Universal Orlando Resort just issued a statement to guests after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis put the Central Florida theme park under a state of emergency for Hurricane Milton.
Universal Orlando's State of Emergency Announcement
On Saturday, Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency across several Florida counties, including Orange County, which encompasses Universal Orlando Resort. This declaration was a preemptive measure in anticipation of Tropical Storm Milton, which is expected to make landfall Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane.
The state of emergency directly affects local attractions, including Universal Studios Florida, Universal CityWalk, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay Water Park. The declaration allows authorities to mobilize resources efficiently and provides a framework for operational adjustments as conditions change.
Guests are encouraged to stay informed through official channels, such as Universal Orlando Resort's weather information page, and prioritize personal safety.
Hurricane Milton's Expected Impact
The National Hurricane Center predicts that Hurricane Milton will strengthen into a powerful Category 3 hurricane before making landfall on Wednesday, October 9. The storm's trajectory places it directly impacting the Central Florida region.
Hurricane Milton is anticipated to bring strong winds and heavy rain, creating unpredictable conditions. Forecasts suggest that Milton could be among the stronger storms to impact the state in recent years.
Universal Orlando Resort's Operational Updates
Despite the impending storm, Universal Orlando Resort has announced that its parks will remain open during Hurricane Milton. On Sunday, they wrote:
“As of now our park operations and hours are continuing as normal. We are closely monitoring the weather. Please follow us on social channels or check our website for updates.”
However, operational hours and certain attractions may be modified or unavailable. The Central Florida resort is actively monitoring weather conditions and staying in close contact with local authorities to make informed decisions.
For guests visiting during Hurricane Milton, it is important to note that select experiences and attractions may be altered. Universal Orlando Resort suggests checking their official updates frequently to stay informed about any changes that could impact their visit.
Guest Policy Changes Due to Weather
In light of Hurricane Milton's approach, Universal Orlando Resort has established flexible policies for guests affected by the storm. Visitors with vacation packages booked directly through Universal can reschedule or cancel their plans without incurring cancellation or change fees should a hurricane warning be issued or a state of emergency is declared.
This policy applies to hotel accommodations and theme park tickets, encouraging guests to take proactive steps if they feel unsafe traveling due to the storm. Guests booked through third-party suppliers or travel agents must contact those entities directly for guidance on cancellation policies.
Is it worth visiting Universal Orlando Resort or another theme park during a hurricane? Share your thoughts with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
