Universal Orlando Resort Will Reopen on Friday
The entire state of Florida suffered through a stressful night as Hurricane Milton made landfall.
Thankfully, the storm proved slow-moving, which reduced its ferocity by the time it reached Central Florida.
Photo: NOAA
For this reason, the parks were largely spared of even minor damage. Now, we’ve got even better news.
Universal Orlando Resort will reopen on Friday. Read on for complete details.
Universal Survives Intact
Photo: Universal
We are only two years removed from two of the most memorable hurricane incidents in the history of Universal Orlando Resort (UOR).
During Hurricane Ian, rapid flooding and intense winds wreaked havoc on parts of Universal’s theme parks. Remember this image?
🚨 We have Assets Out Of Containment 🚨
Hole in the side of Jurassic Park River Ride. #Universal #IslandsOfAdventure #HurricaneIan pic.twitter.com/zf9d4gKns2
— Stu 🎃 (@youngie88) September 29, 2022
Then, we had The Incredible Hulk Coaster, which was submerged underwater even more than usual. Here’s a tweet:
Aerial look at where The Incredible Hulk dives under the waterline at an Islands of Adventure walkway. pic.twitter.com/PfwvaGGQjU
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 30, 2022
Note that Universal had already pumped out some water by this point, as the tracks were completely underwater at one point.
Photo: Universal
So, whenever there’s news of another hurricane, we all hold our breath.
Thankfully, Hurricane Milton didn’t prove anywhere near as impactful in Orlando.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Our friends at bioreconstruct have posted some images of elevated water levels and the like.
Others on social media have taken pictures to demonstrate that the park appears structurally sound:
Hogwarts and Velocicoaster all looking present and correct #universal #orlando #milton pic.twitter.com/YNEcftfJtc
— Steve Williams (@Wrexhamste) October 10, 2024
In fact, I’d describe the situation as the best-case scenario, given that Hurricane Milton had reached 185 miles per hour wind averages earlier in the week.
Universal officials are confident enough in the park’s status that it will reopen as normal tomorrow. Here’s the update:
Update from Universal Orlando Resort. pic.twitter.com/lByWGhSu0k
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) October 10, 2024
What You Should Know about Universal on Friday
In case you cannot read the text, Universal offers warm thoughts toward those impacted by Hurricane Milton.
Then, the park announces its plans for Friday, October 11th, 2024.
Photo: Universal
“We look forward to welcoming back our guests as we return to normal operation across all our theme parks, CityWalk, and Halloween Horror Nights inclusive of Early Park Admission for Universal Orlando Hotel guests, Premier Passholders and Preferred Passholders.”
Photo: Universal
So, there you have it! Tomorrow won’t just be the reopening of Universal Orlando Resort. It’ll be business as usual!
That’s a sure sign that the parks are in great shape in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Let’s all breathe a sigh of relief.
If you’re someone impacted by Hurricane Milton, you’ll continue to be in our thoughts and prayers this weekend.
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Feature Photo: Universal
