Will Disney World and Universal Orlando Close for Hurricane Helene?

As Hurricane Helene approaches, many are asking important questions about its impact on Florida’s theme parks. The storm, declared a hurricane on September 25, is expected to rapidly strengthen as it moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters predict it will likely make landfall along the eastern part of the Florida Panhandle, particularly in the Big Bend area, on the evening of September 26.

While the storm’s direct path does not currently indicate a direct hit on the state’s theme parks, visitors and locals are contemplating their plans. Here is an overview of the situation at prominent theme parks amid the impending storm.

As of September 25, Disney World remains open to the public. However, certain attractions will be affected starting Thursday, September 26. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park and its miniature golf courses will close due to the storm. The Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is also canceled for that day. Despite plans for Magic Kingdom to close at 6 p.m. for the Halloween festivities, the park’s operating hours have been extended until 8 p.m. to provide guests with more time to enjoy the attractions.

Since its opening, Disney World has had to close its gates on several occasions due to hurricanes and national emergencies. Notable closures include Hurricane Floyd in September 1999, and multiple hurricanes in 2004, including Hurricane Charley and Hurricane Frances. The park also closed for Hurricane Ian in September 2022, along with the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown from May 15, 2020, to July 11, 2020. However, on several occasions, such as Hurricane Elena in 1985 and following the September 11 attacks, it closed early.

Disney’s hurricane policy is particularly noteworthy. In the event the National Hurricane Center issues a warning for the Orlando area or a visitor’s place of residence within seven days of their planned arrival, Disney will issue refunds for tickets and reservations that were booked directly through them. Visitors should contact any third-party suppliers for other bookings.

During previous storms, Disney has provided special accommodations for evacuees. For example, during Hurricane Nicole, the resort offered discounted rates for residents who needed temporary shelter.

Universal Orlando’s theme parks are also open as of September 25, with Volcano Bay water park closing on September 26 due to the storm. Park officials have indicated they are actively monitoring Helene’s development and its potential impact.

Universal’s policies are designed to accommodate guests in case of severe weather. If a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued within the week prior to arrival, visitors can reschedule their Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package or cancel their hotel bookings without incurring cancellation fees.

SeaWorld Orlando is open to guests, although they have not released any specific updates regarding Hurricane Helene’s trajectory and its potential impact.

In contrast, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced it will close on September 26 as part of its precautionary measures. Guests are advised to check the park’s website and social media for updates on when it will reopen.

Both SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, which operate under the same parent company, have a history of providing refunds to visitors when hurricanes approach. They also extend the expiration dates for annual passholders affected by closures. To accommodate guests, they offer a “Weather-or-Not Assurance” program. This program ensures a refund in case of weather interruptions like rain or storms, although certain tickets, such as promotional or complementary ones, may not qualify.

Meanwhile, LEGOLAND Florida remains open as of September 25 and plans to operate on September 26. The park emphasizes the safety of its guests and has a policy in place allowing visitors to reschedule or cancel their visits without penalties if a hurricane warning is issued within a week of their scheduled arrival.

As Hurricane Helene approaches, it’s critical for visitors to stay informed about the storm’s trajectory and the status of the theme parks. Those with plans during this weather event should keep a close watch for updates and possible changes in operations.

Source: Florida Today