They’re now calling it the “Storm of the Century”. Hurricane Ian is heading straight for the Tamp Clearwater region and then likely impacting the Orlando-area theme parks greatly.
Update 9:40 AM EST, 9/27: The Galactic Starcruiser has also been added to the closure list. Voyages for Tuesday (9/27) through Friday (9/30) are now cancelled. Guests who had reservations are being offered a chance to reschedule or cancel with full refund.
Original story continues…
Up to three million people may be evacuated from the west coast of Florida over the next 48 hours and Central Florida may be next. According to ABC News, there hasn’t been a hurricane like this one hitting the Tampa region in more than ninety years. As a result, the theme parks in Orlando are making preparations for a near-worst case scenario. This won’t be a Category Five when it hits Disney World, Universal Studios and Seaworld, but it very well could be a Category Three. That would make it the strongest direct-hit hurricane for the theme parks since their existence. They’re designed for this sort of thing but will likely take damage regardless. This may be a bit premature since hurricanes are unpredictable and can change direction at the last moment.
Disney is still taking no chances and has begun making statements about the severe weather:
Walt Disney World Resort Update on Hurricane Ian – For the latest information, visit: https://t.co/tFCa0AbSUv pic.twitter.com/i2VPT4zpAq
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) September 27, 2022
Furthermore, Disney has released the following information about closures already set in motion:
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 will temporarily close Wednesday, September 28 through Friday, September 30 2022.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will close temporarily Wednesday, September 28 and Thursday, September 29. (Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed for refurbishment).
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will also temporarily close Wednesday, September 28 and Thursday, September 29.
As of yet they have not announced shortened hours or full-day closures for the big four theme parks. That is likely to change should the hurricane projections continue to indicate the parks will be in the direct path of the storm.
We encourage everyone in the path of the storm to take all neccessary precautions to protect lives and property. Be safe.
We will have reporters on the ground in Disney World on Friday once the hurricane has passed.
For all the latest news that should be fun, keep reading That Park Place. As always, drop a comment down below and let us know your thoughts!
Featured Image Courtesy: Reader’s Digest
