Weather & Cancellation Policy

Florida weather keeps event planners on their toes—sunshine one moment, afternoon thunderstorms the next. Orlando Amusements understands weather concerns and has developed fair, flexible policies protecting both your investment and our business operations.

This guide explains our complete weather and cancellation policies, helping you understand what happens when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate, when you need to change plans, and how we handle unexpected situations. After thousands of successful Central Florida events, we know exactly how to navigate weather challenges while keeping your celebration on track.

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Understanding Florida Weather & Inflatables

Central Florida's subtropical climate creates unique considerations for outdoor events. Understanding how weather affects inflatable operations helps you make informed decisions about your event.

How Inflatables Perform in Various Conditions

Sunshine & Heat: Inflatables operate perfectly in full sun, though surfaces can heat up significantly in direct Florida sunshine. Darker colored units absorb more heat than lighter colors. Most customers find heat manageable—kids typically play in short bursts with breaks, naturally avoiding prolonged contact with hot surfaces. Positioning inflatables in partial shade when possible improves comfort.

Light Rain: Properly installed inflatables operate safely in light to moderate rain. The vinyl materials are waterproof, and light rain actually makes water slides more fun. Bounce houses work fine in drizzle—the surfaces wipe clean and dry quickly. Guests may prefer staying under tents during rainfall, but equipment itself handles light rain without issues.

Heavy Rain: Downpours create slip hazards at inflatable entrances and exits where wet grass or surfaces become slippery. Heavy rain also reduces visibility and comfort for guests. We recommend pausing inflatable use during heavy rainfall and resuming when rain lightens. Equipment remains safely installed—it's guest comfort and safety that drives the pause decision.

Wind: Properly anchored inflatables withstand normal wind conditions including typical Florida afternoon breezes (10-20 mph). Commercial anchoring systems—stakes driven 18-24 inches deep or substantial weight systems—keep equipment secure. Higher winds (25-30 mph) require monitoring. Sustained winds exceeding 30 mph may require temporary deflation for safety. Our crew anchors equipment to handle expected conditions, but extreme winds exceed safe operating parameters.

Lightning: Lightning requires immediate evacuation and power shutdown. This is non-negotiable for safety. At first lightning sighting, evacuate all inflatables and unplug blowers. Wait 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike before allowing guests back on equipment and restoring power. This protocol, recommended by safety organizations, protects guests from electrical hazards.

Temperature: Inflatables operate effectively across wide temperature ranges. Cold weather (50-60°F) poses no operational issues, though guests may not want water slides. Hot weather (90-100°F) is standard in Florida summers—inflatables handle the heat fine, though surfaces warm up. We've successfully operated equipment in temperatures from 40°F to 105°F.

How Inflatables Perform in Various Conditions

Very few weather conditions actually prevent events. Inflatables are remarkably weather-resistant. The conditions that truly stop events are:

Severe thunderstorms with dangerous conditions create genuine safety hazards requiring event cancellation or postponement.

Hurricane warnings or tropical storm warnings make outdoor events impossible and delivery unsafe.

Tornado warnings or watches in your immediate area require sheltering, not celebrating.

Sustained high winds exceeding 35-40 mph prevent safe inflatable operation even with proper anchoring.

Temperatures below 40°F technically allow operation but become uncomfortable for outdoor celebrations (rare in Central Florida).

Regular afternoon thunderstorms, light rain, overcast skies, and typical Florida weather variations don't stop events. Thousands of parties succeed every year despite less-than-perfect weather. Tents provide excellent backup, and flexible timing around brief rain works beautifully.

Severe Weather Cancellation Policy

Severe weather events qualify for special cancellation and rescheduling provisions without standard fees or penalties.

What Qualifies as Severe Weather

Severe weather includes:

Tornado warnings or watches in your area
Hurricane warnings or tropical storm warnings
Severe thunderstorm warnings with sustained winds 40+ mph predicted
Flood warnings making your location inaccessible
Other National Weather Service warnings for dangerous conditions

Temperature-related severe weather:

Temperatures below 40°F (for water slide rentals specifically)
Heat advisories are NOT grounds for free cancellation (Floridians expect summer heat)

How Severe Weather Cancellations Work

We monitor weather forecasts closely 24-48 hours before every scheduled delivery. If severe weather threatens your event, we proactively contact you to discuss options.

