Hurricane Milton Forces Legoland Florida to Close Its Doors Tomorrow
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is closing for Hurricane Milton. Here’s what you need to know.
LEGOLAND Florida Changes Course Amid Hurricane
Initial Decision to Remain Open
Initially, LEGOLAND Florida Resort indicated its intention to remain operational during Hurricane Milton, a growing concern for the Central Florida area. Visitors were greeted with updates suggesting that the park would continue its regular operational hours despite the looming threat of the storm. The park aimed to offer its guests a safe and enjoyable experience even as weather conditions began to deteriorate.
Final Decision to Close for Safety
However, as forecasts concerning Hurricane Milton became increasingly alarming, LEGOLAND Florida Resort reversed its earlier decision. On the evening of October 7, the park announced it would close its doors on October 9 and 10 for safety reasons. This shift came in response to the storm’s rapid escalation to a Category 5 hurricane, causing park officials to prioritize the welfare of guests and staff members.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort shared the following message on X (formerly known as Twitter):
Operational Update: https://legolandflorida.visitlink.me/N6pG67
https://twitter.com/legolandflorida/status/1843363114462728246?s=46
The statement read:
“LEGOLAND Florida Resort is closing all park operations Wednesday, October 9 – Thursday, October 10. At this time LEGOLAND Hotel will remain open at a limited capacity. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and Model Citizens (employees).”
Impact of Hurricane Milton on Florida
Category Increase and Landfall Predictions
Hurricane Milton rapidly strengthened from Sunday into Monday, eventually turning into a Category 5 storm. Officials, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, voiced serious concerns about the storm’s potential impact, with winds exceeding 120 mph reported. Meteorologists warned that this hurricane could become one of the worst events to hit the Tampa area in decades.
Governor’s Emergency Measures
In response to the impending hurricane, Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 51 Florida counties, including Polk County, where LEGOLAND Florida Resort is located. Suspended road tolls were instituted to assist those who needed to evacuate the area rapidly.
Information for Affected Guests
Refund and Rescheduling Options
LEGOLAND Florida Resort Visitors affected by Hurricane Milton have been offered the choice to reschedule their visits free of charge or receive refunds for any prepaid admissions.
Affected guests seeking further information or needing assistance with their bookings can reach out to LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s Guest Relations. The contact number for theme park bookings is 877-350-5346, while those with hotel reservations can call 888-690-5346. These designated lines ensure that all inquiries are addressed promptly, allowing guests to focus on their safety during this challenging time.
Other Theme Parks Respond to Hurricane
Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort Updates
As Central Florida braces itself for Hurricane Milton, other local theme parks have also taken precautionary measures. Universal Orlando Resort chose to close earlier than usual on Wednesday and shut down entirely on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Walt Disney World Resort has opted to remain operational during the hurricane but warned that altered operations may be necessary depending on the storm’s trajectory.
Current Status of Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, another popular attraction in the region, has also announced its decision to close due to Hurricane Milton’s anticipated impact.
Should other theme parks close for Hurricane Milton? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments.
