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Florida theme parks are preparing for Hurricane Idalia. Universal has announced they are taking away this benefit for their guests due to the incoming storm.
Hurricane Idalia
Late last week Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency. It’s hurricane season for the state of Florida right now and through the next couple of months. Just yesterday, Tropical Storm Idalia upgraded from a watch to a warning. However, overnight it got upgraded even more.
The National Hurricane Center now categorizes Idalia as a hurricane. Winds crossed over 75mph. Hurricane Idalia is moving north at 14 mph. Right now, it is simply moving north, but later today and tomorrow it is expected to pick up in a north-northeast motion.
The National Hurricane Center expects Hurricane Idalia to move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico today (Tuesday), reach the Gulf Coast of Florida tomorrow (Wednesday), and finally move close to the Carolinas on Thursday.
During a press conference today, Mayor Demings shares, “In terms of our theme parks, our theme parks are likely going to remain open for the majority of the time.” Read our full post on this HERE.
Universal Studios
Yesterday, Universal shared that they expected operations to continue as normal. They also included information regarding their cancellation policy.
Reminder of their policy: 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.
Read HERE to see the statement and the cancellation policy.
No Early Park Admission
Today, August 29, 2023 at 4:30 pm, Universal shared:
Universal Orlando Resort theme parks including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay are planning to open and operate as normal at 9:00 am on Wednesday, Aug. 30. However, we will not offer our usual Early Park Admission benefit for on-site hotel guests, select Annual Passholders and other select travel trade clients on this day while our teams prepare the parks for opening after the storm. Our hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.
Universal will not offer Early Park Admission benefit for on-site hotel guests, select Annual Passholders and other select travel trade clients tomorrow August 30th.
It can be disappointing when things (even weather) change your vacation plans, but it is important for everyone to stay safe throughout this storm. Stay safe, crew!
What do you think of Universal not offering Early Park Admission tomorrow? Does this affect your vacation plans? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: Universal Studios