Hurricane Idalia: Busch Gardens Closed; Disney, Universal Open For Now

FLORIDA — Hurricane Idalia is expected to make landfall in Florida by Wednesday morning, prompting at least one theme park in the state to close its doors while Floridians ride out the storm.

Idalia is on target to hit Florida's Big Bend area near Dixie and Taylor counties early Wednesday, according to National Hurricane Center forecasters. By Tuesday evening, Idalia was churning in the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 2 storm, but it was projected to come ashore as a Category 3 system with sustained winds of up to 120 mph.

Here's a look at what theme parks in the state closed ahead of Idalia and which remain open — at least for now.

• RELATED: Hurricane Idalia: Timeline To Major Hurricane Status, Path Shifts

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Due to Idalia's projected path, Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay enacted its named-storm policy and planned to close at 3 p.m. Tuesday. The park planned to remain closed Wednesday and reopen Thursday, according to a statement on social media.

"Precautions are in place following the park's comprehensive weather preparedness plan to ensure the safety of our animals and ambassadors during this time," the statement said.

Park officials urged visitors to check its website or follow the park on social media for future updates related to Idalia.

Walt Disney World

The park remained open Tuesday; however, Disney officials said the park is closely monitoring the weather.

"Walt Disney World Resort is operating under normal conditions," according to a statement posted Tuesday on the park's website. "We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members."

Visitors should check the park's website for future updates.

Universal Orlando

As of Tuesday afternoon, park operations and hours continued as normal, according to a statement shared by park officials on social media. The park planned to open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, but said it would not offer early admission.

"We are closely monitoring the weather," officials said in the statement.

Visitors can follow updates on X, formerly known as Twitter, or Universal's website.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld remained open Tuesday, park officials said in a statement to the Miami Herald.

In another statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday night, officials said the park would open at 12 p.m. Wednesday.

"SeaWorld Orlando continues to carefully monitor weather conditions and forecasts," the statement said. "We will take all necessary precautions to protect the safety of guests, employees and the animals who live in our park. We will communicate any updates on our website and social media platforms as soon as they are available."

Legoland Florida

Legoland, located in the Tampa Bay area, also remained open Tuesday, according to multiple reports.

"LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is closely monitoring the development of [Hurricane] Idalia and will continue to operate as planned at this time," a statement provided to the Miami Herald said. "The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority and we will provide updates on any Resort closures as we learn more about the path of the storm."

Visitors should check the park's website for updates.