Hurricane Milton battered Florida’s west coast and caused some damage to the state’s theme park territory, including at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. While Disney and Universal theme parks remain closed today (Thursday, October 10), the parks will reopen tomorrow, including Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom.
While most Disney hotels made it through safely, Facebook posts report that guests were evacuated from the Polynesian in the middle of the night due to damage to the resort’s roof.
Below, are the operational changes for the parks and special events for the rest of this week.
Walt Disney World Resort
All four Disney theme parks (as well as Disney Springs) are closed on Thursday, October 10, but will reopen on Friday, October 11.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom on Thursday, October 10 has been cancelled. Event tickets will be refunded. The after-hours party is expected to take place as scheduled on Friday, October 11.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa closed at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9.
The Copper Creek Cabins are expected to reopen on Friday, October 11; Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas are expected to remain closed until Sunday, October 13.
Cancellation policies will not be enforced for dining and other experiences until further notice. Pre-paid bookable experiences will be automatically refunded within 7 to 10 business days.
Disney Resort and Room-Only Cancellation Policy for Reservations Booked Directly with Disney Destinations or The Walt Disney Travel Company:
- Change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of Sunday, October 6 through Saturday, October 12.
- Most room-only and vacation packages can be modified or cancelled online without fees, including changes to travel dates. Packages including air transportation or other services provided by third parties, or those with travel protection, cannot be modified or cancelled online. For Guests with these reservations, please call for assistance.
Disney World Hurricane Policy:
If you are scheduled to arrive within 7 days of a hurricane warning, you may call Walt Disney World in advance to reschedule without a Disney imposed change fee. Most room-only and vacation packages can also be modified, or cancelled online, including changes to travel dates. Disney cannot guarantee availability of similar accommodations for the new travel dates.
The policy does not apply to certain special events and dining experiences.
Please check with your travel agent or the resort for further details and conditions. We are now within the policy window for you to make adjustments to your vacation due to a hurricane warning.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk are closed today (Thursday, October 10), but the Universal parks will reopen on Friday, October 11.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida on Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10 were cancelled, but the event will take place as scheduled on Friday, October 11.
Guests with tickets to visit Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure on Thursday, October 10 – or Universal Volcano Bay on Wednesday, October 9 or Thursday, October 10 – will be able to use their tickets to visit any day through Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Guests with Halloween Horror Nights tickets dated for entry on Wednesday, October 9 or Thursday, October 10 will be able to use their tickets on any one of the remaining nights of the event.
Universal Orlando Hurricane Policy:
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 Universal Orlando 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.
Please check with your travel agent or the resort for further details and conditions. We are now within the policy window for you to make adjustments to your vacation due to a hurricane warning.
United Parks & Resorts
- SeaWorld Orlando is closed on Thursday, October 10; however, the park will resume normal operating hours on Friday, October 11. Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream are cancelled for Friday, October 11. Tickets may be used for any remaining Howl-O-Scream event nights.
- Busch Gardens Tampa is closed Thursday, October 10; Friday, October 11; and Saturday October 12. Howl-O-Scream is cancelled for Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12. Tickets may be used for any remaining Howl-O-Scream event nights.
- Adventure Island will be closed Friday, October 11 and Saturday October 12.
- Aquatica Orlando is closed Thursday, October 10, but will be open on Friday, October 11.
- Discovery Cove is closed Thursday, October 10, but will be open on Friday, October 11.
All date-intended tickets for closure days have been extended through December 31, 2024.
Storm Policy:
The SeaWorld and Busch Gardens’ Weather-or-Not Assurance program covers weather events such as rain, lightning, extreme heat, wind, snow, hail, and more, offering a complimentary return visit.
Please check with your travel agent or the resort for further details and conditions. We are now within the policy window for you to make adjustments to your vacation due to a hurricane warning.
Legoland Florida Resort
Legoland Florida Resort was closed on Thursday, Oct. 10, but will reopen on Friday, October 11.
Peppa Pig Theme Park was closed on Thursday, Oct. 10, but has not announced a reopening date.
Legoland Hurricane Policy:
If the National Hurricane Center issues 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.
Please check with your travel agent or the resort for further details and conditions. We are now within the policy window for you to make adjustments to your vacation due to a hurricane warning.
Transportation Disruptions
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) is closed on Thursday, October 9. Operations will resume as soon as possible once damage can be assessed.
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) is closed to the public until it can assess any damage after the storm.
Cruise Cancellations or Changes
Cruise Lines will notify guests of operational updates, but if you have a cruise sailing out of Florida this week, it’s a good idea to contact the cruise line directly for information about any changes or cancellations.
The Disney Wish sailing on Oct. 11, 2024, has been cancelled. Passengers will automatically receive a refund back to the original form of payment plus a 20% future cruise discount on voyage fare.
For additional information about Hurricane Milton, check the Hurricane Center website.
