Every Theme Park Shut Down Due To Hurricane Milton
As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida, Orlando's beloved theme parks are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of guests and staff. With the storm rapidly intensifying from a Category 2 to a formidable Category 5, officials have been closely monitoring its trajectory.
Here’s a breakdown of how Hurricane Milton is affecting each major theme park in the area, particularly on Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10, 2024.
Hurricane Milton - Walt Disney World Updates
In response to Hurricane Milton, Walt Disney World will implement phased closures starting Wednesday, October 9.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close their gates at 1:00 p.m. ET. This early closure is part of the park's commitment to prioritizing safety during severe weather events.
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will follow suit, closing at 2:00 p.m. ET.
The decision reflects the parks’ dedication to ensuring a safe environment for all visitors.
All Disney parks will remain closed on Thursday, October 10. However, Disney is evaluating the possibility of reopening Disney Springs in the late afternoon, albeit with limited offerings.
Additionally, the storm has prompted the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party scheduled for Thursday. Guests who purchased tickets for this event will be refunded, allowing them to plan for future celebrations.
Additional Updates for Walt Disney World
Park Reopening Plans: After the storm passes, Disney will assess the situation to determine the reopening of parks. Guests are encouraged to check official Disney channels for the latest updates regarding park operations.
Dining Reservations: All dining reservations during the closure dates will be automatically canceled. Guests should revisit the reservation system once parks reopen to secure new dining experiences.
Resort Services: Disney resorts are expected to remain operational, providing shelter for guests. Services may be limited due to weather conditions, so guests are advised to stay in contact with resort staff for any assistance.
Hurricane Milton - Universal Orlando Updates
Universal Orlando is also taking precautions as Hurricane Milton approaches.
On Wednesday, October 9, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk will remain open until 2:00 p.m. ET, contingent on weather conditions. After that, the parks will close for the remainder of the day.
On Thursday, October 10, all Universal parks will remain closed. The popular Halloween Horror Nights events, scheduled for both days, have also been canceled due to the hurricane’s impact.
Volcano Bay, Universal’s water theme park, will be closed on both Wednesday and Thursday. However, hotel operations will continue as planned, ensuring guests have a place to stay during the storm.
Hurricane Milton - SeaWorld Orlando Updates
SeaWorld Orlando is taking its own measures in light of Hurricane Milton.
Both SeaWorld Orlando and its water park, Aquatica Orlando, along with Discovery Cove, will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, October 9 and 10.
In a statement regarding the closures, SeaWorld emphasized its commitment to safety:
"Our weather preparedness plan is in place, and extra precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of our animals during this time."
Hurricane Milton is a serious threat to Central Florida, prompting theme parks to prioritize safety for their guests, staff, and animals. As conditions evolve, the parks will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates as necessary.
For visitors planning to experience the magic of Orlando’s theme parks, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest announcements and closures. While the current situation may put a damper on plans, safety must come first. Once the storm has passed and operations resume, the parks will once again welcome guests with the same joy and excitement that they are known for.
Stay safe, stay informed, and we hope to see you back at the parks soon!
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