Walt Disney World and more Orlando theme parks might close because of Hurricane Irma – but families won’t necessarily lose out

It looks like Orlando’s biggest theme parks including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios could be closing within the next few days as Hurricane Irma draws ever closer to Florida.

The terrifying storm is currently making its way across the Caribbean, but officials at the American state have already started evacuating holiday hotspots including Florida Keys .

Although it’s not yet clear whether the theme park will be in the hurricane’s path, it’s unlikely that no precautions will be taken.

In fact, Disney has already had to tweak the itineraries of some cruises on its Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ships , with some journeys having to be cut short or cancelled altogether.

It wouldn’t be the first time Walt Disney World closed due to a storm – last year it was forced to close its doors after Hurricane Matthew passed Florida’s east coast.

Reaching winds of up to 185mph, Hurricane Irma has already been declared a Category 5 storm, and some experts think it could even exceed the maximum theoretical intensity and deserve its own Category 6 status.

Walt Disney World could close until Hurricane Irma passes (Image: Splash News)

However even if the parks do remain open, families who are worried about travelling won’t lose out if they choose to avoid Orlando until the storm passes.

In fact, when a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) for the Orlando area, or your place of residence, within 7 days of your arrival date Disney World will let you reschedule or cancel your trip, without any extra fees .

This includes both holiday packages and room-only reservations, but you need to call in advance, and the policy includes holidays booked directly with Disney only.

(Image: Rex Features)

Holidaymakers who have booked via a third party will need to liaise directly with the firm, who may have their own regulations or additional fees.

Universal Studios offers a similar policy on its hotels and theme park tickets, also provided there’s a hurricane warning issued by the NHC for the Orlando area/your place of residence no more than 7 days before your scheduled arrival.

This doesn’t include extra elements such as air travel, car rental or other theme park tickets.

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