Credit: Inside the MagicTheme park closures in the Orlando area are beginning to roll in amid the incoming terrors of Hurricane Milton.
As Hurricane Milton churns through the Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) remains closely focused on its path and intensity. On Monday, Milton underwent rapid intensification, swiftly becoming a massive system with winds reaching over 180 mph by evening, classifying it as a powerful Category 5 storm.
However, by 2 a.m. Tuesday, Milton’s winds had slightly weakened, lowering its status to a strong Category 4 with sustained winds of 150 mph as of the NHC’s 11 a.m. update. While Milton is no longer a Category 5 storm, the NHC warns it still poses an “extremely serious threat” to Florida, with Tuesday marking the final full day for residents to complete their preparations.
Forecasters predict that Milton will maintain its major hurricane status and will “expand in size” before making landfall. According to current models, the storm is projected to hit Florida’s west coast on Wednesday night, though with slightly less intensity. The Tampa Bay area is expected to face direct impacts, though officials caution that models could shift over the next few days.
Milton is currently located about 520 miles southwest of Tampa, moving east-northeast at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph and a minimum central pressure of 929 mb. Landfall is forecasted for Wednesday night as an “extremely dangerous hurricane,” and the NHC continues to urge residents to evacuate if local authorities instruct them to do so.
Florida Theme Park Closures
The first theme park that reported a closure was, not shockingly, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay officials issued a statement yesterday on social media confirming an extended closure due to the approaching Hurricane Milton:
“After reviewing the latest route of Hurricane Milton, and to ensure the safety of our ambassadors, guests, and animals, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed on Tuesday (10/8), Wednesday (10/9), and Thursday (10/10). Guests are encouraged to check our website and follow our social media channels for updates on park reopening.”
The decision aligns with Busch Gardens’ and SeaWorld’s commitment to prioritize the well-being of visitors, employees, and animals. As part of United Parks & Resorts Inc. (formerly SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment), the company has consistently put safety first in situations like this.
In addition to the park closure, Busch Gardens has updated its website to announce the cancellation of the Howl-O-Scream event scheduled for Thursday, October 10. The theme park assured guests that tickets for the event can be used for any other remaining Howl-O-Scream nights.
The revised statement reads:
“Due to the projected path of Hurricane Milton, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has enacted its Named Storm Policy and will be closed on Tuesday, October 8; Wednesday, October 9; and Thursday, October 10. Howl-O-Scream is cancelled for Thursday, October 10. Tickets may be used for any remaining Howl-O-Scream event nights. Please check our social media for updates regarding park opening on Friday, October 11.”
Additionally, we have recently learned that LEGOLAND Florida which is also located on Hurricane Milton’s path will be closed on October 9 and 10.
SeaWorld Orlando Announces Shutdown
SeaWorld Orlando will close its doors on Wednesday and Thursday in response to the anticipated impacts of Hurricane Milton in Central Florida, joining the growing list of attractions shutting down due to the storm.
Discovery Cove and Aquatica Orlando, both part of the SeaWorld family, will also be closed during this period. Other attractions, including Legoland Florida, Busch Gardens Tampa, and Gatorland, have already announced closures through Thursday as well.
The SeaWorld account shared a notice stating, “Stay safe, Florida.”
Stay safe, Florida 💙
For more information, please visit https://t.co/XCMBh9RD6V pic.twitter.com/Tg1EgJggas
— SeaWorld (@SeaWorld) October 8, 2024
The post reads, “After reviewing the latest track of Hurricane Milton, and to ensure the safety of our ambassadors, guests, and animals, our Florida parks will be closed Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10. Stay tuned for information regarding our parks’ reopening following the storm on Friday, October 11.”
Will Disney and Universal Close?
Universal Orlando Resort remains open today but is “closely monitoring the weather” conditions, urging visitors to check their website for the latest updates.
Walt Disney World is operating as usual through Tuesday while keeping an eye on the storm and “making adjustments based on the latest weather forecast.”
The Orlando theme park has shared the following updates on its operations:
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (including dining and recreational areas), the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
- Fort Wilderness and the Treehouse Villas are expected to remain closed until Sunday, October 13, while the Copper Creek Cabins are anticipated to reopen on Friday, October 11.
- Additionally, theme park reservations will not be available on Wednesday, as noted on Disney’s online reservation calendar.
- Disney has also cut off all dining reservations after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
In previous hurricanes, Disney and Universal shut down for two days during both Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Irma, but they operated with reduced hours during Hurricane Dorian in September 2019 as the storm passed nearby.
Do you think a theme park should remain open during a Category 4 hurricane?