Florida’s major theme parks reopen after Hurricane Milton

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Florida‘s iconic theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld, resumed operations on Friday after being temporarily shut down due to Hurricane Milton.

The powerful storm, which made landfall on Wednesday, led to a complete closure of these attractions, disrupting the vacations of thousands of tourists. Following thorough assessments of the storm’s impact, the parks have reopened, though not yet at full capacity.

Some seasonal events, such as Halloween-themed celebrations, remain suspended as recovery efforts continue.

Hurricane Milton, which forced widespread closures across central Florida, caused significant disruptions. Orlando International Airport, the busiest airport in the state, halted domestic arrivals on Wednesday but began resuming operations on Friday.

Many tourists, like Simon Forster from Scotland, had their vacations extended as flights were delayed. Despite the challenges, some visitors managed to find ways to enjoy their extended stays, with activities such as miniature golf becoming a popular alternative during the park closures.

In Tampa, other popular attractions like ZooTampa and The Florida Aquarium are set to reopen on Saturday. Despite minor wind damage and power outages, all animal residents remained safe throughout the storm.

Orlando, which welcomed 74 million visitors last year, sees a significant tourist influx in October for its Halloween events.

While hurricanes are not common in the area, the region has experienced similar disruptions in the past, including from Hurricane Ian in 2022.

The reopening of the theme parks is a positive step toward recovery for Florida’s tourism industry, which plays a vital role in the state’s economy.

The return of operations at these major parks is a welcome relief for both the industry and visitors, signaling a gradual return to normalcy in Orlando’s vibrant tourism scene.

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