Universal Studios Will Close for Hurricane Milton
By now, you likely know that Hurricane Milton is poised to reach Florida on Wednesday evening.
This devastating storm has already attained unconscionable velocities of 180 miles per hours or greater.
Photo: NBC
In some rare instances, meteorologists have tracked it with wind speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour, approaching records for hurricane ferocity.
Obviously, the theme parks must protect guests in instances like this. So, Universal Orlando Resort has announced some closures.
Phot: w leather.com
Here’s everything we know so far about Hurricane Milton-related park updates.
Universal Orlando Parks WILL Close
Update from Universal Orlando Resort.
For more information and FAQs, visit https://t.co/4NqV4mCDt4 pic.twitter.com/ReZ565xKi5
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) October 8, 2024
In case you cannot read X/Twitter links, here’s the text posted above.
Photo: NOLA
“Due to Hurricane Milton, Universal Orlando Resort is making the following operational changes for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10:
- On 10/9 Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will be open until 2 p.m. and will be closed on 10/10.
- Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on 10/9 and 10/10.
- Halloween Horror Night at Universal Studios Florida is canceled 10/9 and 10/10.
- Our hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.
Photo: Hard Rock Hotel
We anticipate a full reopening of our destination, including Halloween Horror Nights, on Friday, Oct. 11 at our normal operating hours pending the outcome of storm impacts.”
What This Means for You
Photo: NOLA
The big thing to know is that anyone visiting Universal Orlando Resort (UOR) tomorrow should expect abbreviated park hours.
On Wednesday, Volcano Bay won’t even open, while Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will close early at 2 p.m. EST.
Islands of Adventure
On Thursday, the day when Florida is projected to experience the brunt of Hurricane Milton, the parks will remain closed all day.
Universal has also canceled the scheduled Halloween Horror Nights events for Wednesday and Thursday.
Universal
Based on the current weather forecast, Universal officials expect operations to return to normal on Friday, October 11th.
Anyone scheduled to arrive on Orlando on Friday should know two things. The first is that Orlando International Airport temporarily closes on Wednesday.
Photo: IOA
Presumably, the airport will reopen in time for Friday flights, barring something unforeseen with Hurricane Milton’s impact. Please be aware that anything is possible, though.
As for Universal, the parks famously suffered some serious damage and flooding two years ago.
Even though The Incredible Hulk Coaster and some areas around the hotels flooded, the parks still operated safely.
In fact, Jurassic Park River Adventure’s exterior suffered some modest structure damage, with portion of the exterior blowing away.
Photo: Universal
That attraction still opened the day after the storm. So, there’s every reason to believe you’ll be safe for a Friday visit.
Please keep checking back for additional updates if the hurricane proves more impactful to Universal Studios.
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Feature Photo: Universal