Our process:

48 hours before: We check extended forecasts for all scheduled deliveries. If severe weather appears likely, we call customers to discuss the situation.
24 hours before: We make final weather assessments and contact customers if severe weather remains predicted.

Your options when severe weather is forecast:

Cancel with full refund - All payments returned, no penalties or fees
Reschedule to any available date - Free rescheduling, no expiration on credit
Wait and see - Proceed with delivery if you prefer (some forecasts change)

If you choose to wait and severe weather actually arrives:

We may be unable to deliver if conditions make travel unsafe
Equipment already delivered stays in place (you decide whether to use)
Standard cancellation fees waived if severe weather warnings are active

Severe Weather on Event Day

Sometimes severe weather develops unexpectedly on event day after equipment is already delivered and setup.

Equipment already installed:

Remains at your location (removal during storms is unsafe)
You decide whether guests use equipment based on conditions
Follow lightning protocol (30-minute wait after last strike)
Deflate equipment temporarily if very high winds develop

During your event:

Monitor conditions using weather apps or local forecasts
Have a plan for moving guests under cover if needed
Our phone support is available: (407) 970-0253)
Trust your judgment about safety

No additional charges apply when severe weather impacts events already underway. We don't charge extra for next-day pickup if severe weather prevents evening retrieval, and your rental time is your rental time regardless of weather interruptions.

Proving Severe Weather

Severe weather cancellations require verification that qualifying conditions actually existed or were officially forecast.

Acceptable verification:

National Weather Service warnings or watches
Local news station forecasts showing warnings
Weather.com or Weather.gov forecast data
Our own weather monitoring (we track conditions for all events)

We're not strict about documentation—if severe weather is obvious and widely reported, we process cancellations immediately without hassle. The verification requirement simply prevents abuse of the policy for minor weather that doesn't truly qualify.

Rain & Light Weather Policy

Regular Florida rain—the afternoon thunderstorms, light showers, drizzle, and typical precipitation we experience constantly—does NOT qualify for free cancellation under severe weather provisions.

Why Rain Isn't "Severe Weather"

If we canceled every event with rain in the forecast, we'd cancel half our summer bookings. Florida averages 50+ inches of rain annually, much falling in brief afternoon thunderstorms. Inflatables operate safely in rain, and experienced Florida event planners expect some precipitation.

Rain expectations in Central Florida:

Summer months: 60-70% chance of afternoon rain most days
Rain often brief (15-30 minutes) followed by clearing
Morning events frequently avoid afternoon storms
Tents provide excellent rain protection

Operating Inflatables in Rain

Light to moderate rain doesn't prevent safe inflatable operation with proper precautions.

Best practices for rainy conditions:

Keep blowers dry: Position blowers under cover or use tarps protecting electrical connections
Wipe entry/exit areas: Towels keep these zones less slippery
Pause during heavy downpours: Resume when rain lightens
Watch for lightning: Follow 30-minute protocol if lightning appears
Ensure adequate supervision: Wet conditions require extra attention

Many customers report that kids have MORE fun in light rain—the added excitement of getting slightly wet while bouncing creates memorable experiences.

Tent Rentals as Rain Insurance

Our tent rentals provide the best rain insurance for outdoor events. A tent over your food and seating area keeps guests comfortable during rain while inflatables continue operating in open areas.

Tent benefits:

Protects food service, seating, gift tables
Creates dry gathering space during showers
Provides sun shade during clear weather
Makes events feel more organized and intentional
Relatively low cost for significant peace of mind

Many experienced party planners rent tents for every outdoor event regardless of forecast. The protection justifies the modest investment.

Rain-Related Cancellation Fees

If you cancel due to rain forecast (not severe weather), standard cancellation fees apply:

More than 14 days before event: Full refund minus $50 admin fee OR full deposit credit
7-14 days before event: 50% refund OR full deposit credit toward future rental
Less than 7 days before event: No refund, 50% deposit credit toward future rental
Day-of cancellation: No refund, no credit

We understand rain concerns but must maintain these policies because:

Rain forecasts are often inaccurate or overestimated
Brief showers rarely impact events significantly
We decline other bookings when holding your date
Equipment and crew are reserved exclusively for you

Pro tip: Book early and trust that most rain events work fine with tents and flexibility. Thousands of successful Florida parties proceed despite rain forecasts.

Standard Cancellation Policy

When cancellations occur for reasons other than severe weather, our standard policy applies. These terms balance fairness to customers with the operational realities of reserving equipment and scheduling crews.

