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Important Information for Clients Affected by Hurricane Milton
We're here to keep your client's holiday dreams safe and secure, with the latest weather warnings and travel advice.
This information is correct as of 15:30 GMT (BST) on 10th October 2024.
10th October 2024 at 15:30pm
Tampa International Airport & Florida Theme Parks Expected to Reopen from FridayFollowing minimal damage from Hurricane Milton, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that Tampa International Airport (TPA) should reopen on Friday 11th October after repairs. DeSantis also urged those affected to exercise caution, particularly around storm hazards. He advised people to avoid walking through floodwaters due to risks such as downed power lines and debris from fallen trees. While Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and other parks in Orlando and across Florida remain closed, they are expected to reopen on Friday 11th October. If your clients have partially-used multi-day Walt Disney World tickets impacted by the closures on Thursday 10th October, their tickets will be automatically extended, allowing them to use the remaining days until 11th October 2025. For clients with wholly unused Walt Disney World tickets that were affected by Hurricane Milton, these may be adjusted to a new start date. If your clients hold a ticket for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dated Thursday 10th October, these will be refunded. For clients with Universal Orlando Resort tickets dated Wednesday 9th October or Thursday 10th October, these tickets can be used on any day up until Wednesday 18th December 2024. If your client has a Halloween Horror Night ticket for either date, it can be used on any remaining nights of the event.
10th October 2024 at 9:00am
Hurricane Milton Makes Landfall on Gulf Coast, Heads Towards Florida's Northeast Coast
9th October 2024 at 8:30am
Walt Disney World to Close From Wednesday at 1PM With Other Florida Theme Parks Due to Follow
8th October 2024 at 11:30am
Melbourne Orlando International Airport to Close From 2PM Wednesday
In response to Hurricane Milton becoming a Category 5 hurricane, Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) will close commercial flight operations from 2pm on Wednesday until 9am on Friday.
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday 9th October as a category 3 or 4 storm, with large-scale evacuation plans proposed for the west coast of Florida and its barrier islands.
Current forecasts anticipate that Hurricane Milton will hit the Tampa Bay area before travelling over Orlando, causing widespread damage and disruption as it passes through.
If your clients are currently on holiday with us or due to travel in the coming days, we recommend that you take the time to read all the guidelines below to ensure that your clients are as prepared as possible to enjoy a safe stay in Florida.
What to Do in a Hurricane Warning
Your clients must pay attention to the weather and news updates on local TV & radio stations. As such, it is useful for them to know which county they are staying in, and if they are unsure, they can find out using this helpful county locator map.
What to Expect
There may be a curfew, or evacuations planned during the hurricane, and it is crucial for your client's protection that they adhere to these rules. Details around curfews or evacuations will be announced on all local TV & radio stations, and we shall also be in touch with you directly to confirm what we know.
There may be power outages during and after the hurricane, which could disrupt the electricity supplied to their home. Rest assured, this issue is usually temporary, and utility companies will fix the supply as soon as it is safe to do so.
Preparing for a Hurricane Checklist
- Make sure that all your client's travel documents and valuables are in a safe place so they can access them quickly if necessary.
- Ensure your clients pack a small bag with essential personal items, such as medication, toiletries, and a change of clothing.
- Advise your clients to have some cash – should the power go down, cash machines may not work. Ensure that your clients have enough gasoline in their car, as they may not be able to refuel during or soon after the hurricane.
- Help your client identify a safe place in your their home – ideally an area with no windows and away from outside walls.
- If safe to do so, have your clients place all exterior movable objects into the garage (i.e., trash bins and BBQs). Advise them to place all outdoor furniture into the pool to prevent them from being blown around and causing damage.
- Ensure your clients purchase water: 1 gallon/3 litres per person – if bottled water is unavailable, they can use zip-lock bags, fill them with water, and place them in the freezer. Emergency supplies at our Orlando office are available but limited to 1 gallon per family.
- Purchase food for your clients: ready-to-eat, ideally non-perishable, packed, or canned food items, considering the potential power loss.
- Ensure they have a torch/flashlight.
- For clients travelling with small children, ensure they have enough wipes, nappies/diapers, and baby food. Consider books and games to keep them amused.
- Suggest a battery-operated radio.
During a Hurricane Checklist
- Advise your clients to stay inside. It is critical they do not go outside during the hurricane, even for a short time.
- While the power is on, ensure they keep up to date via local TV & radio stations.
- Warn them that when the eye of the storm passes, the calm may be mistaken for the end, but the wind will return suddenly and often with greater force. They should not go outside until advised by local authorities. Instruct them to follow all local authorities' instructions.
- Encourage them to stay as calm as possible.
Contacting Us During Hurricanes
Please note that our Orlando telephone lines may not be working, and our Orlando-based staff may not be able to get into the office, including adherence to any curfew that has been issued. Our contact details are as follows for clients: phone +1 407 390 6422 and dial option 1 for customer service.
