As Hurricane Ian left a trail of devastation on the peninsula and moved into the Atlantic Ocean toward the Carolinas on Thursday, Florida’s major amusement parks remained closed.
Despite plans to reopen on Friday at Disney World and a few other locations, the majority of businesses will be closed. Listed below is an update on the state of several theme parks’ most recent plans, other tourist attractions, and the progress of numerous cruises.
In Disney World (Orlando)
The following timeline for the reopening of Walt Disney World’s four major theme parks was released Thursday night:
- 10 a.m. at Magic Kingdom Park (Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is currently sold out but will be available as scheduled)
- 11 a.m. at EPCOT
- 12:00 Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- The theme park at Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens at 1 p.m.
Entry will be permitted two hours sooner than the timings shown above for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and visitors at other carefully chosen hotels.
At 3 o’clock, Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will also reopen. Friday
The opening time for ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The water park Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to reopen on Sunday.
According to the park, Walt Disney World Transportation will start running normally on Friday but is still subject to weather restrictions.
The complex for dining, shopping, and entertainment, known as Disney Springs, will open at 10 a.m. Friday.
Busch Gardens (Tampa)
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay said on its website Thursday night that it will be closed through Friday.
That also applies to other SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment parks in Florida:
- Aquatica Orlando
- Adventure Island (Tampa)
- Discovery Cove (Orlando)
- SeaWorld Orlando
According to the business, Discovery Cove will reschedule or refund reservations made via the website or phone center without charging a cancellation or modification charge. Dial 407-513-4600 if you require any further details.
People who made their reservation through a third-party reseller may change their visit dates to the particular park, but they must get in touch with their reseller partner if they want a refund.
Tickets for the September 30 Howl-O-Scream events at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld have been extended to October 31.
Universal Resort (Orlando)
The CityWalk area of Universal Orlando Company was closed on Wednesday and Thursday, and the resort said on Thursday evening that a “phased opening” for hotel guests will only begin on Friday.
The safety of our visitors and staff members is our first priority, according to Universal, and we are still doing assessment and recovery activities throughout our whole destination.
“We anticipate starting a gradual opening of our destination on Friday, Sept. 30 for hotel guests exclusively.
LEGOLAND (Winter Haven)
The resort’s website states that Friday will be a closed day for LEGOLAND Florida Resort and any affiliated parks.
According to the theme park, “LEGOLAND Hotel and Pirate Island Hotel will remain available to customers with current bookings.”
As previously stated by LEGOLAND, park tickets for Wednesday, September 28, through Sunday, October 2, will automatically be extended through December 31, 2022.
Once the park’s phone center reopens on Friday, visitors are free to rebook their vacation stays. Call 888-690-5346 to make the call.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Cape Canaveral)
According to the facility’s website, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island will not reopen on Friday but will do so on Saturday.
Icon Park (Orlando)
The website for the facility states that all of its attractions are still closed.
For residents without power or visitors staying at adjacent hotels, a few eateries will open as soon as it is safe to do so, the leisure attraction stated.
Crayola Experience (Orlando)
According to Crayola’s website on Thursday night, the well-liked family destination will reopen at noon on Friday.
