Orlando News

These Central Florida attractions are closing due to Hurricane Milton

todayOctober 8, 2024

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Hurricane

Storm on a projected path towards Florida

The iconic alligator mouth entrance at Gatorland Orlando. (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)

ORLANDO, Fla.Hurricane Milton continues to strengthen and is expected to rapidly intensify before striking the Florida Gulf Coast later this week.

Below is a list of attractions that have announced closures as well as severe weather policies at theme parks.

Brevard Zoo

The Brevard Zoo will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10, as our state prepares for Hurricane Milton.

All updates will be noted on the zoo’s website and social media channels.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Due to the projected path of Hurricane Milton, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed on Tuesday, Oct. 8, Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10.

Howl-O-Scream is canceled for Thursday, Oct. 10. Tickeys may be used for any remaining Howl-O-Scream event nights.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a “Weather-or-Not Assurance” policy.

Click here for more information on Busch Garden’s policy.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be closed Tuesday, Oct. 8 through Thursday, Oct. 10.

Our teams are working hard on preparations at the Zoo to ensure the safety of our animals and staff.

We are continuing to monitor the path of Hurricane Milton. Please stay tuned to our website and social media platforms about our plans to reopen.

Gatorland

With the arrival of Hurricane Milton expecting to impact our area on Wednesday, Gatorland has decided to close the park on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10, for the safety of its animals, guests and employees.

Gatorland has an extensive hurricane preparedness plan that calls for properly caring for all of the animals residing at the theme park, and a team of dedicated employees will be staying at the park to continue to care for the animals before, during, and after the storm.

The first weekend of the Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Halloween Event is still scheduled to take place Oct. 12 and 13, at this time.

Legoland Florida

Legoland Florida Resort is closing all park operations on Oct. 9 and 10. At this time, Legoland Hotel will remain open at a limited capacity.

“We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and Model Citizens (employees),” Legoland said in a statement.

For more information on Legoland Florida’s hurricane policy, click here.

Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center will close to the public at 3 p.m. Tuesday and will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

The center will reopen on Friday if it is safe to do so.

SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica & Discovery Cove

After reviewing the latest route of Hurricane Milton and to ensure the safety of our ambassadors, guests and animals, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove Orlando will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10. Our weather preparedness plan is in place and extra precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of our animals during this time.

In preparation for the upcoming storm, the parks have implemented comprehensive animal safety protocols. A dedicated team of animal care experts, including veterinarians, will remain onsite 24/7 to monitor the animals, safely housed in buildings designed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes. Once weather conditions improve, our recovery team will ensure the habitats are safe for the animals to return.

SeaWorld Orlando offers aWeather-or-Not Assurance” policy.

If extreme weather impacts their experience in the park or impacts their flight plans for an upcoming visit, SeaWorld invites them back within 12 months – at no extra charge for park admission.

Universal Orlando

No official details yet.

For more information on Universal Orlando’s severe weather policy, click here.

Walt Disney World

Disney World is closely monitoring the path of the projected storm and is currently operating under normal conditions and will continue to be on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Looking ahead, Disney World is making adjustments based on the latest weather forecast and some areas with unique environments.

  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (including dining and recreation locations), the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are likely to remain closed until Sunday, Oct. 13.

  • The Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will likely reopen on Friday, Oct. 11.

According to the Walt Disney World’s park reservation calendar, reservations are unavailable for Wednesday, Oct. 9.

For more information on Walt Disney’s hurricane policy, click here.

Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.


About the Author
Jacob Langston headshot

Jacob joined ClickOrlando.com in 2022. He spent 19 years at the Orlando Sentinel, mostly as a photojournalist and video journalist, before joining Spectrum News 13 as a web editor and digital journalist in 2021.

Written by: pel1bd

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