Florida theme parks announce plans, preparedness for Hurricane Ian
Most theme parks linking to websites that will provide updates regarding Hurricane Ian
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Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., discusses how Gov. Ron DeSantis will handle Hurricane Ian as the storm is projected to slam parts of the state.
Florida's attractions are preparing for the impact of Hurricane Ian.
As of Wednesday morning, the Category 4 hurricane nearing Category 5 status is making is approaching landfall in the Sunshine State.
There is currently a hurricane warning for Hillsborough County, which is home to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
A hurricane warning is also in effect for Orange County, which houses major theme parks like Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando.
Here is a comprehensive list of announcements made so far about closures, preparations and plans in the days ahead:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens will be closed Sept. 27 through Sept. 29. For additional details, please visit here.
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World will temporarily close our theme parks on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29:
- Magic Kingdom Park
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park (Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for the season.)
- Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
- Fantasia Gardens
- Fairways Miniature Golf
Partially used multi-day theme park tickets with a validity window impacted by closure due to Hurricane Ian will be automatically extended to allow use of the remaining unused ticket days through Sept. 30, 2023. In order to enter a park, both a park reservation and valid ticket for the same park on the same date is required.
For the safety of guests and cast members, all guests including Disney Vacation Club Members must check in to our resorts on Sept. 28, by 3 p.m. Guests may reschedule their trip or cancel their stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived. Check in will not be accepted on Thurs Sept 29. For guests with a Friday, Sept. 30 check in, please arrive at resort no earlier than 3 p.m. ET; Guests who arrive before 3 p.m. will not be able to check in.
- Guests that are checked in by 3 p.m. Wednesday will be asked to shelter in place at their resort for the duration of the storm, this includes any resort-to-resort transfers.
- Guests are strongly encouraged to enjoy food and beverage offerings at the parks and Disney Springs before returning to their Resort hotels.
- Dining options for guests staying in resort hotels will vary, and in some cases may be very limited. Where available, restaurants will accept walk-ups only; Guests will not need dining reservations.
- Characters will not be available in character dining locations on Wednesday and Thursday.
- The Grand Floridian Spa will close at noon Wednesday, Sept. 28.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will temporarily close Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Sept. 30 due to the weather. Resort employees are contacting guests with current and upcoming reservations.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will close temporarily Wednesday, Sept. 28, and Thursday, Sept. 29. (Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed).
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will also temporarily close Wednesday, Sept. 28, and Thursday, Sept. 29.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom has been cancelled for Thursday, Sept. 29.
Effective immediately, Disney will not enforce cancelation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences like Savi’s Workshop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue have been canceled from Sept. 28-30 in light of the temporary closure of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be automatically canceled and refunded.
Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28. It is anticipated Disney Springs will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 29. Updates will be provided as Disney continues to track the storm.
Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney will be cancelled on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday Sept 29.
The newly painted Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is seen with the crest to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the theme park Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Disney is fighting back against a move to repeal (AP Photo/John Raoux, File / AP Newsroom)
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort, including CityWalk, will close on Sept. 28 and remain fully closed on Sept. 29. The resort anticipates reopening on Sept. 30 as conditions permit.
According to Universal's severe weather policy, "In the event that a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for the Orlando area or in your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you can contact our team in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel room only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, without any cancellation or change fees imposed."
A security guard is posted at the parking turnstile to Universal Orlando, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Image / Getty Images)
SeaWorld Orlando
After reviewing the latest route of Hurricane lan and to ensure the safety of their ambassadors, guests and animals, SeaWorld Orlando will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28 - Sept. 29.
Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove will be closed from Sept. 28-29.
LEGOLAND Florida
Resort closure includes LEGOLAND® FL Theme Park, Water Park and Peppa Pig Theme Park. Tickets dated for Sept. 28-Oct. 2 will be automatically extended through Dec. 31. Vacation stays during this time can be rebooked without penalty.
Legoland in Winter Haven, Fla. as seen on Tuesday, May 28, 2019. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images / Getty Images)
ICON Park Orlando
The Wheel at ICON Park and Carousel on The Promenade will be closed starting Sept. 27 due to Hurricane Ian. With that in mind, restaurants, bars and attractions will remain open for business unless the weather becomes too severe to remain open (contact them directly for their storm schedule). Daily updates on the reopening schedule will be announced here.
Central Florida Zoo
Zoo closure will take place Sept. 28-30.
"The Zoo’s main priority is the safety of its animals, staff and patrons. The Zoo is following its animal protocols for hurricanes, and staff members are closely monitoring the storm. The Zoo will reopen when it is safe to do so," a statement to FOX 35 Orlando reads.
Brevard Zoo
Brevard Zoo will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 28 and 29, due to Hurricane Ian. The zoo expects to reopen Friday at 9:30 a.m. Please check the zoo's social media channels and our website for further updates.
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Gatorland
No announcements at this time regarding operating hours, but they did post a video to social media regarding animal preparations.