Disney World, Busch Gardens, Universal Close Ahead Of Hurricane Ian

FLORIDA — With a real-life thrill ride churning in the Gulf of Mexico, producing hair-raising 120 to 125 mph winds, spine-chilling waves in the form of deadly storm surge and downpours that will put Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls to shame, theme parks across Florida have decided to pack it in ahead of Hurricane Ian's landfall.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the park first in Ian's line of fire, was also the first to announce it's bolting its gates until the storm passes.

Busch Gardens was quickly followed by Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND in Winter Haven after Tuesday's surprise announcement by the National Hurricane Center that Hurricane Ian is expected to turn east instead of heading up the state's west coast as originally predicted.

This could take the hurricane on a northeast heading through the middle of the state, where the majority of Florida's theme parks reside.

Stay up-to-date by viewing all Hurricane Ian coverage on Patch here.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay closed on Tuesday and plans to remain closed through Thursday.

The theme park featuring wildlife from around the world in natural settings said its animal care team will activate its weather preparedness plan to "ensure the safety of our animals and ambassadors during this time."

Its sister theme parks, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove, will close Wednesday and Thursday, with plans to reopen Friday.

SeaWorld Orlando is also activating its weather disaster plan to make sure its aquatic critters ride the storm out safely.

Discovery Cove will reschedule or refund reservations booked online or from the call center with no cancellation or change fees.

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For reservations booked through a third-party reseller, the theme parks said they will rebook dates to visit the SeaWorld International parks.

All date-specific tickets for Sept. 27 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Sept. 28 and 29 at all SeaWorld parks have been extended through Dec. 31.

Annual pass members’ guest tickets with an expiration date of Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 have been extended through Oct. 16.

Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks also announced closures on Wednesday and Thursday including:

• Magic Kingdom Park
• EPCOT
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
• Fantasia Gardens
• Fairways Miniature Golf

Partially used multi-day theme park tickets with a validity window impacted by the Hurricane Ian closures will be automatically extended to allow the use of the remaining unused ticket days through Sept. 30, 2023.

This means Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom has been canceled for Thursday.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyages departing Thursday, Sept. 29 have been canceled as well. Guests with reservations are asked to call 407-939-5209 to modify their plans.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, too.

Additionally, Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. This includes the presentation of "Drawn to Life" by Cirque du Soleil & Disney Wednesday and Thursday.

Closing Wednesday through Friday are Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Disney said it is contacting guests with current and upcoming reservations to let them know.

Also canceled are performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Sept. 28 through Sept. 30 along with the closure of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be automatically refunded.

Universal Orlando Resort has announced closures on Wednesday and Thursday due to Hurricane Ian, but is planning to reopen Friday if conditions permit.

This includes CityWalk and Halloween Horror Nights on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Universal Orlando said those with reservations should contact Universal to reschedule or cancel their reservations. Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly through Universal Orlando will be refunded without any cancellation or change fees imposed. Contact the Guest Contact Center team at 800-711-0080.

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. Any tickets dated for Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 2, will be automatically extended through Dec. 31.