As Florida braces for the ferocious Hurricane Milton, which recently surged to a powerful Category 4, the state’s renowned theme parks are taking vigilant precautions to ensure the safety of visitors and staff alike. Meteorologists predict devastating impacts from the storm, such as life-threatening storm surges and damaging winds, as it makes its way from the Gulf of Mexico toward the Tampa Bay area and beyond. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 54 counties, including those home to major theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Despite the approaching hurricane, Walt Disney World has not yet closed its parks but has restricted new park reservations for October 8 and 9. Specific areas like Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be temporarily closed, and guests are advised to monitor updates. For those worried about tickets and reservations, Disney’s hurricane policy promises full refunds if the National Hurricane Center issues a warning for Orlando or a visitor’s home area within seven days of their arrival.
In response to the impending storm, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure remain open for now but are closely monitoring the situation and promise updates. Universal’s policy also allows rescheduling or canceling trips without fees if a hurricane warning is issued for the Orlando area or the visitor’s residence within seven days of arrival. Guests can keep their plans flexible with this assurance.
Over in Tampa, Busch Gardens has opted for closures from October 8 through October 10 to safeguard its guests, employees, and animal residents. Similarly, SeaWorld Orlando and its sister parks, including Aquatica and Discovery Cove, have outlined special measures, with Discovery Cove set to close on October 9 and 10.
Other spots like LEGOLAND Florida and Gatorland Orlando are also taking precautions. LEGOLAND plans to close on October 9 and 10, and Gatorland will shut its gates during the worst of the storm but assured the public that their hurricane preparedness plan will protect both guests and animals.
How are you planning to stay safe during Hurricane Milton? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments and let us know how you’re preparing!
