Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Will All Close Ahead of Milton

Orlando’s bustling tourism sector began to slow down significantly on Tuesday, with at least three major theme parks and the region’s primary airport announcing closures in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall as a significant storm in Florida.

Major Theme Parks Shut Down Ahead of Hurricane Milton

Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld have all decided to close their theme parks and entertainment venues on Wednesday, with Universal and SeaWorld extending their closures into Thursday. Additionally, Universal has canceled its popular Halloween Horror Nights events scheduled for both days. The Orlando International Airport, the seventh busiest airport in the nation and Florida’s most trafficked, will also suspend operations starting Wednesday morning. Initially, Disney World announced that it would remain open while closing only its campgrounds and rental cabins ahead of the storm. However, as the situation evolved, the park decided to follow suit with the other theme parks.

Tourists Face Disruption in Vacation Plans

The impending hurricane threatens to disrupt the vacations of countless tourists flocking to Orlando. Nicole and Zeb Downs arrived from Arkansas after a grueling 21-hour drive, expecting a 12-day holiday with their three young sons. By Tuesday afternoon, they found themselves reconsidering their plans and contemplating a return home. “We are disappointed, but it’s kind of out of our hands at this point,” Zeb Downs shared while navigating the still-bustling Disney Springs shopping and dining area. The family, new to hurricane experiences, was uncertain about enduring the storm.

October typically marks a peak season for the Orlando area, which attracted 74 million visitors last year due to its renowned theme parks. The month is particularly busy with Halloween celebrations, including Universal’s “Halloween Horror Nights” and Disney’s “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.” These events have become significant revenue generators over the years. While Disney rarely closes its doors—except during extreme weather events, the COVID-19 pandemic, and significant national crises—its hotels often serve as refuges for coastal residents fleeing storms. On Tuesday morning, Disney World’s online reservation system showed no availability, indicating high demand for accommodations.

A Look Back at Past Hurricane Responses

Guests who manage to secure hotel reservations often receive unexpected perks during hurricanes. For instance, during Hurricane Irma in 2017, visitors at a Disney hotel found themselves stranded alongside actress Kristen Bell, who voiced Anna in Disney’s “Frozen.” While in the area, Bell took the opportunity to sing for evacuees at a nearby hurricane shelter.

Following the passage of hurricanes, Orlando’s theme parks work diligently to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. After Hurricane Charley devastated the region in 2004, Disney World had utility vehicles clearing downed tree limbs and debris from its roads within an hour of the storm’s aftermath. As Hurricane Milton approaches, both locals and tourists remain vigilant, navigating the uncertainty that comes with severe weather. The closures serve as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.