After facing the wrath of Hurricane Milton, Florida’s major theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld, have announced plans to reopen their doors to visitors. The reopening is scheduled for Friday, following a thorough assessment of the hurricane’s impact on the facilities.
- Florida’s major theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld, plan to reopen on Friday after Hurricane Milton, with some attractions and events temporarily unavailable.
- Halloween-themed events have been canceled or postponed to prioritize visitor and staff safety during the reopening process.
- Orlando International Airport is resuming operations, with domestic arrivals restarting on Thursday and departures on Friday, helping tourists like the Forster family adjust travel plans.
- Other attractions, such as ZooTampa and The Florida Aquarium, are also set to reopen after securing animals during the storm, though cleanup efforts are ongoing.
The parks had to close as Hurricane Milton, a major storm, swept through Florida. The closures disrupted the vacations of numerous tourists, many of whom had to take refuge in hotels. According to statements from the parks, not all attractions and events will be available immediately, with some Halloween-themed events being canceled or postponed. This cautious approach is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of both visitors and staff.
Reports from local news outlets highlighted that Orlando International Airport, one of Florida’s busiest, is also resuming operations. Domestic arrivals were set to restart on Thursday, with departures following on Friday. The airport had been largely shut down, affecting travel plans for many, including Simon Forster and his family from Scotland. Their flight back home was delayed, allowing them an unexpected extension of their Orlando vacation.
While the theme parks are taking steps toward normalcy, other attractions like ZooTampa and The Florida Aquarium in Tampa are planning to reopen on Saturday. These facilities ensured the safety of their animals during the storm, keeping them in secure shelters. The zoo, however, suffered some damage and is currently without power, necessitating a cleanup effort before reopening.
In the aftermath of the hurricane, tourists found limited activities available. Miniature golf was a popular choice for those looking to escape the confines of their accommodations. The resilience of the tourism industry in Orlando is evident as it bounces back from the disruptions caused by the hurricane.
Hurricanes are not a frequent occurrence in Orlando, but the city has faced them in the past, with significant storms like Ian and Charley causing considerable damage. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton, the theme parks’ reopening marks a step towards recovery for Florida’s tourism sector.