As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida’s coastline, the Sunshine State’s world-famous theme parks are battening down the hatches. This Category 5 storm is set to unleash its fury on the Tampa area before sweeping across to Orlando, home to some of the most visited attractions in the United States.
Disney World Joins The Shutdown
The House of Mouse isn’t taking any chances. Walt Disney World announced a staged closure of its Orlando parks starting Wednesday afternoon. The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will shut their gates at 2 p.m., while Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom will close an hour earlier.
“Guest safety is our top priority,” said a Disney spokesperson. “We’re keeping a close eye on Hurricane Milton and adjusting our operations accordingly.”
Disney’s Fort Wilderness campground and select resort villas are also closing, with plans to stay shuttered until Sunday. The famous Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a Halloween-themed event that draws big crowds in October, has been canceled for Thursday.
Universal And SeaWorld Follow Suit
Universal Orlando Resort isn’t far behind, announcing closures for Universal Studios Florida and other attractions. SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa are also suspending operations through Thursday.
These shutdowns are a big deal. Orlando welcomed 74 million tourists last year, with October being one of the busiest months thanks to Halloween celebrations. These spooky spectacles have become major money-makers for theme parks over the past few decades.
Tourists’ Plans Derailed
For visitors like Nicole and Zeb Downs, who drove 21 hours from Arkansas with their three young sons, the hurricane has ruined their vacation plans.
“We’re pretty bummed,” Zeb said, strolling through Disney Springs. “But safety comes first, and we get that.”
Financial Impact
Disappointed vacationers don’t just feel the storm’s effect. Goldman Sachs analysts predict Disney could take a hit of $150 million to $200 million this quarter due to park closures and other disruptions. They expect park attendance to drop by about 6% during this period.
Animal Safety A Priority
Theme parks aren’t just about rides and cotton candy. They’re also home to thousands of animals. United Parks, which operates SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, has a dedicated team of animal care experts and vets on-site 24/7.
“Our animal habitats are built to withstand Category 5 hurricanes,” a United Parks spokesperson explained. Once they are safe, our team will ensure the animals can return to their outdoor areas.”
Travel Disruptions Spread
Hurricane Milton’s impact reaches far beyond theme park gates. Cruise ships are changing course, with some extending their stays in Mexican ports and others delaying departures altogether.
Florida’s major airports are also feeling the squeeze. Tampa International Airport halted operations on Tuesday, while airports in Clearwater, Fort Myers, Orlando, and Sarasota are set to close on Wednesday.
A Costly Storm
If the Goldman Sachs estimates hold, Hurricane Milton could be the most expensive storm to hit Disney since Hurricane Irma in 2017. That weather event forced a two-day closure of Walt Disney World and led to multiple cruise cancellations, costing Disney’s parks division $100 million.
Hurricane Season in Full Swing
Milton’s arrival follows Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc on the southeastern United States less than two weeks ago. It’s a stark reminder that we’re in the thick of Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, with the most active period between August and October.
Looking Ahead
As Milton approaches, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 54 counties, including those home to major theme parks. The National Weather Service is warning of “considerable wind damage” and a “threat to life and property” in the Orlando area, with wind speeds potentially reaching 110 miles per hour and expected rainfall of 8 to 12 inches.
For now, theme park operators and tourists watch the weather reports closely, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. As the storm passes, the focus will shift to recovery efforts and getting these iconic attractions back up and running as quickly – and safely – as possible.
In the meantime, if you’re planning a trip to Florida’s theme parks in the coming days, staying informed is crucial. Check official park websites and social media channels for the latest updates on closures and reopening plans. Remember, when facing a hurricane, even the most magical place on Earth has to bow to Mother Nature’s power.
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