FL Theme Parks, Attractions Close As Hurricane Milton Approaches

FLORIDA — Some Florida theme parks and attractions are closing ahead of Hurricane Milton's projected Thursday morning landfall on Florida's west coast.

Hurricane Milton was upgraded to a Category 5 storm on Tuesday evening before it weakened slightly overnight. As of Wednesday, the storm was still packing 155 mph winds as it barreled across the populous Tampa Bay region.

Milton is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane around 2 a.m. Thursday, forecasters said. Destructive and life-threatening storm surge of 10 feet or more is expected in the hardest-hit areas, including parts of Tampa Bay, the National Hurricane Center said.

Patch has compiled a list of theme parks and attractions that have closed ahead of the storm. The list will be updated as more closures are announced.

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Disney World theme parks, Disney Springs closed in phases beginning at 1 p.m.

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park closed at 1 p.m.
• Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney Springs closed at 2 p.m.

According to the park's website, it is likely most attractions will remain closed on Thursday.

"We will consider opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings," park officials said. "This includes the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom park on Thursday, October 10. Event tickets will be refunded."

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa were also temporarily closed starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday. They will likely remain closed until Sunday.

Universal Orlando Resort

Due to Hurricane Milton, Universal Orlando Resort made the following operational changes for Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10.

• On Wednesday, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will be open until 2 p.m. and will be closed on Thursday.
• Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
• Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled for Wednesday and Thursday.
• Hotels will remain operational.

"We anticipate a full reopening of our destination, including Halloween Horror Nights, on Friday, Oct. 11 at our normal operating hours pending the outcome of storm impacts," the park said on its website.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa is closed on Wednesday and Thursday. Howl-O-Scream is canceled for Thursday, Oct. 10. Tickets may be used for any remaining Howl-O-Scream event nights.

Florida Aquarium

Due to Hurricane Milton, the aquarium closed on Tuesday and will remain closed through Friday. Follow the aquarium's social media channels for additional updates.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium remains closed until further notice.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Due to recent tropical weather systems, Mote Aquarium in Sarasota and Mote's Marine Science Education & Outreach Center on Anna Maria City Pier remain closed to the public until further notice.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando is closed on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the park's website.

Aquatica Orlando

Aquatica Orlando is closed on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the park's website.

Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is closed on Wednesday and Thursday. Guests should rebook by emailing dco‑guestrelations@discoverycove.com or calling 407-513-4600. If emailing, please include your reservation number and “Hurricane rebooking” in the subject line of the email.

LEGOLAND Florida

LEGOLAND Florida Resort will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, officials said on social media. LEGOLAND Hotel will remain open at a limited capacity.

Gatorland Orlando

Gatorland Orlando is closed on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the park's website. The park plans to reopen on Friday.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Due to the latest information on the storm and necessary preparations, the visitor complex is closed Wednesday and Thursday. Specific information released for the two days included:

• All reservations for October 9 and October 10 have been canceled. Purchased reservations will be refunded automatically within one billing cycle.
• If your Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex tickets were bought via third-party suppliers, travel agents, or tour operators, please get in touch with them directly for information on their cancellation or change policies.

The visitor complex anticipates reopening on Friday.