ORLANDO, Fla. – As the state of Florida keeps a close eye on the path of Hurricane Ian, Central Florida’s theme parks are also monitoring the situation.
The storm intensified into a hurricane Monday morning. The storm is expected to bring strong winds, rains and threats of flooding to areas of Central Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency throughout Florida and urged residents to prepare for the storm.
[RELATED: Cone, models, satellite | FREE DOWNLOAD: News 6 Pinpoint Hurricane Tracker App]
Each of the theme parks have cancellation policies ready in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm warning that are issued by the National Hurricane Center.
See each of the park’s policies and statements listed below.
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World theme parks will continue to operate as planned at this time.
Walt Disney World Resorts
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will temporarily close Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Sept. 30 due to the weather. We are contacting Guests with current and upcoming reservations.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyages departing Tuesday, Sept. 27 and Thursday, Sept. 29 have been canceled due to the potential impact on the guest experience. Guests with reservations for these dates are asked to please call 407-939-5209 for help with modifying their plans.
Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Water Parks
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will close temporarily Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29. (Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed). winter summerland miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will also temporarily close Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29.
Dining, Enchanting Extras, and Special Events
Effective immediately, Disney will not enforce cancelation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences like Savi’s Workshop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue have been canceled Sept. 28-30 in light of the temporary closure of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be automatically canceled and refunded.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is currently operating under normal conditions.
Disney said all reopening timelines are tentative, and subject to safety conditions.
Click here for more information on Walt Disney World’s Hurricane Policy. Click here for weather related updates.
Universal Orlando
“At this time, our park operations and hours are continuing as normal. We are closely monitoring the weather. We have plans and procedures for significant weather that are both time-proven and constantly updated. Everything revolves around the safety of our guests and team members,” a Universal spokesperson said in a statement to News 6.
Click here to read more about its severe weather policy online.
SeaWorld Orlando
“Due to the projected path of Hurricane Ian, SeaWorld Orlando will be closed Wednesday, September 28 and Thursday, September 29. We are taking all necessary precautions — including the implementation of our comprehensive weather preparedness plan — to keep guests, employees and animals are safe.”
Click here for additional weather updates from SeaWorld Parks.
Aquatica
Due to the projected path of Hurricane Ian, Aquatica Orlando have enacted its Named Storm Policy and will be temporarily closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29.
Discovery Cove
Due to the projected path of Hurricane Ian, Discovery Cove have enacted its Named Storm Policy and will be temporarily closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29. Animal park will not apply any cancellation or change fees for this service. For any additional information, call 407-513-4600.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
“Due to the projected path of Hurricane Ian, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has enacted its Named Storm Policy and will be closed on Tuesday, September 27 through Thursday, September 29. Precautions are in place following the parks’ comprehensive weather preparedness plan to ensure the safety of our animals and ambassadors during this time. Guests are encouraged to check back on our website and follow our social media channels for updates,” the theme park said Tuesday.
Legoland FloriDa
“LEGOLAND Florida Resort will be closed Wednesday, September 28 and Thursday, September 29 due to Hurricane Ian. This closure includes LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park, LEGOLAND Water Park and Peppa Pig Theme Park. During this time the Resort’s hotels will remain open to guests with existing reservations. The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority as we monitor the impact of the storm in our area. Any park tickets dated for Wednesday, September 28 through this Sunday, October 2, will be automatically extended through December 31, 2022. Vacation stays for this closure period will be able to be rebooked without penalty once our call center reopens,” the theme park said in a statement to News 6.
Guests with questions about the Resort’s Hurricane Policy are encouraged to visit LEGOLAND.com/hurricane.
Gatorland
Gatorland will continue to operate as planned at this time.
Right now, park officials are making plans to move specific animals into buildings for protection. Click here to see the full video on Instagram.
Wild Florida
“Hello, explorers! Wild Florida will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 29. We will continue to monitor the storm’s path and strength and consult with local emergency officials as needed. Thank you and stay safe,” the animal park said on social media.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will continue to operate as planned at this time.
“Please continually monitor our website for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex operating hours as Hurricane Ian continues to shift. We will post updates as we have them on Facebook and Twitter,” officials said on Twitter.
ICON Park
In preparation for Hurricane Ian, The Wheel at ICON Park and Carousal on The Promenade will be closed beginning Sept. 27.
As the tallest observation wheel on the East Coast, The Wheel at ICON Park is built to withstand severe weather events. Per company protocol, the entertainment destination closes The Wheel prior to the forecasted arrival of tropical storm winds reaching Orlando. The Wheel is locked in and then anchored down from the outer rim beam with two cables anchored north and two cables anchored south.
ICON Park’s shopping, dining and entertainment venues have mobilized to begin removing loose objects throughout the 20-acre property and trees have been trimmed. The entertainment destination’s top priority is the safety of guests, tenants and staff. With that in mind, restaurants, bars and attractions will remain open for business unless the weather becomes too severe to remain open.
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