Idalia, Orlando theme parks: Will Disney, Universal, SeaWorld stay open ahead of storm?
Are Florida theme parks closed in preparation for Hurricane Idalia?
The storm was gaining in strength and expected to make landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane, according to National Hurricane Center advisories. That said, classes at the University of Central Florida were canceled for Wednesday because of Idalia.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and various Central Florida attractions remain open and “operating under normal conditions.”
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said attractions would be open “most of the time” for the most part and would adjust based on weather conditions.
Is Disney World in Orlando going to close for Idalia?
On Monday and Tuesday, Disney posted a hurricane update online: “Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.”
One Disney event that was canceled because of Hurricane Idalia was the virtual reveal of the newest cruise ship, the Disney Treasure.
The company announced on its Disney blog: “Due to the approaching hurricane, the grand virtual reveal of the Disney Treasure has been moved to Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. ET. We’ll see you there.” Originally, the reveal was set for Wednesday, the day Idalia was expected to make landfall as a Category 3 storm.
The hurricane’s path was targeting Florida’s Big Bend region as of Tuesday afternoon forecasts. Orlando is more than 250 miles from Tallahassee and 135 miles from Cedar Key, where Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore, Accuweather storm chaser Reed Timmer and other weather experts have set up to cover Idalia.
Is Universal Orlando closed for Hurricane Idalia?
Universal Orlando, which includes Islands of Adventure, home of Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade; Universal Studios, home of Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley; and the water park Volcano Bay remain open.
“As of now, our park operations and hours are continuing as normal. We are closely monitoring the weather. Please follow us (@UniversalOrl on Twitter) or check our website for updates,” Universal stated on its website.
Universal Orlando later tweeted its daily park schedule to ensure guests that their gates would be open. The theme park also included hours for its shopping, dining and entertainment district CityWalk.
“🍿 + 🍌 = The best snack! PARK HOURS:
Universal Studios Florida: 9am – 7pm
Islands of Adventure: 9am – 7pm
Volcano Bay: 9am – 7pm
CityWalk: 8am – 12am”
“Order meals on our App for pick up or table delivery at select restaurants. Questions? Tweet us using #AskUniversal”
Is SeaWorld Orlando open for Hurricane Idalia?
As of Tuesday afternoon, SeaWorld Orlando had not posted an announcement of opening or closing on its website or social media accounts. Tickets for Wednesday, the day Idalia would make landfall, were available for purchase online.