We also have an emergency after-hours line available for your clients to contact us when we are not in the office. The number is +1 407 421 1584. Alternatively, if your clients are unable to reach any of our staff in Orlando, we recommend they contact their booking agent directly for assistance.
If Your Clients Are Currently Staying in Gulf Coast Villas
Please note that their villa is hurricane-proofed; therefore, it is unlikely your client will need to evacuate to local shelters. They will only need to evacuate if advised by the police or government, and it is vital they follow any local authority instructions.
If your clients need to extend their stay due to a missed flight or an accommodation transfer, we are happy to arrange this. Please call us on +1 407 390 6422 to check our reservation options at their current property or explore alternate accommodations when safe to do so. If any fees are required to extend their stay, advise your clients to keep the receipt to seek reimbursement via travel insurance.
If Your Clients Are Currently Staying in Gulf Coast Hotels
Your clients can expect hotel management to contact them regularly regarding hurricane safety procedures. If they need to extend their stay, the hotel should be able to accommodate them due to the circumstances. If any fees are required for the extension, advise your clients to keep receipts to claim through travel insurance. If the insurance does not cover natural disasters, please contact us regarding additional accommodation costs.
If your clients find themselves without accommodation, please contact us on +1 407 421 1584.
Hurricane Milton Makes Landfall on Gulf Coast, Heads Towards Florida's Northeast Coast
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County at 8:30pm (EST) on Wednesday 9th October as a Category 3 storm. It has since weakened to a Category 1 hurricane and is now moving towards Florida's northeastern coast. Despite the reduced intensity, there remains a significant risk of heavy rain and severe flooding.
The storm has left nearly 2 million people without power, and extended outages are anticipated. Your clients can monitor real-time power outage updates here.
If your client's travel plans are affected, they can contact us on 020 3814 2198 for help rearranging their flight and accommodation. In case of emergency, your clients can call 001-407 421 1584 (an out-of-hours number monitored from 5pm to 8am GMT).
9th October 2024 at 8:30am
Walt Disney World to Close From Wednesday at 1PM With Other Florida Theme Parks Due to Follow
In the interests of public safety, Walt Disney World has announced a phased closure starting Wednesday 9th October at 1pm, with a strong likelihood that the park will remain closed on Thursday 10th October. This will impact all Disney theme parks, as well as Disney Springs, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf.
Please note that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom on Thursday 10th October has been cancelled. If your clients have purchased tickets for this event, they will be refunded.
Additionally, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be closed from Wednesday 9th October, through to Sunday 13th October. If clients need to rearrange accommodation, they can reach out to our Orlando based team on +1 407 390 6422.
Universal Orlando Resort will close Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk starting at 2pm on Wednesday 9th October (subject to change based on weather forecasts). These areas will remain closed through Thursday 10th October. As a result, Halloween Horror Nights will be cancelled for those two nights. If your clients have tickets for Halloween Horror Nights dated Wednesday 9th October, or Thursday 10th October, they can use their tickets on any remaining nights of the event. Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on both Wednesday and Thursday.
Other Orlando and Florida attractions, including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, Aquatica Orlando, Gatorland, and Kennedy Space Center, will also be closed on Wednesday 9th October, and Thursday 10th October.
8th October 2024 at 11:30am
Melbourne Orlando International Airport to Close From 2PM Wednesday
In response to Hurricane Milton becoming a Category 5 hurricane, Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) will close commercial flight operations from 2pm on Wednesday until 9am on Friday.
“MLB will remain open during the duration of the storm for emergency operations,” said a MLB spokesperson, “We remind the public that the airport is not a shelter, and travellers are encouraged to check their flight status directly with the airline.”
If clients are already in resort and find themselves without accommodation, they can reach out to our Orlando based team on +1 407 390 6422.
8th October 2024 at 8:30am
Orlando International Airport to Suspend Operations From 8AM Wednesday
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has announced they will suspend all commercial and cargo operations from 8am (EST) on Wednesday in preparation for Hurricane Milton's landfall on Wednesday 9th October.
We have important information for Ocean Beds customers regarding Hurricane Milton, including its current weather pattern and what to do if your client's holiday is affected.
Orlando International Airport to Suspend Operations From 8AM Wednesday
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has announced they will suspend all commercial and cargo operations from 8am (EST) on Wednesday in preparation for Hurricane Milton's landfall on Wednesday 9th October.
If clients need to extend their stay at a property, due to a missed flight or an accommodation transfer, we are happy to arrange this extension. If clients are required to pay any fees for extending their stay, please ensure they keep a receipt of the payment so that they may seek to claim the expenses back via their travel insurance.
7th October 2024 at 3:30pm
If clients are already in resort and find themselves without accommodation, they can reach out to our Orlando based team on +1 407 390 6422.
