ORLANDO, Fla. – Hurricane Milton is predicted to strike Florida’s Gulf Coast later this week, with Orlando firmly in the crosshairs of the forecast track.
Ahead of Milton’s arrival, schools, airports and other attractions have announced closures to brace for the storm’s impact.
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Universal Studios Orlando announced on Sunday, however, that it is still operating under normal conditions — at least for now.
“At this time, our park operations and hours are continuing as normal,” Universal’s website read on Sunday. “We are closely monitoring the weather. Please check back for updates.”
Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations’ severe weather policy is as follows:
“While an incredible vacation awaits at Universal Orlando Resort™, unfortunately we can’t make guarantees about the weather, but your travel plans can still be stress-free. 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. If you have purchased airline tickets as part of your Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations package, you may still be subject to cancellation and change fees assessed by those airlines.
If you have purchased Universal Orlando products and services through third-party suppliers, travel agents or tour operators please contact them directly for information regarding their cancellation or change policies and procedures. The policy does not apply to certain special events, dining experiences or group related bookings.
We want you to feel safe and will work with you directly to best accommodate your needs. If you have additional questions or need to change or cancel your travel plans, please contact a member of our Guest Contact Center team by calling 800-711-0080.”
Universal Orlando Resort Severe Weather Policy
Milton is forecast to storm through the Orlando area as Universal Orlando celebrates its annual Halloween Horror Nights celebration, which runs through Nov. 3.
But as of Monday night, tickets to the event were still available on the theme park’s website.
For more on Universal’s severe weather policy, click here.
As of Monday, Milton strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane, though it’s expected to strike the Tampa Bay area as a Category 3 storm before crossing over the Orlando area as a Category 2 hurricane.
In the meantime, WKMG-TV will provide extended coverage to help keep the Central Florida community informed and safe. Click here for the latest coverage.