(This article has been updated with new information.)

A state of emergency is currently in place across a large portion of Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton.

This Category 5 hurricane is now over the Gulf of Mexico and is predicted to hit Florida’s west coast on Wednesday, with some areas already under hurricane and storm surge watches as reported by the National Hurricane Center.

Over the weekend, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties: 35 on Saturday and an additional 16 on Sunday, affecting every major theme park in Florida.

For the time being, airports and theme parks in Florida are operating as usual, but cruise lines have started to change their schedules.

Here’s what travelers need to be aware of.

What is Hurricane Milton’s Effect on Flights?

Currently, flights in the U.S. remain unaffected by Hurricane Milton, but airlines and airports in the potential storm’s path are preparing for possible impacts.

Airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, have started providing waivers allowing travelers flying to or from select Florida airports to modify their tickets starting Monday without any fees, even for basic economy tickets. Passengers should visit their airline’s website for detailed information on travel advisories.

Airports in the area are still open for now but are closely tracking the storm’s progression and are ready to close if needed. Tampa International Airport announced it will halt operations starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and will resume “as soon as it is safe later this week.”

Travelers are advised to stay informed about updates from their airlines and utilize flexible change options if their travel plans are flexible.

Under Department of Transportation regulations, if a flight is cancelled, customers are entitled to receive a refund.

Is Walt Disney World Open?

As of Monday morning, Walt Disney World Resort is fully operational while monitoring the storm closely. Guests can find real-time updates on Disney World’s official website.

If a hurricane warning is issued for Orlando or the area where guests reside within seven days of their scheduled arrival, they can cancel or modify vacation packages or hotel bookings made through the Walt Disney Travel Company without facing penalties. Unused tickets will remain valid, allowing guests to reschedule for future use.

Walt Disney World features several attractions, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park (currently closed for the season), Disney Springs, ESPN Wide World of Sports, various golf and mini-golf courses, and multiple resort hotels.

Is Universal Orlando Open?

Universal Orlando Resort is also operating as normal on Monday morning and is actively monitoring the storm. Any updates will be communicated through Universal Orlando’s website and social media channels.

If a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued for the Orlando area or the area of residence of guests within seven days of their planned visit, they may cancel or modify vacation packages, hotel bookings, or park tickets purchased directly from Universal without facing penalties.

Universal Orlando Resort comprises Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay water park, Universal CityWalk, and various resort hotels.

Are Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando Open?

As of Monday morning, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando are keeping a close watch on the hurricane. Guests should refer to the respective websites of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando for the latest updates.

Both parks have a Weather-or-Not Assurance policy in place that preserves the value of tickets regardless of weather conditions, allowing guests to return at a later date.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay operates alongside its water park, Adventure Island, while SeaWorld Orlando has sister parks including Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove Orlando.

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Is LEGOLAND Florida Open?

As of Monday morning, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is functioning normally while monitoring the storm closely. Guests are encouraged to check LEGOLAND Florida’s website and social media for any updates.

Guests who have plans to visit LEGOLAND Florida can cancel or reschedule without penalty if the National Hurricane Center issues a tropical storm or hurricane warning for Central Florida within seven days of their scheduled arrival. Additionally, LEGOLAND Florida has a Rainy Day Promise that allows guests to use their tickets for a future visit within one year of any park closures due to bad weather.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort consists of LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND Florida Water Park, Peppa Pig Theme Park, and several resort hotels.

What is Hurricane Milton’s Impact…

Changes to Cruise Itineraries

▶ So far, six Royal Caribbean International cruise routes have been affected:

• The Grandeur of the Seas, which departs from Tampa, Florida on Monday, will change its original Western Caribbean route to an Eastern Caribbean one, now stopping in Nassau, Bahamas instead of Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.
• The Utopia of the Seas will modify its Monday departure from Port Canaveral, Florida, switching its stops at Nassau and the exclusive Bahamas destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The ship will now visit Perfect Day on Tuesday and Nassau on Thursday.
• The Harmony of the Seas, sailing from Galveston, Texas on Sunday, will skip its scheduled stop in Roatan, Honduras on Wednesday, opting to visit Costa Maya instead.
• The Symphony of the Seas will substitute most of its ports, cruising to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and Labadee, Haiti, instead of Port Canaveral, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau. This ship departed from Bayonne, New Jersey on Sunday.
• The Wonder of the Seas will not stop in Roatan on Thursday or Costa Maya on Friday; however, it will visit Falmouth, Jamaica on Wednesday. This vessel left Port Canaveral on Sunday and will now shift its Cozumel stop to Friday.
• The Independence of the Seas, which left Miami on Saturday, will visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday instead of Cozumel.

▶ Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection will replace its Tuesday stop in Key West with Nassau. The ship is scheduled to depart from Fort Lauderdale on Monday.

▶ Carnival Cruise Line has moved the Carnival Pride’s three-day Bermuda trip scheduled to start on Wednesday, to a day earlier. The ship departed Baltimore, Maryland on Sunday.

▶ The Margaritaville at Sea Islander will now set sail from Tampa on Monday rather than Tuesday. Its itinerary is being revised, and more details regarding the adjustments will be shared when available, according to the cruise line’s website.

▶ Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady will change its Wednesday sea day into a visit to Cozumel. Departing Miami on Sunday, the ship will also skip its planned stop in Bimini, Bahamas on Thursday, opting for a day at sea instead.