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Attractions across Florida have made preparations and many have closed following the arrival of Hurricane Idalia and predicted storm surges
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Aug 2023
Hurricane Idalia has hit land in Florida
As Hurricane Idalia makes its way through Florida, visitor attractions are taking action while more than 1.5 million people across 28 counties have been ordered to evacuate because of the potential catastrophic impacts of storm surges.
At SeaWorld Orlando, the operator has enacted its Named Storm Policy and will open at noon. Precautions are in place following the parks’ comprehensive weather preparedness plan to ensure the safety of its animals and ambassadors.
Currently at Category 3 after being downgraded from Category 4, Idalia currently has wind speeds of around 125 mph (201kmph). A storm surge - which could reach 16ft (4.9m) in places, is expected to rise significantly over the next few hours, particularly in the Tampa area and in Cedar Quay.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Idalia has made landfall in the Florida Big Bend. It describes the storm as “extremely dangerous” and says “catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds” are ongoing.
Busch Gardens Tampa has closed entirely and will reopen on August 31. Adventure Island will reopen on September 1. Aquatica Orlando will also close, reopening August 31.
Universal Orlando Resort theme parks including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay are planning to open and operate as normal but will not offer early admission for select guests while its teams prepare the parks for opening after the storm.
Legoland Florida remains open, with the resort’s theme park, waterpark, Peppa Pig theme park, and hotels all operating. Guests however “may experience limited park operations”, according to a statement from the Merlin-operated offering.
At present, Walt Disney World has announced that Typhoon Lagoon waterpark has been closed due to the inclement weather, as have the Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf courses. Due to the approaching hurricane, the grand virtual reveal of the Disney Treasure has been moved to September 5 at 11 am ET.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has also offered an update after closing early on Monday in preparation for the storm’s landfall. The attraction will reopen to the public on August 31 with hurricane shutters in place, generators ready and food prepared, with a hurricane ride out team in place to care for the aquarium’s animals.
Due to anticipated impacts of Idalia, the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour and the Apollo/Saturn V Center will not be operating, however the main visitor complex will operate as normal.
ZooTampa closed to guests on Tuesday ahead of preparations for August 30. The zoo has said it plans to reopen on August 31 “following a thorough park safety assessment”.
Icon Park in Orlando has also announced the closure of The Wheel and Carousel, however its restaurants, bars and attraction will remain open.
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