Hurricane Milton struck Florida on Wednesday night and has passed, leaving many wondering if the theme parks have resumed operations.

The hurricane made landfall in Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm, bringing winds of 120 mph. Although it weakened, it still caused extensive wind and flooding damage as it traveled to the state’s East Coast.

In preparation for the storm, all Florida theme parks closed their gates to ensure the safety of employees and visitors. Here’s a status update as of Friday regarding each major theme park and details on ticket refunds for those affected by closures.

Are Florida Theme Parks Open After Hurricane Milton? What Are Their Reopening Times?

▶ Disney World: All parks, including the water parks and Disney Springs, reopened on Friday during regular operating hours.

▶ Universal Orlando: Both theme parks, including Volcano Bay and Halloween Horror Nights, have resumed normal operations as of Friday.

▶ Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Remains closed on Friday, with updates on reopening expected soon. Howl-O-Scream events have been canceled for Friday.

▶ SeaWorld Orlando: SeaWorld, along with Aquatica, Discovery Cove, and Howl-O-Scream events, have reopened on Friday. However, the Spooktacular event is canceled for that day.

▶ LEGOLAND Florida: The theme park is closed on Friday but will resume operations soon.

▶ Fun Spot America: Both amusement parks returned to operations on Thursday.

What If I Had Tickets for the Parks During the Hurricane? Can I Reschedule or Get a Refund?

If you bought tickets for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday when the theme parks were closed, here’s what you need to know about each park’s hurricane policy and refund options:

Disney World’s Hurricane Policy

According to their website, Walt Disney World Resort has a flexible policy during hurricanes. Refunds are available if the National Hurricane Center issues a warning for the Orlando area or your home within seven days of your scheduled arrival date, provided your tickets and reservations were booked directly through Disney. You can also change your dates.

If you booked through third-party suppliers, you’ll need to contact them directly.

Universal Orlando’s Hurricane Policy

Universal Orlando states on its website that while they can’t guarantee the weather, they aim to make travel plans smoother.”

If a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued for Orlando or your residential area within seven days before your arrival, you can contact them to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel accommodations, and theme park tickets booked directly through Universal Orlando without incurring fees.

Moreover, guests who had tickets for Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure on Thursday, Oct. 10, or Universal Volcano Bay on Oct. 9 or 10 can use their tickets any day before Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Guests don’t need to reach out to Guest Services. They can go directly to the entrance with their admission ticket on the chosen date.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando’s Policies

Both parks mention a “Weather-or-Not Assurance” for their tickets.

“Your visit is covered through our Weather-or-Not Assurance program, which guarantees the value of your park admission year-round against weather events like rain or high winds,” park officials explain.

Exceptions to this policy include:

• Pass Member admission; complimentary tickets (including Weather-or-Not Assurance tickets); 14-day Length of Stay tickets; and Discovery Cove ticket packages.
• Promotional/discount tickets may also be excluded; please verify with Guest Relations.
• Weather-or-Not Assurance does not apply to parking or additional in-park products or experiences.

To request your return visit, visit Guest Relations at the park or submit your information online. Have your original ticket or order number ready.

LEGOLAND Florida’s Policy

LEGOLAND Florida emphasizes the safety of guests and staff as a top priority.

If the National Hurricane Center issues a tropical storm or hurricane warning for Central Florida or your area within seven days of your scheduled visit, you may reschedule or cancel your tickets without any penalties from LEGOLAND or Merlin Entertainments.

This policy applies to LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park tickets, LEGOLAND Water Park tickets, Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida tickets, and any hotel bookings made directly with LEGOLAND Florida Resort or LEGOLAND Vacations, as well as partner hotel reservations and packages booked through LEGOLAND.

What About Special Events Like Halloween Horror Nights, Howl-O-Scream, or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party?

▶ Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party was canceled on Thursday. According to the website, if you bought tickets directly from Disney using a credit or debit card, a refund will be automatically issued back to your original payment method within seven business days.

▶ Halloween Horror Nights: The website mentions that guests who have tickets for Halloween Horror Nights dated for entry on Wednesday, October 9, or Thursday, October 10, can use their tickets for any of the remaining event nights. There’s no need to contact Guest Services – guests can head straight to the entrance gate on their preferred night and show their ticket for entry.

▶ Howl-O-Scream: According to the website, tickets for Howl-O-Scream can be utilized for any remaining nights of the Howl-O-Scream event.