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Hurricane season is definitely upon us, and the latest storm — Hurricane Milton — is hurdling toward Florida. The now-former tropical cyclone has intensified to a Category 5 hurricane, according to multiple outlets, and residents are scrambling to evacuate or brace themselves. Since Orlando will be impacted by Milton, the city’s attractions may have to close, including Universal Studios.
Hurricane Milton Becomes Category 5
On Monday, October 7, Milton quickly jumped from a Category 3 to a Category 4 storm. Within hours, multiple outlets reported that it was classified as a Category 5 hurricane. As a result, mandatory evacuations were issued across the Sunshine State, and Tampa Bay International Airport announced a temporary closure this week.
This is the second hurricane to hit Florida this past month. Two weeks ago, Hurricane Helene made landfall on the west coast of Florida, causing destruction and injuring 200 people in several southern states.
Update from Universal Orlando Resort.
For more information and FAQs, visit https://t.co/Eu1lCzLYLs pic.twitter.com/pUmS7DuPGy
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) October 6, 2024
Is Universal Studios Orlando Closed for Milton?
As of Sunday, October 6, Universal Studios in Orlando is still open, the Florida resort announced on its website.
“At this time, our park operations and hours are continuing as normal,” the announcement read. “We are closely monitoring the weather.”
For any guests who purchased tickets to Universal Studios, the resort has guidelines for inclement weather. Per its website, Universal’s policy reads, “In the event that a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for the Orlando area or in your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you can contact our team in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel room only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, without any cancellation or change fees imposed.”
Is Disney World Closed for Milton?
On Monday, October 7, Disney World announced that it was still open in a statement shared via the parks’ website. However, Disney also encouraged guests “to prepare for the local climate and check the weather forecast for Central Florida.”
“Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions,” the statement read. “We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and cast members.”
