Universal Orlando Releases a Statement For Tropical Storm Idalia

Universal Orlando Resort has just released a statement about their park operations with Tropical Storm Idalia. We have the details if you are planning to visit Universal Orlando soon.

Tropical Storm Idalia

Tropical Storm Idalia is heading closer to Florida. As of the latest report, the Orlando area will not be a direct hit.

However, for those that are in the Orlando area, they will certainly get a lot of wind and rain. If you are traveling to any central Florida parks it is best to be prepared with ponchos or rain gear, stroller covers, and a flexible plan. Disney has released a statement regarding the storm and their cancellation policy, you can read about that HERE.

Are you heading to Universal? They have also released a statement and their cancellation policy, too!

Universal Orlando Statement

Today, August 28th, at 4:05 p.m. Universal Orlando released a statement on their website stating “At this time, our park operations and hours are continuing as normal. We are closely monitoring the weather. Please check back for updates.”

At this time, our park operations and hours are continuing as normal. We are closely monitoring the weather. Please check back for updates.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal is closely watching this storm and will make decisions on park operations to keep their guests and staff safe.

Universal Orlando Cancellation Policy

Universal Orlando Resort has a cancellation policy that can ease your worries of any weather related concerns. On their website you will find:

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. If you have purchased airline tickets as part of your Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations package, you may still be subject to cancellation and change fees assessed by those airlines. 

However, it is important to note that if you have purchased any products through a third party, travel agency, or tour operators you must contact them (not Universal) directly for any information about cancellations or changes.

Other Important Terms & Conditions they list are:

• If you have purchased Universal Orlando products and services through third-party suppliers, travel agents or tour operators please contact them directly for information regarding their cancellation or change policies and procedures.
• Waiver of penalties for cancellation or change applies to hotel accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets when booked through Universal Orlando including when purchased as part of a Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations package.
• Please note that this policy does not apply to hotel reservations, whether booked as room only or as part of a vacation package, when made after a Hurricane or Tropical Storm warning has been issued or state of emergency is declared for either Orlando or your place of residence.
• Availability of same accommodations and room rates cannot be guaranteed for rescheduled vacations dates.
• If you have purchased airline tickets as part of your Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations package, you may still be subject to cancellation and change fees assessed by those airlines.
• The policy does not apply to certain group related bookings including special events. Guests with group rates must contact their respective meeting/group planner directly for cancellation policy.
• Guests calling to cancel or modify bookings must be 18 years of age or older.
• If you have purchased a Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations package via travel financing with Uplift you will not be charged interest as a result of a cancelled vacation due to a hurricane or tropical storm.

Universal wants you to have an incredible vacation, so be sure to call them with any questions or concerns. When calling, be prepared for longer than normal wait times.

Are you planning to go to Universal Orlando Resort this week? Does Tropical Storm Idalia affect your vacation plans? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Universal Orlando