ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida’s theme parks and attractions are making adjustments and monitoring Hurricane Idalia as it inches towards Florida.
Forty-six Florida counties are now under a state of emergency including Flagler, Lake, Seminole, Sumter, Marion, Polk and Volusia.
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[TRACK THE TROPICS: Computer models, official cone, satellite imagery in media player at the top of this story]
The main threat for Central Florida Tuesday evening will be the severe weather risk as intense outer bands from Idalia spiral through. If the storm rides the right side of the official forecast cone from the National Hurricane Center, higher impacts will be possible in Central Florida. Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 storm before making landfall in Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center.
See the latest statements below from the theme parks.
Walt Disney World
“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.”
“For Guests staying at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: As we continue to monitor the weather, we are asking that all Fort Wilderness Guests remove and stow all outside items, including tents and décor, and take in camper awnings by 6 PM on Tuesday, August 29. If you’d like to depart early or discuss alternate options for your vacation, please contact us at (407) 939-2744.”
For guests looking to modify or cancel their Disney Resort hotel reservations, they can visit DisneyWorld.com/Plans.
Evacuees & First Responders Support: Florida residents evacuating from the storm and first responders assisting in storm-related recovery efforts may also receive 50% off Disney Resort hotel stays on the evenings of Aug. 29-31, 2023. For evacuees, please call 407-W-DISNEY for details. For first responders, please call 407-828-3200 (Option 3). This applies to new bookings only and is based on availability.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park and all mini-golf courses will be closed Wednesday, Aug. 30 due to approaching Hurricane Idalia.
Walt Disney World’s four main theme parks are currently operating as normal, with no changes to operating hours yet planned.
Click here for more information about Walt Disney World’s hurricane policy.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort theme parks are planning to open and operate as normal at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30. However, we will not offer our usual Early Park Admission benefit on this day.
Click here for more information on Universal’s hurricane policy.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld plans to open late on Wednesday because of Idalia. The park will open at noon.
“SeaWorld Orlando continues to carefully monitor weather conditions and forecasts. We will take all necessary precautions to protect the safety of guests, employees and the animals who live in our park. We will communicate any updates on our website and social media platforms as soon as they are available,” leaders said in a statement to News 6.
Aquatica
According to Aquatica’s website, the water park will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30. The park will reopen on Thursday, Aug. 31.
Discovery Cove
If your reservation is impacted, please email dco-guestrelations@discoverycove.com to rebook your visit. Apologies for any inconvenience and we look forward to welcoming you.
Legoland Florida Resort, Peppa Pig Theme Park
At this time, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will remain open on Wednesday, August 30, as it continues to monitor Hurricane Idalia.
While LEGOLAND Theme Park, Water Park, Peppa Pig Theme Park and the LEGOLAND hotels will be open as planned, guests may experience limited park operations on Wednesday due to changing weather conditions.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is offering families seeking shelter from the storm a discounted rate on hotel stays. Florida residents evacuating from Hurricane Idalia can book a room at LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel for $129 per night, for stays from Aug. 29-31. This is available for new bookings only.
Families can learn more and book now at bit.ly/HurricaneIdalia.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
“Due to the projected path of Tropical Storm Idalia, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has enacted its Named Storm Policy and will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday August 29 and remain closed Wednesday, August 30. The park plans to reopen on Thursday, August 31. Precautions are in place following the parks’ comprehensive weather preparedness plan to ensure the safety of our animals and ambassadors during this time. If this affects your trip, be sure to review our Weather-or-Not Assurance and check back for more updates.”
ICON Park
The Wheel and Carousel will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30. due to Hurricane Idalia. For further questions on other ICON Park restaurants and attractions, please contact their business directly.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Due to the anticipated impacts of Hurricane Idalia, the KSC Bus Tour and Apollo/Saturn V Center will not be operating on Wednesday, August 30. All other exhibits at the main visitor complex will operate under normal conditions and be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Continue to check back frequently for updates.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has announced it will be closing at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 29, in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia. The Zoo will remain closed Wednesday, Aug. 30, and hopes to reopen Thursday, Aug. 31. The Zoo’s aerial climbing attraction, Seminole Aerial Adventures, will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Daytona Lagoon Water Park
Due to the uncertainty of Wednesday’s weather, Daytona Lagoon will be fully closed Wednesday, Aug. 30. Water park plans to resume normal operations on Thursday, August 31st.
Wild Florida
For Wednesday, August 30, All airboat tours will be suspended. Our Drive-thru Safari Park will remain open, with the last car entering the trail at 5 p.m. Our Gator Park will remain open and close at 6 p.m.
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