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Hurricane Helene Approaches: What Florida Theme Park Visitors Need to Know

Updated September 25, 2024

As Hurricane Helene gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida residents and tourists alike are keeping a watchful eye on its path. With the storm expected to make landfall along the eastern part of the Florida Panhandle by Thursday evening, many are wondering how this will affect plans to visit the state's popular theme parks.

Current Status of Major Theme Parks

As of Wednesday, September 25, all major theme parks in Florida remain open:

Walt Disney World
Universal Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
LEGOLAND Florida

While these parks are currently operating as usual, they are closely monitoring the situation. Disney World officials state they are "closely monitoring the path of the storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and cast members." Universal Orlando has also acknowledged they are keeping track of the storm's progress.

Hurricane Policies and Refunds

Most theme parks have policies in place to accommodate guests affected by hurricanes:

Disney World: If a hurricane warning is issued for Orlando or a visitor's place of residence within seven days of their scheduled arrival, Disney will issue refunds for tickets and reservations booked directly through them. Date modifications are also possible.
Universal Orlando: Similar to Disney, Universal offers rescheduling or cancellation without fees if a hurricane warning is issued for Orlando or the guest's place of residence within seven days of arrival.
SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: These parks offer a "Weather-or-Not Assurance" program, guaranteeing the value of park admission for various weather events, including hurricanes.
LEGOLAND Florida: Allows rescheduling or cancellation without penalties if a tropical storm or hurricane warning is issued for Central Florida or the guest's place of residence within seven days of the scheduled visit.

It's important to note that these policies generally apply only to bookings made directly with the parks. Guests who booked through third-party suppliers may need to contact those providers separately.

Historical Context

While theme park closures are rare, they do happen in extreme weather conditions. Disney World, for instance, has closed less than a dozen times since its opening in 1971, with recent closures including Hurricane Ian in September 2022 and Hurricane Irma in October 2017.

Looking Ahead

As Hurricane Helene approaches, forecasters warn that its impact will be felt throughout Florida, even if the storm's direct path doesn't hit the central part of the state where most major theme parks are located. Visitors planning trips to Florida's theme parks in the coming days should stay informed about the storm's progress and be prepared for potential changes to their plans.

Theme park officials are likely to make decisions about potential closures or modified operations as the situation develops. Guests are advised to check official park websites and social media channels for the most up-to-date information.

Remember, safety is the top priority. While a theme park vacation is exciting, it's crucial to heed all warnings and follow guidance from local authorities and park officials during severe weather events.