Cancellation Timeline & Refunds

More than 14 Days Before Event:

Option 1: Full refund of all payments minus $50 administrative fee
Option 2: Full deposit credit toward any future rental (no fee deducted)
Why this timing: Gives us reasonable opportunity to rebook your date

7-14 Days Before Event:

Option 1: 50% refund of all payments made
Option 2: Full deposit credit toward future rental within 6 months
Why this timing: Limited time to rebook makes full refunds difficult

Less than 7 Days Before Event:

No refund available
Credit: 50% of deposit amount toward future rental within 6 months
Why this timing: Too late to rebook; equipment and crew are committed

Day-of Cancellation:

No refund available
No credit provided
Full payment remains due
Why this policy: Equipment staged, crew dispatched, other customers declined

Why These Policies Exist

Our cancellation terms reflect operational realities of the rental business. When you book, we:

Reserve specific equipment exclusively for you
Decline other customers requesting those same dates
Schedule delivery crews and route planning around your event
Potentially turn away other revenue opportunities

Early cancellations give us time to rebook and mitigate losses. Last-minute cancellations leave equipment sitting idle that could have served other customers. The staged fee structure balances customer flexibility with business sustainability.

How to Cancel

By phone (fastest): Call (407) 970-0253 during business hours and request cancellation. We'll process immediately and send email confirmation.

By email: Send cancellation request to [insert email]. Include your name, event date, and booking confirmation number. We respond within 4-6 business hours confirming cancellation and refund/credit details.

Online: Log into your account and select "Cancel Booking" if available, or use the contact options above.

Cancellation confirmation: You'll receive email confirmation detailing any refunds or credits applied. Refunds process within 5-7 business days to your original payment method.

Partial Cancellations

Need to reduce quantity but not cancel entirely? Contact us as soon as possible.

More than 7 days before event: Quantity reductions usually accommodate without penalties. We'll adjust your order and refund the difference.

Less than 7 days before event: We'll try to accommodate but can't guarantee equipment can be rebooked. May incur partial fees depending on circumstances.

Adding items: Always possible subject to availability! Call to add equipment to your reservation anytime before delivery day.

Rescheduling Policy

Rescheduling to a different date often works better than cancelling, allowing you to keep your celebration plans while adjusting timing.

Free Rescheduling (Severe Weather)

Severe weather situations qualify for free rescheduling to any available date with no time restrictions.

Includes:

Tornado, hurricane, tropical storm warnings
Severe thunderstorm warnings (40+ mph winds)
Flood warnings making location inaccessible
Other official severe weather warnings

Reschedule freely to any date you choose—next weekend, next month, next year. No pressure, no deadlines, no restrictions

Standard Rescheduling (Non-Weather)

For non-weather reasons, rescheduling policies balance flexibility with operational planning.

More than 7 Days Before Event:

First reschedule: FREE to any available date within 12 months
Additional reschedules: $25 fee each subsequent change
Availability: Subject to equipment and scheduling availability

Less than 7 Days Before Event:

Rescheduling fee: $50
Must reschedule within: 6 months of original date
Availability: Subject to equipment and scheduling availability
May not be possible: Very limited notice makes scheduling difficult

Day-of Rescheduling:

Not available
Treated as cancellation with applicable fees

How to Reschedule

Contact us as soon as you know you need a different date. Earlier notice improves likelihood of getting your preferred new date.

Provide when rescheduling:

Original booking details and confirmation number
New preferred date (or date range if flexible)
Any changes to equipment or details
Reason for change (helps us apply appropriate policies)

We'll check availability for your new date, confirm equipment availability, apply appropriate fees if any, and send updated confirmation with new event details.

Rescheduling Tips

Book early initially: Earlier bookings have more flexibility for rescheduling since more alternative dates are available.

Be flexible: Providing a range of acceptable dates (rather than one specific date) increases chances we can accommodate your reschedule.

Communicate quickly: Don't wait hoping circumstances will change. Reschedule as soon as you know you need a different date.

Consider weather timing: Florida summers have more afternoon rain. Morning events or fall/winter dates often have more favorable weather patterns.

Day-of Changes & Flexibility

Event day sometimes brings unexpected situations requiring flexibility and quick decisions.

