This story was published on Tuesday, Oct. 8. See updates for Wednesday, Oct. 9 here.
There's ahurricane coming, and that undoubtedly means these questions come up: Where is it headed andwill Disney World in Florida close?
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene’s destructive wrath on the country's southeastern region, weather experts are tracking Hurricane Milton as it makes its way to Florida's Gulf Coast.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 54 counties ahead of the storm, including Orange County and Hillsborough, which is home to Florida's top theme parks.
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 as of Tuesday, Oct. 8.
Where is Milton as of Tuesday, Oct. 8?
Hurricane Milton is still in the Gulf of Mexico and continuing its advance on Florida'sPeninsula as avery strong Category 4 stormwith winds of more than 150 mph.
Devastating impacts are forecast for Florida, includinglife-threatening storm surge, flooding rain and damaging windsas the storm is forecast to make landfall somewhere on the Gulf Coast, possibly in the Tampa Bay or points south, then sweeping across the state on a mostly northeast track menacing the Orlando area and the beach communities to the northeast.
Stay informed:Hurricane Milton live updates: DeSantis provides latest information on Florida's response
Is Disney World in Orlando closed for Hurricane Milton?
Walt Disney World theme parks are operating under normal conditions; however, on Wednesday, October 9, the theme parks and Disney Springs will be closed in phases beginning at 1:00 PM.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will close at 1:00 PM
- Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT and Disney Springs will close at 2:00 PM.
They advised that it is likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10. We will consider opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings.
This includes the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park on Thursday, October 10. Event tickets will be refunded.
They previously made some adjustments based on the latest weather forecast and some areas with unique environments:
- 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 11:00 AM on 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.
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 in Florida closed for Hurricane Milton?
On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will be open until 2 p.m., weather permitting, and will be closed on Thursday, Oct. 10.
Volcano Bay will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. Hotel operations will continue.
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 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay closed for Hurricane Milton?
Busch Gardens officials sent a news release on Monday: "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."
Is SeaWorld Orlando closed for Hurricane Milton?
SeaWorld Orlando, as well as Aquatica and Discovery Cove, is still open for Tuesday but will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
Discovery Cove posted a statement for those scheduled to come during those dates.
" Our Guest Services team is prepared to assist you with shifting your date to a surrounding date. Please contact our Guest Services team, you may emaildco-guestrelations@discoverycove.comor call407-513-4600. 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."
SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay hurricane policy
Historically, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which share the same parent company, have closed down their parks and offered refunds to park goers in light of approaching hurricanes. They have also extended annual passholder expiration dates to account for the closed days.
While the theme parks remain open when the weather isn't cooperating, both websites state they 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,"park officials share.
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 LEGOLAND Florida closed for Hurricane Milton?
LEGOLAND Florida is currently open with limited capacity but will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
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.
Is Gatorland Orlando closed 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. Visitgatorland.com.
Is Fun Spot America closed for Hurricane Milton?
As of Tuesday, Oct. 8, the two Orlando theme parks are still open. Officials have not released any statement regarding Milton or upcoming closures.
Hurricane Milton: Is NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex open?
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10, due to expected severe weather from Hurricane Milton. During this closure, guests will not be permitted onto visitor complex grounds. In a news release, officials said: "The safety of our guests and crewmembers is our top priority. As we continue to monitor Hurricane Milton, we will provide updates as needed."
For latest updates, visit kennedyspacecenter.com.