Credit: Aditya Vyas, UnsplashBeginning June 1, Florida enters hurricane season, which runs through the end of November. Despite its early start, serious storms don’t usually become an issue until later in the season, around mid-September. And that remained true this year when, just a couple of weeks ago, Hurricane Helene ripped through the Sunshine State and wiped away entire towns in the Carolinas.
The damage from Hurricane Helene is still being cleaned up, and now, another, even bigger, storm is on the way. And Floridians throughout the state are bracing for impact.
Related: UPDATE: Walt Disney World Resort Now Under Hurricane Warning
Last week, Tropical Storm Milton began forming in the Gulf of Mexico. What started out as an area of concern quickly ballooned into a massive storm, and on October 7, it reached Category 5 status. Hurricane Milton is making its way through the Gulf and is expected to hit Florida’s west coast in the next 36 hours. Experts are predicting it is the worst storm the state has seen in nearly a century.
Thousands of people are currently vacationing in Central Florida, visiting places like Walt Disney World Resort, LEGOLAND Florida, SeaWorld Orlando, and the Universal Orlando Resort.
Those resorts are in major preparation mode and working overtime to ensure guests’ safety and that the hotels and theme parks are ready to withstand Hurricane Milton.
With the storm set to hit in a matter of hours, Universal Orlando Resort has announced some major closures.
The Universal Orlando Resort website now has the following information.
Due to Hurricane Milton, Universal Orlando Resort is making the following operational changes for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
- On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will be open until 2 p.m. and will be closed on Thursday, Oct. 10. (*Note: Hours of operation are subject to change based on forecast alterations and some attraction and experience availability may be limited on Wednesday as we prepare for an early closure)
- Universal Volcano Bay will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
- Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and 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.
Related: Orlando Airport Makes MAJOR Announcement, Thousands of Theme Park Vacations Impacted
Due to the fact that the Orlando area is under a hurricane warning, Universal is allowing guests whose vacation was scheduled within seven days of the storm to reschedule or cancel without incurring any fees or penalties.
While the theme parks will close, Universal Orlando’s hotels will remain operational for guests who find themselves in need of accommodations during Hurricane Milton. The resort is focused on supporting its hotel guests, providing them with essential services and updates as the storm progresses. Team members are on alert to assist guests with any needs that arise in the coming days.
The impact of Hurricane Milton is not limited to Universal Orlando. Other major attractions, including Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando, are also taking precautions by announcing closures. These theme parks are implementing their emergency protocols to ensure the welfare of guests and staff amid the approaching storm.
The Orlando community, including local governments and emergency services, is actively preparing for Hurricane Milton. Evacuations may be issued if necessary, and residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news sources and government announcements.
The community’s collective response aims to ensure that safety remains the top priority for all individuals in the region as they brace for the anticipated effects of the storm.
Hurricane Milton is set to be a very dangerous storm. If you are in the path of Milton, please listen to all instructions given by local and state authorities.