Disney and Universal Announce Theme Park Closures Ahead of Hurricane Milton

Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are closing early in anticipation of the dangerous storm.

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Sunshine, beaches, alligators, a Taylor Swift song. The word “Florida” brings to mind many things for many people but near the top of that list has to be “Disney.” The company’s massive Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, with its multiple theme parks and more, is the state’s largest tourist attraction. Then, 20 minutes away is another massive draw, Disney competitor Universal Studios Orlando. Now both theme parks have announced what they’ll be doing in anticipation of the terrifying weather event that is Hurricane Milton. Both Disney and Universal have put in place staggered closings with various specifics depending on location, tickets, and more. You can read them all at those links but we’ve got some highlights. At Walt Disney World, parks will remain open today, Tuesday, October 8, and then open as planned tomorrow, Wednesday, October 9. However, on October 9 Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom will close at 1 p.m. while Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney Springs will close at 2 p.m. All parks are also likely to remain closed on Thursday, October 10. There’s an extra ticketed event that evening, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and tickets for that will be refunded. Get more details here. Things are equally pressing at Universal Studios, especially because it has its super popular Halloween Horror Nights events happening this week. Like Disney, the parks remain open today, Tuesday, October 8, and will open tomorrow, Wednesday, October 9. However, the theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) as well as the adjoining Universal CityWalk will all close at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, and remain closed on Thursday, October 10. Horror Nights, which was previously scheduled for both nights, is canceled and refunds will be available. Again, more details at this link. Universal’s site also offers this bit of optimism which Disney does not: “We anticipate a full reopening of our destination, including Halloween Horror Nights, on Friday, Oct. 11 at our normal operating hours pending the outcome of storm impacts.” The storm is certainly to have an impact as all reports are that it may be one of the most powerful, destructive hurricanes in recent memory. The brunt of it, however, will be further west in the state. Which is why the parks are going to open at all. Weather is ever changing though, and never ever predictable, so both Disney and Universal urge anyone who is already at their parks, or planning to come, to keep an eye on official channels to see if anything changes. We hope everyone—not just in Orlando, but all over the affected region—stays safe. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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