Universal and SeaWorld Announce Closures Due to Hurricane Milton, Disney Update Expected Soon

UPDATE: Walt Disney World Announces Park Closures Due to Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton approaches Central Florida, major theme parks are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their guests, employees, and animals.

Both Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando have announced temporary closures in anticipation of the storm's potential impact.

Universal Orlando Resort Adjusts Operations

Universal Orlando Resort released a weather alert detailing the operational changes for Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10. The parks, including Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk, will be open until 2 pm on October 9 before closing for the day. They will remain closed on October 10.

Universal Volcano Bay will also be closed for both days, with Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida canceled for October 9 and 10. While the parks will be closed, Universal's hotels remain operational, with staff focusing on guest safety during the storm.

Universal anticipates a full reopening of all attractions, including Halloween Horror Nights, by Friday, October 11, pending an assessment of the storm's impact.

SeaWorld Orlando Announces Full Closure

SeaWorld Orlando has also issued a statement in response to Hurricane Milton. The park will be closed on Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10. SeaWorld is urging guests to stay tuned for updates, as they hope to reopen on Friday, October 11, depending on the severity of the storm.

Walt Disney World: Theme Park Closures Expected Soon

UPDATE: Walt Disney World Announces Park Closures Due to Hurricane Milton

Previously, Disney announced the closures of the following resort locations due to the storm:

• Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

These locations will close at 11 am on Wednesday, October 9, with Fort Wilderness and the Treehouse Villas expected to remain closed until Sunday, October 13. The Copper Creek Cabins are anticipated to reopen on Friday, October 11. Guests at these resorts are being relocated to alternative accommodations on Disney property. Additional updates regarding theme park closures are expected as the storm nears.

Hurricane Milton Update: A Category 4 Storm

As of the 1:00 pm CDT advisory from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Milton is a powerful Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 155 mph. The storm is located about 520 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, and is moving east-northeast at 8 mph. Milton is expected to make landfall along Florida's west-central coast on Wednesday night, before moving across central Florida into Thursday.

Expected Impacts in Central Florida

Residents and visitors in central Florida, including the Orlando area, should be prepared for damaging winds, flooding rains, and possible tornadoes as Hurricane Milton crosses the state. Rainfall totals are expected to range between 5 to 12 inches, with some areas receiving up to 18 inches, creating a significant risk for flash flooding.

Airport Closures and Travel Disruptions

Both Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tampa International Airport (TPA) are suspending operations in response to the storm. MCO will cease all commercial operations starting at 8 am on Wednesday, October 9, while TPA already suspended operations as of Tuesday morning. Both airports will remain open only for emergency flights until after the storm passes.

Travelers should check with their airlines for the latest information on flight cancellations and rebooking options, as widespread travel disruptions are expected.