Before Helene lands, are Florida theme parks open or closed?

When is the Atlantic hurricane season? From June 1 to November 30 each year, with peak activity between August and October. The peak of hurricane season occurs on September 10.

A major storm is coming, and that undoubtedly means these questions: Where is it going and will the state’s amusement parks close?

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that Helene is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Wednesday and quickly strengthen into a major hurricane in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The highest probability of landfall on Wednesday is somewhere along eastern Florida, specifically in the Big Bend region on Thursday night.

Forecasters noted that Helene’s impact will be felt across the state. While the storm is not currently in the direct path of any of Florida’s theme parks, tourists or locals may be wondering if their theme park visit is on hold. Here’s the status of each theme park and its overall hurricane policy.

Is Disney World closed due to Tropical Storm Helene?

As of Wednesday, September 25, Disney World was still open to the public. Its website states that officials are “closely monitoring the storm’s path as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and cast members.”

When did Disney World close?

Disney World in Orlando has closed less than a dozen times due to hurricanes and national emergencies since it opened in 1971.

Here is a list of times when Disney World was not open to guests:

Hurricane Floyd in September 1999
Hurricane Charley in August 2004
Hurricane Frances in August 2004
Hurricane Jeanne in August 2004
Hurricane Matthew in October 2016
Hurricane Irma in October 2017
COVID-19 pandemic, May 15, 2020 to July 11, 2020
Hurricane Ian in September 2022

Here’s what time Disney World closed early:

Hurricane Elena in August 1985
Terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001

What is Disney World’s hurricane policy? Can I get a refund?

According to its website, Walt Disney World Resort will make exceptions to its standard policy and issue hurricane refunds if the National Hurricane Center issues a warning for the Orlando area or a guest’s location within seven days of their “expected arrival date.” ITickets and reservations were made directly with Disney. Dates are also subject to change.

You will need to contact any third party suppliers you have made your booking with.

Were people evacuated to Disney World because of a hurricane?

During previous hurricanes, the company has also offered deals to residents who needed a safe place to evacuate and hunker down during the storm. During Hurricane Nicole in 2023, Disney offered 50% off stays at Disney Resort hotels on select dates for evacuees, adding that the company had strict check-in hours.

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Are Universal Studios and Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure in Florida closed due to Tropical Storm Helene?

Universal Orlando remains open to the public as of Wednesday, September 25. Authorities have indicated on social media that they are monitoring the storm’s progress.

Universal Studios Hurricane Policy

Universal Orlando’s website states that they “cannot guarantee 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 your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you may contact our team in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts vacation package, hotel-only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, with no cancellation or change fees imposed.”

Is SeaWorld Orlando Closed Due to Tropical Storm Helene?

As of Wednesday, September 25, SeaWorld is open to the public. No updates have been released on the storm.

Is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay closed due to Tropical Storm Helene?

As of Wednesday, September 25, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is open to the public. No updates have been released on the storm.

SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Hurricane Policy

Historically, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which share the same parent company, have closed their parks and offered refunds to park visitors due to approaching hurricanes. They have also extended annual pass expiration dates to account for the closure days.

Although theme parks remain open when the weather doesn’t cooperate, both websites state that they offer “weather or no weather insurance” with their tickets.

“Your visit is covered by our Weather-or-Not Assurance program. This program guarantees the value of your park admission and applies year-round, covering weather events such as rain, lightning, extreme heat, wind, snow, hail and more,” park officials share.

Restrictions include:

The following items are not eligible for Weather-or-No Assurance tickets: Pass Member admission; Complimentary tickets (including Weather-or-No Assurance tickets); 14-day stay tickets and packages; Discovery Cove ticket packages.
The following items may not be eligible and should be verified with Customer Relations: promotional/discounted tickets (group sale tickets) and multi-day promotional tickets.
Weather insurance does not apply to parking or additional products or experiences in the park.

You will need to visit the park’s Guest Relations office or submit your information online to request your next visit. Be sure to have your original admission ticket or order number.

Is LEGOLAND Florida closed due to Tropical Storm Helene?

As of Wednesday, September 25, LEGOLAND is still open to the public. The company has not made any updates or announcements regarding Helene.

LEGOLAND Florida Hurricane Policy

On its website, LEGOLAND Florida states that the safety of “guests and model citizens is our top priority.”

“If the National Hurricane Center issues a tropical storm or hurricane warning for the Central Florida area – or your location – within seven days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your visit to LEGOLAND Florida Resort without any penalty or fees imposed by LEGOLAND and/or Merlin Entertainments.”

This policy applies only to LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park Tickets, LEGOLAND Water Park Tickets, Peppa Pig Florida Theme Park Tickets and various theme park hotel reservations booked directly through LEGOLAND Florida Resort or LEGOLAND Vacations, as well as partner hotel reservations and packages booked through LEGOLAND Vacations.