As Hurricane Milton nears Florida, Disney World has announced a phased closure of its parks, aligning with other major theme parks in the area that are implementing precautionary measures.
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Closure Schedule for Disney World
The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando will begin its phased shutdown at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. The closure will affect:
- All theme parks
- Water parks
- Miniature golf facilities
- Campgrounds
Disney resorts are expected to remain closed through Thursday.
Other Theme Parks Also Closing Due to Hurricane Milton
Disney is not the only park taking these measures:
- SeaWorld Orlando will also close on Wednesday and Thursday.
- Universal Orlando Resort is shutting down Universal Studios Florida and its other locations.
- Busch Gardens Tampa has been closed since Tuesday and will remain shut until Thursday.
Impact on Florida’s Tourism Sector
The closures arrive during a peak season for Florida’s theme parks, particularly in October, which is known for its popular Halloween events. Last year, the Orlando area welcomed 74 million visitors, making it the most visited destination in the United States.
Animal Safety Preparations
United Parks, which operates SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, has shared its animal care strategy in preparation for the hurricane:
- A dedicated team of animal care experts and veterinarians will remain on-site around the clock.
- Animals will be housed in structures built to withstand Category 5 hurricanes.
Widespread Travel Disruptions
Hurricane Milton is causing significant travel disruptions throughout Florida, including:
- Closures of ports in Tampa and Jacksonville.
- Altered cruise ship itineraries.
- Halts in operations at airports in Tampa, Clearwater, Fort Myers, Orlando, and Sarasota.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, the closure of these theme parks highlights the seriousness of the storm and reflects the priority of ensuring the safety of both visitors and employees in Florida’s tourism industry.
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