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Hurricane Milton: Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld closing as major storm encroaches

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Published  October 8, 2024 3:59pm EDT
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FOX 35 Orlando

Stream FOX 35 News

ORLANDO, Fla. - Will the major theme parks in Florida close ahead of Hurricane Milton? Whether the parks close during a tropical storm or hurricane depends on the path and intensity of a storm and based on the latest forecast models, most of the state's major theme parks will be in the direct path of what is expected to be a powerful hurricane.

On Monday, Milton strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico near the Yucatán Peninsula. It is still unclear where the storm will make landfall. Still, several models consistently show the Tampa Bay area as a high-risk zone. After landfall, the storm is expected to continue toward the Orlando area before turning east and exiting the state.

If you're headed to Florida on vacation to visit the theme parks ahead of Milton, here is the latest we know about park status and operations.

Hurricane Milton: Walt Disney World Update

  • Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs will close in phases on Wednesday, Oct. 9 ahead of Hurricane Milton.
  • Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom will close at 1 p.m.
  • Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will close at 2 p.m.
  • Disney expects its theme parks to be closed on Thursday, Oct. 10.
  • Disney Springs may open on Thursday in the late afternoon with limited offerings, Disney said.
  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will close Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 11AM. They will likely stay closed until Sunday, Oct. 13.
  • Walt Disney World Transportation will close after Disney Springs and all theme parks close at 2 p.m.
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
  • Disney has suspended cancelation fees for its restaurants and paid experiences.

Hurricane Milton: Universal Orlando Resort Update

  • Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9
  • All theme parks will be closed on Thursday, Oct. 10.
  • Universal Volcano Bay, the resort's water park, will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 9 & 10.
  • Universal's hotels remain open.
  • Halloween Horror Nights is canceled for Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 9 & 10. Officials anticipate reopening on Friday, Oct. 11.

Universal Orlando Resort does have a severe weather policy.  Read more.

Hurricane Milton: SeaWorld Orlando Update

  • SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove Orlando will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 9 & 10 due to Hurricane Milton.
  • "Our weather preparedness plan is in place and extra precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of our animals during this time."

SeaWorld has an inclement weather/hurricane policy under its "Weather-or-Not Assurance" plan. Read more.

Hurricane Milton: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Update

  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed on Tuesday, October 8, Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has an inclement weather/hurricane policy under its "Weather-or-Not Assurance" plan. Read more.

Hurricane Milton: LEGOLAND Florida Update

  • Legoland Florida Resort will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 9 & 10.
  • The Legoland Hotel remains open at limited capacity.

Additional operational updates will be posted here. LEGOLAND does have a "Rainy Day Promise" policy. Read more.

Hurricane Milton: Fun Spot America

No statement or operation changes are known at Fun Spot America ahead of Milton. Fun Spot has two locations in Central Florida: Orlando and Kissimmee.

These Central Florida attractions have closed due to Milton

  • The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be closed from Tuesday, October 8 through Thursday, October 10, ahead of Hurricane Milton. The zoo plans to reopen on Friday, October 11. Additional storm updates will be posted here.
  • Brevard Zoo will be closed from Tuesday, October 8 through Thursday, October 10, ahead of Hurricane Milton. Additional storm updates will be posted here.