains our top priority. Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions and will continue to be (open) on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Looking ahead, we are making adjustments based on the latest weather forecast and some areas with unique environments."
The theme park's 6 p.m. Monday advisory did include these updates:
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (including dining and recreation locations), the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9.
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are likely to remain closed until Sunday, Oct. 13.
- The Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will likely reopen on Friday, Oct. 11.
The theme park, which includes Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, created an Disney World FAQ page regarding hurricanes. Regarding cancellations and rescheduling Disney vacations, the theme park giant states this: "If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area — or for your place of residence — within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Co. Disney Resort hotel packages and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney. Most room-only and vacation packages can be modified, or cancelled online, including changes to travel dates."
Cancellations and rescheduling due to hurricanes applies to Disney tickets purchased via a third party site: "If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation — such as air transportation, hotels, car rental agencies or travel insurance companies — you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences."
The policy also applies to Disney's Vero Beach Resort and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort in the event a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations, the site states.
To modify, cancel or get help rescheduling a Disney vacation due to a hurricane warning, guests can call 407-939-7675.
When has Disney World closed for hurricanes?
Disney World in Orlando has closed less than a dozen times for hurricanes and national emergencies since its opening in 1971.
Here’s a list of when Disney World did not open for guests:
- Hurricane Floyd in September 1999
- Hurricane Charley in August 2004
- Hurricane Frances in August 2004
- Hurricane Jeanne in August 2004
- Hurricane Matthew in October 2016
- Hurricane Irma in October 2017
- COVID-19 Pandemic, from May 15, 2020, to July 11, 2020
- Hurricane Ian in September 2022
Here’s when Disney World closed early:
- Hurricane Elena in August 1985
- Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks
What is Disney World’s hurricane policy? Can I get a refund?
According toits website, Walt Disney World Resort will make exceptions to its standard policy and issue refunds in the event of a hurricane if the National Hurricane Center issues a warning for the Orlando area or a visitor’s place of residence within seven days of their “scheduled arrival date," if tickets and reservations were booked directly through Disney. Dates can be modified as well.
You will have to reach out to any third-party suppliers you booked with.
Did people evacuate to Disney World for a hurricane?
Inprevious hurricanes, the company has also offered deals to residents needing a safe place to evacuate and hunker down in the storm. During 2023's Hurricane Nicole, Disney offered 50% off Disney resort hotel stays on select dates for evacuees, adding the company had strict check-in times.
Is Universal Studios, Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida closed for Hurricane Milton?
Universal Orlando's theme parks are open to the public as of Monday, Oct. 7: “At this time, our park operations and hours are continuing as normal. We are closely monitoring the weather. Please check back for updates.”
For Hurricane Helene, theHalloween Horror Nightsevent was canceled, and City Walk had closed early at 8 p.m.
Volcano Bay water park also closed for the day.
Check back to see if Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks and signature event — Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley), Volcano Bay and Halloween Horror Nights — will be affected by Hurricane Milton ahead of landfall.
Universal Studios' hurricane policy
Universal Orlando's websitestates that they "can't make guarantees about the weather, but your travel plans can still be stress-free."
"In the event that a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for the Orlando area or in your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you can contact our team in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel room only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, without any cancellation or change fees imposed."
Is SeaWorld Orlando closed for Hurricane Milton?
SeaWorld Orlando remains open to the public Monday, Oct. 7.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to close for Hurricane Milton
Busch Gardens Tampa Baywas open Monday, Oct. 7. Later that day, Busch Gardens officials sent a news release: "After reviewing the latest route of Hurricane Milton and to ensure the safety of our ambassadors, guests and animals, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed" Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 8-10. "Our weather preparedness plan is in place and extra precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of our animals during this time.
"In preparation for the upcoming storm, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has implemented comprehensive animal safety protocols. A dedicated team of animal care experts, including veterinarians, will remain onsite 24/7 to monitor the animals, safely housed in buildings designed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes. Once weather conditions improve, our recovery team will ensure the habitats are safe for the animals to return.
