As Florida begins the cleanup from Hurricane Milton, Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, recreation sites, and more remain closed Thursday. But Disney fans need not fret. The resort is expected to resume regular operations Friday.
“We’re grateful Walt Disney World Resort weathered the storm, and we are currently assessing the impacts to our property to prepare for reopening the theme parks, Disney Springs and possibly other areas on Friday, October 11,” the park said in a statement. “Our hearts are with our fellow Floridians who were impacted by this storm.”
Here’s what visitors need to know.
Live updates:Florida picking up the pieces after Milton: 8 dead, 3.4M in dark. Live updates
Is Disney World in Orlando closed for Hurricane Milton?
Walt Disney World Resort’s theme parks and Disney Springs closed Wednesday afternoon and will remain closed on Thursday. The theme parks, Disney Springs, and possibly other areas are being prepared to reopen on Friday.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is canceled for Thursday.
Disney resort transportation has also ceased operations. Minnie Van and Mears taxi services will be limited.
Guests can find updates on Disney World’s website.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park and mini golf courses are also closed Wednesday. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park was already closed for the season. The resort says ESPN Wide World of Sports doesn’t have events scheduled until this weekend.
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 began closing late Wednesday morning and will likely stay closed until Sunday, according to the resort.
Whenever the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for Orlando, as it has for Milton, or wherever guests live within seven days of their scheduled arrival, guests may cancel or change vacation packages or hotel reservations booked directly through the Walt Disney Travel Company without penalty. Unused tickets retain their value, and guests may change ticket dates for future use.
What is Disney World’s hurricane policy? Can I get a refund?
Whenever the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for Orlando, as it has for Milton, or wherever guests live within seven days of their scheduled arrival, guests may cancel or change vacation packages or hotel reservations booked directly through the Walt Disney Travel Company without penalty. Unused tickets retain their value, and guests may change ticket dates for future use.
You will have to reach out to any third-party suppliers you booked with.
Did people evacuate to Disney World for a hurricane?
In previous 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 closed for Hurricane Milton?
Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk are closed through Thursday but are expected to resume normal operations on Friday, according to the park’s website. Halloween Horror Nights will also resume on Friday.
Universal Volcano Bay Water Park closed on Wednesday and Thursday. Halloween Horror Nights were canceled Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets dated for these two days can use them for any remaining night of the event with no action required.
Guests with tickets to Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands Adventure on Thursday or Universal Volcano Bay on Wednesday or Thursday can use them any day until Dec. 18 without needing to call or visit Guest Services. Just show up to the park.
Universal Orlando hotels remain fully operational.
When the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane or tropical storm warning for the Orlando area or wherever a guest lives within seven days of their scheduled arrival, guests may cancel or change vacation packages, hotel reservations, or park tickets booked directly through Universal without penalty.
Universal Studios’ hurricane policy
Universal Orlando’s website states 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.”