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Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa BayOne of the most popular theme parks in Florida has confirmed sorrowful news, announcing that it will cease operations effective today.
Florida is home to some of the most popular theme parks in the United States, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando.
Unfortunately, severe weather conditions impacting Florida constantly hinder theme park operations in the Sunshine State, often causing indefinite closures and shortened hours at some of these locations.
Related: Impending Tropical Storm Sparks Mass Disney World Cancellations as Florida Weather Turns Deadly
Due to an incoming storm, SeaWorld has confirmed the shutdown of one of its theme parks, with no official reopening date as of this article’s publication.
Earlier today, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, owned and operated by United Parks & Resorts Inc. (formerly SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.), posted an urgent notice revealing that the famous Florida theme park would shut down early due to inclement weather.
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (@BuschGardens) shared a statement: “Due to inclement weather, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will close early today, Saturday, August 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to check our website and follow our social media channels for updates on park reopening.”
Visit the link below to learn about our Weather-or-Not Assurance policy:
Visit the link below to learn about our Weather-or-Not Assurance policy:
☔️ https://t.co/67hwKaC18v pic.twitter.com/gmeqyn7NR7
— Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (@BuschGardens) August 3, 2024
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The National Weather Service states that Tampa Bay and most of Central Florida face severe weather conditions. Its website states that Tampa Bay is under a Tropical Storm Warning, Storm Surge Warning, and Hurricane Watch.
Universal Orlando Resort recently released its verdict on the incoming severe weather yesterday, but with changing weather conditions, this decision could be changed swiftly.
Of course, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld officials reached this complicated decision based on the priority of the health and safety of all theme park guests and employees.
Unfortunately, this unexpected closure was extended through today, August 4, with Busch Gardens Tampa bay remaining completely shut down. However, officials assured that the theme park will reopen its gates on Monday, August 5, at 10:00 a.m. as scheduled.
Related: Disney Park Officially Closes Down, Evacuates All Visitors
Fortunately, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay assured guests they can return to the theme park on a future day with its With Weather-or-Not Assurance policy. Said policy reads:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay usually remains open even when the weather isn’t cooperating, and we have lots of awesome ways for you and your family to have fun while it passes. Still, you never know when thunder and lightning, hail, or even a hurricane might unexpectedly land and ruin your good time. But don’t worry. That’s when our Weather-or-Not Assurance steps in to provide you with a return visit on us!
Guests affected by this early closure can click here to complete a form and request a Weather-or-Not Assurance ticket. The website states that guests whose flight plans are impacted by extreme weather can also complete the form.
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Unfortunately, this is not the first time a SeaWorld-owned theme park has shared an urgent notice affecting its operations.
Earlier this year, SeaWorld San Diego was forced to cease all operations on March 30 and 31 due to an active storm warning in California. Similarly, Busch Gardens Williamsburg was forced to shut down in February due to inclement weather.
Will this closure affect your visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!