If you’re a UK traveler in Florida visiting the theme parks, Hurricane Milton could drastically impact your holiday.
Florida is currently under a state of emergency, and evacuations are underway for coastal areas. Even though Orlando, where the major theme parks are located, isn’t directly in the path, it will still experience heavy rainfall, dangerous winds, and potential flooding. The parks may close or operate on restricted schedules for several days depending on the storm’s aftermath, so if you’re there or planning to travel, prepare for significant disruption.
We want to keep you informed with the latest updates on theme park closures, safety advice, and alternative ways to stay entertained indoors during the storm. Whether you’re currently in Orlando or departing the UK soon, here’s everything you need to know.
Park Closure and Event Updates
Theme Park Updates
Walt Disney World Resort and Vero Beach Resort Hotel Guests: Please prepare to shelter indoors in your room or building beginning at 8:30 PM, as the storm is expected to intensify.
The Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, recreation offerings and Disney Springs are now closed through Thursday, October 10.
Operational impacts include:
Disney Parks & Disney Springs
All theme parks and Disney Springs—including the parking garages—are currently closed and will remain closed on Thursday, October 10. This includes the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets are strictly non-refundable unless your event date has been cancelled. In the event that your date hasn’t been cancelled, we encourage you to reach out to Guest Services at Disney to see if they can assist in amending your date. However, please be aware that since this event has sold out, FloridaTix is unable to make any changes.
Disney Resort Hotel Closures
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are now temporarily closed. They are likely to remain closed until Sunday, Oct. 13.
Recreation
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf remain closed on Thursday, Oct. 10.
Universal Orlando Resort
- On Thursday, Oct. 10, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk will be closed.
- Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is cancelled for Thursday, Oct. 10.
- Our hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.
We anticipate a full reopening of our destination, including Halloween Horror Nights, on Friday, Oct. 11 at our normal operating hours pending the outcome of storm impacts.
SeaWorld Parks
Following the latest updates on Hurricane Milton, below is the latest information on each of our Florida parks. All date-intended tickets for closure days have been extended through December 31, 2024 and require no action to be taken.
Busch Gardens Tampa is CLOSED Thursday, October 10th. Howl-O-Scream is cancelled for Thursday, October 10. Tickets may be used for any remaining Howl-O-Scream event nights.
Adventure Island remains running on its seasonal schedule without changes at this time.
SeaWorld Orlando is CLOSED Thursday, October 10th.
Aquatica Orlando is CLOSED Thursday, October 10th.
Discovery Cove is CLOSED Thursday, October 10th. Our Named Storm Policy is in effect. Please contact our Guest Services team, by emailing dco‑[email protected] or calling 407-513-4600. If emailing, please include your reservation number and “Hurricane rebooking” in the subject line of the email.
You can also access real-time updates on theme park closures here:
Florida Park Updates
Kennedy Space Center
Closed on Thursday 10th October. Anticipating a reopening on Friday 11th October at 9am.
LEGOLAND Florida
Closed on Thursday 10th October.
Madame Tussauds & SeaLife Orlando
Closed on Thursday 10th October.
Orlando Eye
Closed through to Friday, October 11th.
Gatorland Orlando
Closed on Thursday 10th October.
Grayline Orlando
Due to the anticipated impact of Hurricane Milton in our area, we regret to inform you that several tours and attractions scheduled for this week have been cancelled. Additionally, some of the attractions we resell have confirmed closures. We will update the latest information on the following link as it becomes available:
Hurricane Milton Tours & Attraction Closures
Cancellations:
- All tours with transportation scheduled for Thursday, October 10th have been cancelled.
Wild Florida
Closed Thursday 10th October.
Boggy Creek
Closed Thursday 10th October. The impact and safety considerations will be reviewed Friday 11th October at 11am where operations will decide when to resume.
Gatorland
Closed Thursday 10th October.
I-Ride Trolley
Operations will cease during winds in excess of 35mph and resume once the storm has passed.
WonderWorks
Closed Thursday 10th October. The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner show has been cancelled. WonderWorks intends to reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 11th, dependent on forecasts and conditions.
Old Town Kissimee
Closed Thursday 10th October. Planned events such as Thursday Karaoke are cancelled.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic vs. New Orleans Pelicans preseason game on Friday 11th October has been cancelled, with anticipation that this game will not be rescheduled.
Where to Get Live Updates
Stay informed through these key resources:
- National Hurricane Center (NHC): www.nhc.noaa.gov
- Florida Disaster: FloridaDisaster.org
This storm isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s shaping up to be one of the most dangerous hurricanes to hit Florida. If you’re already there, heed all local evacuation orders, stay away from coastal areas, and be prepared for power outages and limited access to basic services. If you have travel plans to Florida in the coming days, consider postponing your trip until after the storm passes and conditions stabilize.
Floridatix: Awaiting further updates from other parks. If you have any enquiries, please email [email protected] with your booking number.
(The above info is accurate of 9:00 GMT, Thursday, 10th October)
Florida Airports – Travel Advice
If you’re travelling into or out of Florida, it’s essential to check your flight status. Many flights may be delayed or cancelled due to the storm. Here’s a quick guide to stay up to date with the latest airport information:
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): Closed . We recommend checking your flight status via your airline’s website or app. If your flight is affected due to the weather, you will need to contact your airline for more info on what to do next.
- Tampa International Airport (TPA): Closed. We recommend checking your flight status via your airline’s website or app. If your flight is affected due to the weather, you will need to contact your airline for more info on what to do next.
- Miami International Airport (MIA): Miami has experienced some delays but is still operating. Confirm your flight status with your airline and take precautions if driving to MIA.
Weather conditions can change rapidly, so be sure to stay connected with your airline for real-time updates.
Things to Do in Your Hotel During the Storm
If you’re confined to your hotel as Hurricane Milton passes through, there are still plenty of ways to stay entertained. Here are some ideas:
- Family Game Night: Bring along a deck of cards or ask the hotel reception for board games. Many hotels have games available for guests!
- Hotel Room Forts: For families with children, build a cosy blanket fort using pillows and duvets. It’s a fun way to create a comfy space for movie-watching or reading.
- Movie Marathon: Now’s the perfect time to binge-watch a film series or catch up on the latest shows. Many hotels offer in-room streaming services like Netflix or Disney+.
- In-Room Dining: Sample local cuisine through the hotel’s room service. Some hotels offer special menus during storms, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without leaving your room.
How to Stay Safe During Hurricane Milton
- Stay Indoors: Avoid going outside during the storm. Strong winds and flying debris can make it very dangerous.
- Prepare Essentials: Ensure you have enough food, water, and any essential medication. Hotels typically provide bottled water in emergencies—don’t hesitate to ask.
- Charge Your Devices: Power outages may occur, so keep your phone, laptop, and other devices fully charged.
- Follow Hotel Instructions: The hotel staff will be well-prepared for severe weather and will issue instructions on safety procedures. Pay close attention to announcements and follow any advice provided.
- Stay Informed: Stay connected to local news, weather apps, and social media for the latest information on Hurricane Milton. Most hotels have emergency communication channels for guests to stay updated.
Do not forget that in case of a medical emergency, the number to dial is 911 in the United States.
Share