Delivery Timing Changes

Requesting different delivery time on event day:

Call as early as possible: (407) 970-0253)
We'll try to accommodate but can't guarantee changes
Routing is planned and crew dispatched based on original schedule
Earlier timing usually impossible; later timing sometimes possible

If we're running late:

We'll call you with updates and revised arrival estimate
Weather, traffic, or previous delivery delays occasionally occur
Setup still completes before your party start time in almost all cases

Weather Decision Support

Forecasts predict rain but you're unsure whether to proceed? Call us!

We can help by:

Checking current radar and forecast for your specific time/location
Sharing our experience with similar weather scenarios
Explaining what to expect if you proceed
Offering honest advice without pressure

We've delivered through thousands of Florida weather scenarios. Our team understands local weather patterns and can provide perspective beyond generic forecasts.

Guest Count Changes

More or fewer guests than expected? Equipment still works for varying numbers within reasonable ranges.

Fewer guests than planned: No problem—equipment simply gets less crowded use.

More guests than planned: May exceed capacity limits. Supervise carefully to enforce posted capacity restrictions. Don't overcrowd inflatables even if you have extra guests.

Significantly more guests: Call us if possible. We may be able to deliver additional equipment same-day subject to availability, though this can't be guaranteed.

Equipment Already Delivered & Bad Weather Arrives

If severe weather develops after equipment is set up at your location:

Your options:

Wait out the weather (many storms pass quickly)
Deflate equipment temporarily if very high winds develop
Decide whether to use equipment based on conditions
Move party indoors and leave equipment unused

No additional charges if weather shortens your rental time. We don't charge extra for next-day pickup if severe weather prevents evening retrieval.

Lightning protocol: Follow the 30-minute rule rigorously. Evacuate immediately at first lightning sighting, unplug all blowers, and wait 30 minutes after last strike before resuming use.

When We Cancel

Orlando Amusements rarely cancels customer bookings, but certain circumstances occasionally require us to initiate cancellation.

Reasons We Might Cancel

Extreme weather making delivery unsafe: Hurricane conditions, tornado warnings, or other severe weather preventing safe travel for our crews.

Equipment failure or damage: If your reserved equipment suffers unexpected damage or mechanical failure between booking and delivery date.

Unforeseen operational issues: Vehicle breakdowns, crew emergencies, or other rare situations preventing us from fulfilling your rental.

If We Cancel Your Rental

When we must cancel, we go above and beyond to make it right:

Your options (you choose):

Full refund of all payments made—every penny returned immediately
Reschedule to any date you prefer with absolute priority booking
Upgrade substitution if alternative equipment is available (we'll offer comparable or better units at no extra charge)

No penalties, no fees, no hassles. If we can't serve you, you shouldn't be inconvenienced financially.

We contact you immediately when we know cancellation is necessary, providing maximum notice for you to make alternative plans if needed.

Our Reliability Record

In our years serving Central Florida, we've cancelled customer bookings fewer than a handful of times. Our commitment to reliability means:

Fleet maintenance preventing breakdowns
Backup equipment for most popular items
Weather monitoring and proactive planning
Crew scheduling with backup coverage
Operational redundancies minimizing failure points

When we accept your booking, we fulfill that commitment except in truly extraordinary circumstances beyond our control.

Special Circumstances

A few locations at significant distances from our facility require custom delivery quotes. These areas typically fall well outside Orange and Seminole Counties or represent distant portions of our extended service zone.

School & Church Events

Educational and religious organizations often book months in advance with fixed dates that can't change. We understand these constraints.

Special consideration for schools/churches:

More flexible weather policies acknowledging limited date flexibility
Proactive communication well before events
Willingness to discuss creative solutions for weather challenges
Understanding that field days and festivals can't easily reschedule

Learn more: School & Church Event Packages

Wedding & Major Life Events

Weddings, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and other major celebrations deserve special attention when weather threatens.

For major life events:

We work harder to find creative solutions
More flexibility in equipment substitutions
Willingness to discuss multiple scenarios
Understanding the emotional stakes involved

While we can't control weather, we can control our service and flexibility. We'll do everything possible to help major life events succeed.

Multi-Day Rentals

Events spanning multiple days encounter different weather considerations.

Multi-day weather policies:

Severe weather on Day 1 doesn't cancel Days 2-3 automatically
You pay only for days equipment is available for use
Partial refunds if severe weather prevents use of entire days
Extended rentals often have better chances of good weather windows

Weather Planning Tips

Best Practices for Florida Events

Book morning events when possible: Afternoon thunderstorms are more common than morning rain in Florida summers.

