Florida Theme Park Left Devastated by Hurricane Milton: Gates Closed Indefinitely

Hurricane Milton may have passed from Florida, but much of the state, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, still feels the aftershocks from the devastation.

A satellite image captures Hurricane Milton's large, swirling presence in the Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by dense cloud cover. The well-defined spiral pattern stretches towards the coastline of Mexico and parts of the southern United States. — Credit: National Hurricane Center

Update: Since the release of this article, it has been confirmed that Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has reopened successfully following an extensive closure due to Hurricane Milton. Inside The Magic is well aware of this and is happy to hear that this fantastic theme park destination is open to the public!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Left Devastated by Hurricane Milton

After Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Tampa Bay area Wednesday night, several local attractions are gearing up to reopen this weekend. The storm, which brought heavy rains and high winds, resulted in the temporary closure of numerous Florida theme parks.

According to Tyler Fleming, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, a sensor located at Anna Maria Island recorded sustained winds of 84 mph, with gusts reaching 106 mph around 10 p.m. ET. The hurricane prompted concerns over potential storm surges and flooding in the region.

However, in a surprising turn of events, a reverse storm surge pushed excess water away from the shore, preventing the feared inundation.

As the storm passed, theme parks across the state began assessing damage and safety to determine reopening plans. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced that it would remain closed on Friday, October 11, with its popular Howl-O-Scream event postponed indefinitely.

A colorful Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with numerous roller coasters, featuring twists, loops, and steep drops. The sky overhead is dark and stormy, creating a dramatic contrast with the vibrant rides. Lush green trees are in the foreground, and a building labeled "Iron" is visible. — Credit: Inside The Magic

Following Hurricane Milton, our team is evaluating the parks,” the park’s website stated. “We are grateful for our dedicated team of animal care experts, including veterinarians, who remained onsite during the storm to monitor the animals, and we appreciate our ambassadors who are onsite to help ensure our park is ready to welcome you.”

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Considerable Damage to the park and they have announced they are closed through Saturday 10/12. Yet to hear about all ride statuses. Here’s a photo of one of the traffic lights mangled outside. I’ve driven through that intersection many times. So sad.

– @riderover_

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Considerable Damage to the park and they have announced they are closed through Saturday 10/12. Yet to hear about all ride statuses. Here’s a photo of one of the traffic lights mangled outside. I’ve driven through that intersection many times. So sad. https://t.co/bNekaGI0nE

— RideRover (@riderover_) October 10, 2024

In light of the closures, Busch Gardens extended the validity of all tickets originally intended for use during the closure through December 31. Additionally, tickets for the affected Howl-O-Scream event will be honored for any remaining event nights.

Here is a summary of the current status of Florida theme parks in the wake of Hurricane Milton:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Closed on Friday, October 11.
Adventure Island: Closed on Friday, October 11.
SeaWorld Orlando: Opened on Friday, October 11, though its Spooktacular event has been canceled.
Aquatica Orlando: Opened on Friday, October 11.
Discovery Cove: Opened on Friday, October 11.
Disney World Orlando: Opened on Friday, October 11.
Universal Orlando Resort: Opened on Friday, October 11, with Halloween Horror Nights continuing as planned.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Opened on Friday, October 11.

Your park ticket, including the ones to seasonal events, will still be valid for this theme park in Central Florida. Although the thrilling roller coasters, animal experiences, the ultimate family adventure, and your favorite attraction are closed, there is still hope for his beloved amusement park.

A family walking through Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with a roller coaster in the background. — Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

As attractions begin to reopen, officials are focusing on safety and restoring operations to normal. The reopening plans are subject to change based on ongoing assessments of the weather and infrastructure. Visitors are encouraged to check individual park websites for the latest updates regarding safety protocols and available attractions.

Meanwhile, local residents and businesses are beginning to assess damage from Hurricane Milton. Many areas experienced downed trees and power lines, causing widespread power outages. Utility companies are working diligently to restore electricity to affected neighborhoods.

The swift response of local authorities and emergency services has been crucial in mitigating the hurricane’s impact. Communities in the region are banding together to assist those who have been affected, with local organizations mobilizing to provide food, shelter, and support.

Front entrance to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida — Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

As the recovery efforts continue, Tampa Bay residents are reminded to stay informed about weather updates and park statuses. With the hurricane season ongoing, authorities stress the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of severe weather. The reopening of theme parks is an important step for the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism.

Many visitors had planned trips to Florida, and the swift recovery of attractions like Busch Gardens, Disney World, and Universal Orlando will be vital for the region’s financial rebound. Park officials are also implementing additional safety measures in light of the storm.

Enhanced protocols will be in place to ensure guest safety as they return to the parks. Visitors can expect to see increased staff presence, routine safety checks, and operational adjustments to accommodate the aftermath of the hurricane.

As the weekend approaches, local attractions are optimistic about welcoming guests back. They encourage everyone to visit and enjoy the unique experiences they offer, all while being mindful of the ongoing recovery efforts in the area. In summary, Hurricane Milton’s impact has been felt across Tampa Bay, prompting closures and safety evaluations at several local attractions.