Hurricane Milton is heading toward central Florida, and several Orlando theme parks are expected to close before it makes landfall.
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered across much of Florida's west coast in preparation for Hurricane Milton, the first major hurricane to hit the Tampa area. Over a century.
Forecasters initially expected the storm to be a Category 3 hurricane, but it quickly strengthened over the Gulf of Mexico and became the strongest Category 5 hurricane.
Storm surge of 10 to 15 feet is expected in the Tampa and Sarasota areas, and officials warn people could be killed if they don't evacuate.
walt disney world
walt disney world stated in the release On Tuesday night, the company announced it was closely monitoring the incoming storm and would be closing its Florida theme parks in phases starting Wednesday at 1 p.m.
“Theme parks will likely remain closed on Thursday, October 10th. Disney Springs will consider opening with limited offerings late Thursday afternoon,” the company said.
Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom theme parks will close at 1 p.m. Wednesday, and Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney Springs will close at 2 p.m. Transportation services will be suspended after the theme parks close on Wednesday.
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will also be closed Wednesday. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party scheduled for Thursday at Magic Kingdom has been canceled and tickets will be refunded.
Several resort hotels will also be closed starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday and will likely remain closed until Sunday, October 13, Disney said.
The company said its cancellation policy will not apply to dining reservations and other experiences until further notice. Refunds for prepaid experiences will be automatically refunded within 10 days.
universal studios
Universal Orlando Resort has also changed its operations due to the hurricane.
Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk in Florida will be open until 2 p.m. on Wednesday and closed on Thursday, the company announced. stated in the release Tuesday afternoon.
Some experiences may be limited on Wednesday as the park prepares to close early. The company said hours may change if forecasts change.
The park's Halloween Horror Nights are canceled on Wednesday and Thursday. Universal Volcano Bay will also be closed on October 9th and 10th.
Universal said its hotels will remain open as it “focuses on serving our guests.”
The company said it plans to fully reopen on Friday, Oct. 11, “pending the outcome of the storm's impact.”
Guests who have booked tickets or events on closed days can get more information online.
United Parks and Resorts
United Parks and Resorts said in alarm Precautions are taken to ensure the safety of animals and staff.
“We will continue to monitor the storm and encourage guests to check back here and follow our social media channels for the latest information,” the company said in a statement.
Busch Gardens Tampa is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The park's Howl-O-Scream event is canceled Thursday, but tickets can be used for remaining event nights.
The company said Adventure Island currently operates on a seasonal schedule without change.
SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
