Multi-Day Closure Warning Issued as Monstrous Storm Approaches Universal and Other Theme Parks

Multiple major theme parks may be forced to close later this week.

The weather has the potential to make or break a theme park day. For those caught in inclement weather, this can not only lead to the closure of outdoor rides and roller coasters but also potentially close the entire park itself.

Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, one of four theme parks in Walt Disney World Resort, after a rainstorm — Credit: Brett Kiger, Flickr

Walt Disney World Resort is no stranger to the fury of tropical storms. Each hurricane season brings a looming threat to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. It’s a rare season when these iconic parks aren’t on high alert – although, remarkably, it took almost 14 years before the Central Florida resort had to shut its gates due to a hurricane, with Hurricane Elena inducing its first weather-related closure.

Throughout the years, hurricanes like Dorian, Ian, Matthew, and Irma have all brought Disney to a standstill, forcing closures across the resort. And it’s not just Disney that feels the impact—other Central Florida theme parks, including Universal Orlando Resort, LEGOLAND Florida, and SeaWorld Orlando, usually find themselves in the storm’s path as well, often leading to disruptions and shutdowns.

A large rotating globe with the word "Universal" prominently displayed stands as the iconic entrance landmark for Universal Land. It is surrounded by lush greenery, mist, and white fences, with palm trees and park attractions visible in the background. — Credit: Aditya Vyas, Unsplash

This year’s hurricane season has been “highly active,” but Disney World has mostly dodged the worst of it—so far. Earlier this month, Hurricane Debby swept through the area, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The storm forced temporary closures of Typhoon Lagoon and the Walt Disney World Monorail.

Florida may be extremely prone to hurricanes, but it’s not the only resort to have shuttered over the years. Last August, Disneyland Resort had its first hurricane-related closure due to Hurricane Hilary, which forced Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney to close earlier than planned while also being pelted with heavy rainfall.

Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, and Knott’s Berry Farm were all also impacted by the storm.

Mickey Mouse Disney100 statue with Main Street, U.S.A., and Sleeping Beauty Castle in the background at Disneyland Park — Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

Further afield, typhoons are common in the Philippines, Vietnam, China, South Korea, and Japan. That means that the likes of Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and Tokyo Disney Resort have all also experienced typhoon-related closures in the past.

Now, another typhoon is brewing—this time in Japan, where multiple theme parks are currently in its path. This includes Universal Studios Japan and LEGOLAND Japan, the latter of which has posted a statement on its website to warn, “The resort may close or change its hours of operation from August 30 to 31 due to an approaching typhoon. Updates will be posted on our website.”

Meanwhile, Kansai International Airport in Osaka is expected to experience heavy delays throughout the week, with many flights—mostly domestic for now—already canceled. As of today, the storm has sustained wind gusts of up to 120 miles per hour, the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane. It’s expected to make landfall at Shikoku before crossing southern Honshu.

A bustling street scene at Universal Studios Japan, one of Universal's many theme parks, featuring people walking, vintage-style buildings, and a towering silver statue of a film director. — Credit: hung.ch, Flickr

Universal Studios Japan has faced multiple storms in the past. Home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the OG SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and its own land inspired by the Jurassic Park franchise, it previously closed for a day due to Typhoon Lan in August 2023. At the time of writing, the park does not sit in the path of projected “hurricane-force winds” but is at risk of “tropical-storm-force winds” (via The New York Times).

The park – which is the most visited of Universal parks outside the U.S. – is currently gearing up to debut a SUPER NINTENDO WORLD expansion inspired by the “Donkey Kong” video games, with an attraction in which guests will appear to jump the tracks that will also appear at Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe.

This was slated to open in spring until its opening was delayed to late 2024, with rumors abound that this day is coming in November after the end of Halloween Horror Nights.

Have you ever been in a theme park during severe inclement weather?