(This story has been updated to add new information.)
A hurricane warning is in effect for central Florida ahead of Hurricane MiltonArrival is scheduled for Wednesday.
Despite a slight weakening, the category 4 hurricane is still packing “devastating hurricane force winds,” according to the National Hurricane Center, and could produce historic floods.
Over the weekend, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties – 35 counties Saturday, then 16 more on Sunday — including those at every major theme park in the state.
Here's what travelers should know.
How does Hurricane Milton impact flights?
Nearly 700 U.S. flights were canceled as of 11:45 a.m. ET Tuesday and more than 1,500 have already been canceled Wednesday, according to the flight tracking website. Aware of theftas airlines and airports in the storm's path prepare for its impact.
Carriers including American airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines And United Airlines have issued waivers allowing travelers flying to or from certain Florida airports to change their tickets at no extra cost, even if they purchased a base economy fare. Customers can check their airline's website for specific details on travel advisories.
American Airlines also added more than 2,000 seats to flights departing from Tampa and Sarasota Bradenton International Airports Monday and Tuesday to help people get ahead of the storm. United Airlines also added additional seats and flights Monday evening and Tuesday to facilitate the evacuation.
Which airports are closing due to Hurricane Milton?
Tampa and Orlando airports say they will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
Which Florida airports are still open?
For now, Daytona Beach International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Jacksonville International Airport, Key West International Airport, Melbourne Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, Palm Beach International Airportare all open but are monitoring the storm. However, some flights at these airports have been canceled.
Travelers should keep an eye on their airline's updates and consider taking advantage of flexible change policies if they don't have to travel.
If a the flight is canceled for any reason, customers are entitled to a refund, in accordance with Department of Transportation rules.
Is Walt Disney World open?
Walt Disney World ResortTheme parks in France are still operating normally as they closely follow the storm. However, several resort areas will be closed. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Customers can find updates at The Disney World website.
Anytime the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for Orlando, as it did for Milton, or wherever guests live within seven days before their scheduled arrival, guests can cancel or change their reservation. vacation packages or hotel reservations booked directly through Walt Disney Travel Company without penalty. Unused tickets retain their value and guests can change ticket dates for later use.
Walt Disney World includes Magic Kingdom, ÉPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal KingdomDisney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park (currently closed for the season), Disney Springs, ESPN Wide World of Sports, several golf and mini golf courses, and various resort hotels.
Could Milton become a Category 6?Is this even possible?
Is Universal Orlando open?
Universal Orlando Resort operating normally and closely monitoring the storm. Any changes to this will be announced on Universal Orlando website and social media.
When the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane or tropical storm warning for the Orlando area or wherever a guest resides within seven days of their scheduled arrival, guests may cancel or change their stay. vacation packages, hotel reservations or park tickets booked directly through Universal without penalty.
Universal Orlando Resort includes Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay water park, Universal walk in the city And many resort hotels.
Is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay open?
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, according to its parent company United Parks & Resorts. Dated park tickets have been automatically extended for use on any date through the end of the year.
Howl-O-Scream is canceled for Thursday, but tickets can be used at any other Howl-O-Scream party this season.
Busch Garden Tampa Bay's sister water park, Adventure Island, was already scheduled to be closed until Thursday, according to its seasonal operating schedule.
Customers are encouraged to check United Parks & Resort Website and social media for reopening details and additional updates.
Is SeaWorld Orlando open?
SeaWorld Orlando and its sister park, Aquatica Orlando, are both open Tuesday but will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. Date tickets for closing dates can be used any day through the end of the year.
However, their sister park, Discovery Cove Orlando, has adopted its named storm policy for Wednesday and Thursday, offering to reschedule trips for another date.
All three parks are also part of United Parks & Resorts, and guests are encouraged to view the parent company website and social media for storm-related updates.
Additionally, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld both have a Weather insurance or not policy that guarantees the value of park tickets despite all types of inclement weather, so guests can return at a later date.
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Is LEGOLAND Florida open?
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is operating normally at the moment, but will close Wednesday and Thursday, and the hotel will operate with limited capacity, according to its website. Customers are encouraged to check LEGOLAND Florida Website and social media for additional updates.
Customers can cancel or reschedule visits without penalty when the National Hurricane Center issues a tropical storm or hurricane warning for central Florida within seven days of their expected arrival. Beyond that, LEGOLAND Florida has a Rainy Day Promiseallowing guests to use existing tickets for a future visit within a year of the park closing due to inclement weather.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort includes LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND Florida Water Park, Peppa Pig Theme Park and several resort hotels.
What is the impact of Hurricane Milton on cruises?
▶ Several Royal Caribbean International Routes have been affected so far and the line said it had informed all passengers directly. Passengers who are unsure whether their navigation is affected should check with the shipping company.
▶ Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Reflection will replace a stop in Key West on Tuesday with Nassau. The ship will depart from Fort Lauderdale on Monday.
▶ Carnival Cruise Line The Carnival Pride ship has moved forward its three-day visit to Bermuda – which was scheduled to begin Wednesday – by one day, according to the cruise line says on its website. The ship left Baltimore, Maryland on Sunday. Carnival Paradise, which left Tampa on Sundaywill visit the Costa Maya instead of Cozumel, while Carnival Valor, which left New Orleans on Saturdaywill replace a stopover in Cozumel with a day at sea.
▶ Disney Cruise Line Disney Magic will visit Disney Lookout Cay in Lighthouse Point a day earlier than scheduled on Wednesday and spend the day at sea on Thursday. The ship, which left of Fort Lauderdale Monday, will also stop in Nassau on Friday rather than Wednesday.
▶ The Margaritaville at sea The islander left Tampa on Monday rather than Tuesday. The ship's itinerary will be modified and additional information “regarding the adjusted itinerary will be made (available) as plans are confirmed,” according to the line's website.
▶ MSC Magnifica from MSC Cruises Monday Cruise from Miami will visit Puerto Plata on Wednesday and will avoid scheduled stops at the line stop MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas on Tuesday and in Nassau on Thursday.
▶ Virgin Travels' Valiant Lady will replace her day at sea on Wednesday with a stopover in Cozumel. The ship, which left Miami on Sundaywill also skip a stopover in Bimini in the Bahamas on Thursday and instead spend the day at sea.
What is the impact of Hurricane Milton on hotels?
Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo on Wednesday issued travel waivers and activated emergency policies for travelers whose plans are disrupted due to the storm, according to a press release from their parent company Expedia Group.
▶ Expedia and Hotels.com customers whose reservations are affected by Hurricane Milton can visit customer service portals to help them make changes to their travel arrangements. Visit the Expedia Customer Service Portal here and the Hotels.com customer service portal here.
▶ The vacation rental platform Vrbo has activated its Extenuating Circumstances Policy for eligible areas of Florida. Affected travelers will be informed. Under this policy, hosts must provide a full refund for affected reservations or a partial refund for unused portions of a trip if the trip is already in progress. For reservations in non-covered areas, the host's cancellation policy applies and travelers should contact the host directly through the app or website.
