Florida Theme Parks Begin Closing as Hurricane Bears Down

(Bloomberg) -- Theme parks across Florida including SeaWorld and Universal are either closing or restricting access to some areas due to the approaching Hurricane Milton.

United Parks & Resorts Inc., the parent of SeaWorld, is shutting its Florida theme parks. Busch Gardens in Tampa is closing Tuesday through Thursday, the parent company said in a statement. SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove will close on Wednesday and Thursday.

“Our weather preparedness plan is in place and extra precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of our animals during this time,” the company said.

Management advised guests to check its website and social media channels for reopening plans.

Comcast Corp.’s Universal resort is closing its Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and for all of Thursday, according to a post on X. The resort’s hotels will remain operational, and a full reopening is anticipated for Friday pending the outcome of the storm’s impact.

Walt Disney Co., the biggest theme-park operator, said it’s monitoring the situation and is closing some campgrounds.

(Updates with Universal Orlando Resort in fifth paragraph.)