Universal Orlando, SeaWorld announce closures due to Hurricane Milton

Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and other major theme parks have announced temporary closures as Hurricane Milton approaches Central Florida.

The current Category 5 hurricane is expected to make land near Tampa Bay overnight Wednesday into Thursday, with the center of the storm reaching the attractions areas in Orlando around 7 a.m. on Thursday.

Almost all the major theme parks in Florida have announced closures; we are only now waiting for Walt Disney World to make its announcement.

Here is a breakdown of the closures:

Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort is making the following operational changes for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.

• On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will be open until 2 p.m. and will be closed on Thursday, Oct. 10. (*Note: Hours of operation are subject to change based on forecast alterations and some attraction and experience availability may be limited on Wednesday as we prepare for an early closure)
• Universal Volcano Bay will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
• Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.
• Hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.

Universal anticipates a full reopening, including Halloween Horror Nights, on Friday, Oct. 11 at normal operating hours pending the outcome of storm impacts.

SeaWorld Orlando 

The amusement park will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.

LEGOLAND Florida

The park will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday Oct. 10. Hotel operations continue with limited capacity.

Busch Gardens Tampa

 The park is closed on Tuesday, Oct. 8, Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10. Howl-O-Scream is canceled for Thursday, Oct.10. Tickets may be used for any remaining Howl-O-Scream event nights.

Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10 due to expected severe weather from Hurricane Milton. During this closure, guests will not be permitted onto visitor complex grounds.

Aquatica Orlando 

The park will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.

Discovery Cove 

The park will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10.