7th October 2024 at 3:30pm
TPA to Suspend Operations From 9AM Tuesday
Ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall on Wednesday, Tampa International Airport (TPA) will suspend all commercial and cargo operations from 9am (EST) on Tuesday.
The airport will not be equipped to use as a shelter during the storm and is expected to be closed to the public until it can be checked for damage after the storm passes.
If a client's flight is affected, they can expect their airline to rearrange their flight free of charge on the earliest available date. However, if they voluntarily cancel their flight, perhaps due to concerns about the aftermath of the hurricane, they may be expected to cover the additional cost.
7th October 2024 at 10:30am
Important Information for Ocean Beds Customers Affected by Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday 9th October as a category 3 or 4 storm, with large-scale evacuation plans proposed for the west coast of Florida and its barrier islands.
Current forecasts anticipate that Hurricane Milton will hit the Tampa Bay area before travelling over Orlando, causing widespread damage and disruption as it passes through.
If your clients are currently on holiday with us or due to travel in the coming days, we recommend that you take the time to read all the guidelines below to ensure that your clients are as prepared as possible to enjoy a safe stay in Florida.
What to Do in a Hurricane Warning
Your clients must pay attention to the weather and news updates on local TV & radio stations. As such, it is useful for them to know which county they are staying in, and if they are unsure, they can find out using this helpful county locator map.
What to Expect
There may be a curfew, or evacuations planned during the hurricane, and it is crucial for your client's protection that they adhere to these rules. Details around curfews or evacuations will be announced on all local TV & radio stations, and we shall also be in touch with you directly to confirm what we know.
There may be power outages during and after the hurricane, which could disrupt the electricity supplied to their home. Rest assured, this issue is usually temporary, and utility companies will fix the supply as soon as it is safe to do so.
Preparing for a Hurricane Checklist
- Make sure that all your client's travel documents and valuables are in a safe place so they can access them quickly if necessary.
- Ensure your clients pack a small bag with essential personal items, such as medication, toiletries, and a change of clothing.
- Advise your clients to have some cash – should the power go down, cash machines may not work. Ensure that your clients have enough gasoline in their car, as they may not be able to refuel during or soon after the hurricane.
- Help your client identify a safe place in your their home – ideally an area with no windows and away from outside walls.
- If safe to do so, have your clients place all exterior movable objects into the garage (i.e., trash bins and BBQs). Advise them to place all outdoor furniture into the pool to prevent them from being blown around and causing damage.
- Ensure your clients purchase water: 1 gallon/3 litres per person – if bottled water is unavailable, they can use zip-lock bags, fill them with water, and place them in the freezer. Emergency supplies at our Orlando office are available but limited to 1 gallon per family.
- Purchase food for your clients: ready-to-eat, ideally non-perishable, packed, or canned food items, considering the potential power loss.
- Ensure they have a torch/flashlight.
- For clients travelling with small children, ensure they have enough wipes, nappies/diapers, and baby food. Consider books and games to keep them amused.
- Suggest a battery-operated radio.
During a Hurricane Checklist
- Advise your clients to stay inside. It is critical they do not go outside during the hurricane, even for a short time.
- While the power is on, ensure they keep up to date via local TV & radio stations.
- Warn them that when the eye of the storm passes, the calm may be mistaken for the end, but the wind will return suddenly and often with greater force. They should not go outside until advised by local authorities. Instruct them to follow all local authorities' instructions.
- Encourage them to stay as calm as possible.
Contacting Us During Hurricanes
Please note that our Orlando telephone lines may not be working, and our Orlando-based staff may not be able to get into the office, including adherence to any curfew that has been issued. Our contact details are as follows for clients: phone +1 407 390 6422 and dial option 1 for customer service.
We also have an emergency after-hours line available for your clients to contact us when we are not in the office. The number is +1 407 421 1584. Alternatively, if your clients are unable to reach any of our staff in Orlando, we recommend they contact their booking agent directly for assistance.
If Your Clients Are Currently Staying in Gulf Coast Villas
Please note that their villa is hurricane-proofed; therefore, it is unlikely your client will need to evacuate to local shelters. They will only need to evacuate if advised by the police or government, and it is vital they follow any local authority instructions.
If your clients need to extend their stay due to a missed flight or an accommodation transfer, we are happy to arrange this. Please call us on +1 407 390 6422 to check our reservation options at their current property or explore alternate accommodations when safe to do so. If any fees are required to extend their stay, advise your clients to keep the receipt to seek reimbursement via travel insurance.
If Your Clients Are Currently Staying in Gulf Coast Hotels
Your clients can expect hotel management to contact them regularly regarding hurricane safety procedures. If they need to extend their stay, the hotel should be able to accommodate them due to the circumstances. If any fees are required for the extension, advise your clients to keep receipts to claim through travel insurance. If the insurance does not cover natural disasters, please contact us regarding additional accommodation costs.
If your clients find themselves without accommodation, please contact us on +1 407 421 1584.
