Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are starting to welcome guests after Hurricane Ian, but it’s not quite business as usual.
The hurricane swept through the state Wednesday and Thursday as one of the most powerful storms in the nation’s history, inundating buildings, leaving people stranded and knocking out power for millions.
“We are thinking of our neighbors across Florida,” Disney Parks tweeted Thursday. “We will get through this together and be there to help our cast members and our community.”
All of Florida’s major theme parks closed before Ian arrived and remained closed Thursday. Several parks will also remain closed on Friday.
Here’s what hopeful guests need to know about the park’s reopening plans.
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disney world
Disney World began a phased reopening Friday morning, staggering the hours of its four main theme parks until early afternoon. Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels were granted early entry to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom two hours before the general public.
Mickey’s not-so-spooky Halloween party will continue as planned on Friday. Guests who had tickets for Thursday’s canceled party will receive an automatic refund to their original method of payment within seven business days.
Customers who were unable to use all days of their multi-day theme park tickets due to Hurricane Ian will have the unused portion of their tickets automatically extended through September 30, 2023. have used any portion of their tickets may contact Disney to change travel plans if they booked through the resort. Travelers who have booked through third parties should contact those third parties instead.
Among other reopening plans, Disney Springs reopened Friday morning. Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf is set to reopen at 3 p.m. Friday, but the resort’s other mini-golf course will remain temporarily closed. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday for scheduled events. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park is set to reopen on Sunday. Disney’s Blizzard Beach was already closed for the season.
Additional details can be found on a special weather page on the Disney World website.
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Universal Orlando
Universal’s Volcano Bay water park reopened to the general public on Friday. Other parts of Universal Orlando Resort have reopened only to guests staying on-site. Resort hotels were fully booked and operational throughout the storm.
Halloween Horror Parties will be open to all guests with existing tickets at 5 p.m. Friday. Halloween Horror Nights and the rest of the resort will open to the general public on Saturday.
“Our hearts continue to be with everyone affected by Hurricane Ian and we are grateful for the hard work of our team members during this difficult time,” Universal Orlando said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming all of our guests and team members back.”
Customers are directed to Universal Orlando’s website and social media channels for the latest information.
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Sea World Orlando
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove will be will reopen on Saturday and resume its Howl-O-Scream event, according to their parent company, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment on Friday. Here are the Saturday opening hours for the properties:
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Adventure Island: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- SeaWorld Orlando: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream: 7 p.m. to midnight
- Aquatica Orlando: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Discovery Cove: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Customers who had park tickets for dates affected by the hurricane can use those tickets through Dec. 31.
Tickets for Friday canceled Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld has been extended through October 31.
Annual Pass member guest tickets that were due to expire on Sunday have been extended until October 16
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LEGOLAND Florida
The LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park, Water Park and Peppa Pig Theme Park remain closed Friday as the parks continue to assess damage and clean up after Hurricane Ian.
“The safety of guests and model citizens is our top priority,” the resort’s website said.
Resort hotels remain open to guests with existing reservations. People with park tickets through Sunday will have them automatically extended through December 31.
More information about LEGOLAND Florida’s hurricane policy is available online.
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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Although not a theme park, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a popular tourist destination that also closed during the storm. It will reopen on Saturday. “All Kennedy Space Center attractions, exhibits, programs and the bus tour will be open during regular business hours,” according to its website.
People who have existing reservations through Friday will be automatically refunded within one billing cycle. Those who purchased their tickets from third-party vendors will need to contact them directly for information regarding cancellations or refunds.
The visitor complex has also extended its Future Voyagers offer until Sunday. This offer provides free entry for up to three children, ages 3-11, per adult ticket purchased.
“As our neighbors and crew members across the state continue to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Ian, we keep everyone in our thoughts,” a statement on its website said. “The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be there to support the community and our crew members as they begin to repair and rebuild.”
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