"Guests are encouraged to check our website and follow our social media channels for updates on park reopening," the news release said.
SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay hurricane policy
"Rest assured, our Guest Services team is prepared to assist you with shifting your date to a surrounding date," SeaWorld and Busch Gardens' parent company, United Parks & Resorts, said on its website. "Please contact our Guest Services team, you may emaildco-guestrelations@discoverycove.com. Please include your reservation number and “Hurricane rebooking” in the subject line of the email. We apologize for any inconvenience to your party and look forward to welcoming you."
Both destinations also offer a "Weather-or-Not Assurance" with their tickets.
"Your visit is covered through our Weather-or-Not Assurance program. This program guarantees the value of your park admission and applies year-round, covering weather events such as rain, lightning, extreme heat, wind, snow, hail and more,"according to SeaWorld Orlando' website.
Restrictions include:
- The following are not eligible for Weather-or-Not Assurance tickets: Pass Member admission; complimentary tickets (including Weather-or-Not Assurance tickets); 14-Day Length of Stay tickets and packages; Discovery Cove ticket packages.
- The following may not be eligible and should be verified at Guest Relations: Promotional/discount tickets (group sales tickets) and promotional multi-day tickets.
- Weather-or-Not Assurance does not apply to parking or additional in-park products or experiences
You'll have to stop by Guest Relations at the park orsubmit your informationonline to request your return visit. Make sure you have your original admission ticket or order number.
Is NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida open?
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Florida’s Space Coast (about an hour east of Orlando) was open to the public Monday, Oct. 7. Hurricane Milton did affect a rocket launch: SpaceX Falcon Heavy Europa Clipper mission for Thursday, Oct. 10, was postponed by NASA and SpaceX on Sunday, Oct. 6.
Gatorland Orlando to close for Hurricane Milton
The "alligator capital of the world," aka Gatorland Orlando, will close the theme park Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 9 and 10, due to the Category 5 Hurricane Milton.
According to a news release sent to FLORIDA TODAY, which is part of the USA TODAY Network, "with the arrival of Hurricane Milton expecting to impact our area on Wednesday, Gatorland has decided to close the park" on the above dates "for the safety of its animals, guests and employees."
The news release continued: "Gatorland has an extensive hurricane preparedness plan that calls for properly caring for all of the animals residing at the theme park, and a team of dedicated employees will be staying at the park to continue to care for the animals before, during and after the storm."
Despite the Orlando theme park's temporary, weather-related closure, the first weekend of the Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Halloween event was still scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12 and 13. Visit gatorland.com.
LEGOLAND Florida to close for Hurricane Milton
LEGOLAND Floridaand its sister parksLEGOLAND Florida Water ParkandPeppa Pig Theme Park Floridaare operating as usual Monday, Oct. 7, while monitoring the storm.
A notice on its website stated: “We are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton. At this time, our park operations are continuing as normal. Please check back here or on social media for updates. View our Rainy Day Promise.”
However, as conditions for Hurricane Milton strengthened into a Category 5 status, the theme park announced it would close Wednesday, Oct. 9.
LEGOLAND Florida hurricane policy
On its website,LEGOLAND Floridastates the safety of "guests and Model Citizens is our highest priority."
"If theNational Hurricane Centerissues a tropical storm or hurricane warning for the Central Florida area – or for your place of residence – within seven days preceding your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your LEGOLAND Florida Resort visit without any penalties or fees imposed by LEGOLAND and/or Merlin Entertainments.
This policy applies only to LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park tickets, LEGOLAND Water Park tickets, Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida tickets and the theme park's various hotel reservations booked directly with LEGOLAND Florida Resort or LEGOLAND Vacations, as well as partner hotel reservations and packages booked through LEGOLAND Vacations.
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Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY, John Gallas, USA TODAY Network-Florida, and Jim Rosica, Tallahassee Democrat
Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her onTwitteror Instagram at@byjensangalang. Support local journalism.Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.