Rent a tent regardless of forecast: Modest investment provides significant insurance and makes events more comfortable.

Have an indoor backup plan: If possible, identify an indoor location you could move to if weather becomes truly unmanageable.

Trust the process: Thousands of Florida parties succeed despite less-than-perfect weather. Flexibility and tents solve most weather challenges.

Don't obsess over long-range forecasts: Florida weather forecasts beyond 3-4 days are often inaccurate. Check weather seriously only 24-48 hours before your event.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Is it really severe? Differentiate between inconvenient weather (light rain, clouds) and genuinely dangerous conditions (severe storms, lightning, extreme winds).

Can we adjust timing? Brief storms often pass. Delaying start time by 30-60 minutes sometimes avoids weather entirely.

Do we have cover? Tents, pavilions, or covered areas allow events to continue during light rain while inflatables wait out heavier precipitation.

What would I do anyway? If you'd still gather family and friends despite weather, the party can proceed. Weather doesn't have to be perfect to create memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What if rain is in the forecast but hasn't started?

Proceed with your event. Florida rain forecasts are often inaccurate or overestimated. If rain does arrive, it's usually brief and manageable. Equipment will be set up and ready—you can decide whether to use it based on actual conditions rather than predictions.

Q.Can I cancel the morning of my event if weather looks bad?

You can cancel but standard day-of cancellation policies apply (no refund, no credit). We've already declined other customers, staged your equipment, and dispatched delivery crews by event morning. Unless conditions qualify as severe weather (warnings issued), standard policies apply.

Q.What happens if lightning appears during my party?

Evacuate inflatables immediately and unplug blowers. This is non-negotiable for electrical safety. Wait 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike, then restore power and allow guests back on equipment. Brief lightning delays are common in Florida summers—they don't ruin events, just pause them temporarily.

Q.Do you check weather before delivery?

Yes. We monitor forecasts for all scheduled deliveries. If severe weather is forecast, we proactively contact customers to discuss options. For normal rain or manageable conditions, we proceed with delivery and let you decide whether to use equipment based on actual event-day conditions.

Q.What if I want to cancel because of a bad forecast but you say it's not severe weather?

That's your choice, but standard cancellation fees apply. We understand concern about forecasts, but we can't offer free cancellations for every rain prediction or we'd cancel half our summer business. Rain forecasts are often wrong or exaggerated, and equipment operates safely in light rain. We're always happy to discuss forecasts and share our experience to help you make informed decisions.

Q.Can I reschedule the day before if weather looks questionable?

Yes, you can request a reschedule. However, less than 7 days before your event, rescheduling incurs a $50 fee and must occur within 6 months (unless severe weather qualifies for free rescheduling). Success depends on equipment availability for your new date. Contact us as early as possible for best results.

Q.What if weather is perfect for my event but I need to cancel for other reasons?

Standard cancellation policies apply regardless of weather. Cancellation fees exist because we've reserved equipment and crew for your date, declining other customers. Weather doesn't affect these operational realities. Contact us as soon as you know you need to cancel for the best possible terms.

Q.Do you offer weather insurance?

We don't offer separate weather insurance, but our severe weather cancellation policy provides significant protection. For additional protection, consider event cancellation insurance through third-party providers—policies typically cost $30-100 and cover cancellation for any reason including weather, illness, or personal emergencies.

Ready to Book with Confidence?

Understanding our weather and cancellation policies helps you book knowing exactly what to expect in various scenarios. Our policies balance fairness with operational realities, and our experienced team helps navigate weather challenges.

Book Your Event Today

📞 Call: (407) 970-0253 - Discuss weather concerns and booking

💻 Browse: View All Equipment - Check availability and book online

📧 Email: info@orlandoamusements.com - Questions about policies before booking

Related Resources

Rental Information:

Inflatable Rental Guide - Complete terms and process
Service Area & Delivery - Coverage and fees

Planning Resources:

Party Planning Guide - Event planning tips
Safety Guide - Weather safety protocols

Equipment:

Tents, Tables & Chairs - Weather protection
All Equipment - Complete inventory

Questions About Our Policies?

Call (407) 970-0253 anytime during business hours. We're happy to explain policies, discuss specific scenarios, and help you plan with confidence knowing you're protected!