In light of the intensifying Hurricane Milton, LEGOLAND Florida Resort has reversed its original decision to remain open during the storm. On Monday night, the Central Florida theme park announced it would shut down to protect its guests and employees.
The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Milton will make landfall in the Tampa area of Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, October 9. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued evacuation orders in multiple regions, suspended road tolls throughout the Sunshine State, and declared a state of emergency in 51 counties, including Polk County, home to LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
On Sunday, Tropical Storm Milton strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane. The storm intensified rapidly in the early hours of Monday morning, eventually exceeding Category 5 winds. President Joe Biden said Hurricane Milton could be the worst to hit the Tampa area in decades.
Just one day after saying it planned to remain open during Hurricane Milton, LEGOLAND Florida Resort officially announced that it would close on Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10. The theme park’s weather information page has more information about rescheduling, refunds, and safety measures.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort shared this update on X (formerly Twitter):
Operational Update: https://legolandflorida.visitlink.me/N6pG67
Operational Update: https://t.co/F1niYU8gZQ pic.twitter.com/AqqBvxb6XI
— LEGOLAND Florida (@LEGOLANDFlorida) October 7, 2024
“LEGOLAND Florida Resort is closing all park operations Wednesday, October 9 – Thursday, October 10,” the infographic read. “At this time LEGOLAND Hotel will remain open at a limited capacity. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and Model Citizens (employees).”
If you’re planning to visit LEGOLAND Florida Resort this week, keep an eye on the theme park’s website and social media channels. They may extend or lift the closure depending on weather conditions and recovery efforts.
The resort previously reassured guests impacted by Hurricane Milton that they could receive refunds or reschedule their visits fee-free. Guests with billing and reservation questions should contact Guest Relations at 877-350-5346 (theme park bookings) or 888-690-5346 (any bookings that include hotel reservations).
LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s hospitality counterparts have also issued statements on Hurricane Milton. Universal Orlando Resort will close early on Wednesday, October 9, and remain closed on Thursday, October 10. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is also closed.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t announced a closure but has frozen Disney Park Pass reservations and dining reservations for Wednesday and Thursday.
Have you visited LEGOLAND Florida or another theme park during a hurricane? In the comments, share your experience with Inside the Magic.