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NEWS
Florida attractions bunker down as Hurricane Irma passes through the state
POSTED 11 Sep 2017 . BY Tom Anstey
Orlando's I-Drive 360 will remain closed until further notice Credit: TNS/SIPA USA/PA Images
Major visitor attractions across Florida have been forced to close their doors as Hurricane Irma makes its way up the US state.

Irma – now downgraded from a category three to one after causing chaos in the Caribbean – still has maximum sustained winds of 75mph (120kmph).

So far more than 3.4 million homes in the state are without power, while parts of Miami are underwater. At least four deaths have been linked directly to the storm since it hit Florida, with at least 28 deaths also in the Caribbean. US President Donald Trump has already approved a major disaster declaration and emergency federal aid for the state.

While physical damages at Florida’s attractions are uncertain, the hurricane is reported to cost tens of millions of dollars in lost revenues, both in walk up attendance and cancelled bookings from visiting tourists overseas and out of state.

Disney’s four theme parks in Orlando – Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Magic Kingdom – all closed their doors on Saturday evening (9 September), with the parks expected to remain closed until tomorrow (12 September). The operator has also closed its Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach waterparks.

Legoland Florida is also shut, with guests staying at its beach retreat moved instead to the Legoland Hotel for the duration of the storm. The operator has however encouraged guests to seek alternative accommodation as it could not “guarantee resort amenities or access to electricity during severe weather.”

Other Merlin attractions on Orlando’s I-Drive are closed, with the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and SeaLife aquarium all closed through the weekend. The entire I-Drive 360 complex closed on Saturday, with a reopening date not currently set.

For Universal, events to be held at its parks over the weekend were cancelled. It closed its attractions on Saturday evening, with a statement from the operator saying it anticipated normal operating hours from Tuesday. Universal’s hotels – all operating at full capacity – have remained open.

For SeaWorld Orlando, which also closed on Saturday, the operator said that it had a “comprehensive weather preparedness plan”, keeping security and zoological staff on-site in secure locations during the storm to take care of the park’s animals.

“We’re also providing support and temporary housing for animals from other zoological facilities in coastal areas expected to have greater impact,” said a statement from the operator.
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  Orlando prepares as Hurricane Matthew approaches


Several theme parks and attractions in Orlando have been forced to take precautionary action ahead of Hurricane Matthew's impending arrival in Central Florida later today (6 October).
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NEWS
Florida attractions bunker down as Hurricane Irma passes through the state
POSTED 11 Sep 2017 . BY Tom Anstey
Orlando's I-Drive 360 will remain closed until further notice Credit: TNS/SIPA USA/PA Images
Major visitor attractions across Florida have been forced to close their doors as Hurricane Irma makes its way up the US state.

Irma – now downgraded from a category three to one after causing chaos in the Caribbean – still has maximum sustained winds of 75mph (120kmph).

So far more than 3.4 million homes in the state are without power, while parts of Miami are underwater. At least four deaths have been linked directly to the storm since it hit Florida, with at least 28 deaths also in the Caribbean. US President Donald Trump has already approved a major disaster declaration and emergency federal aid for the state.

While physical damages at Florida’s attractions are uncertain, the hurricane is reported to cost tens of millions of dollars in lost revenues, both in walk up attendance and cancelled bookings from visiting tourists overseas and out of state.

Disney’s four theme parks in Orlando – Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Magic Kingdom – all closed their doors on Saturday evening (9 September), with the parks expected to remain closed until tomorrow (12 September). The operator has also closed its Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach waterparks.

Legoland Florida is also shut, with guests staying at its beach retreat moved instead to the Legoland Hotel for the duration of the storm. The operator has however encouraged guests to seek alternative accommodation as it could not “guarantee resort amenities or access to electricity during severe weather.”

Other Merlin attractions on Orlando’s I-Drive are closed, with the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and SeaLife aquarium all closed through the weekend. The entire I-Drive 360 complex closed on Saturday, with a reopening date not currently set.

For Universal, events to be held at its parks over the weekend were cancelled. It closed its attractions on Saturday evening, with a statement from the operator saying it anticipated normal operating hours from Tuesday. Universal’s hotels – all operating at full capacity – have remained open.

For SeaWorld Orlando, which also closed on Saturday, the operator said that it had a “comprehensive weather preparedness plan”, keeping security and zoological staff on-site in secure locations during the storm to take care of the park’s animals.

“We’re also providing support and temporary housing for animals from other zoological facilities in coastal areas expected to have greater impact,” said a statement from the operator.
RELATED STORIES
World Waterpark Association reaches out to Harvey victims following devastating hurricane


The World Waterpark Association (WWA) has pledged its support to members affected by Hurricane Harvey, which has caused swathes of devastation across Texas, with unprecedented and catastrophic flooding occurring in the region.
Bids submitted for abandoned Six Flags site in New Orleans


Three sets of developers are battling over the rights to purchase a former Six Flags theme park abandoned in 2005 because of severe flooding stemming from Hurricane Katrina, after a committee was formed to accept and research proposals from developers who want to buy and then develop the site.
Orlando theme parks reopen as city avoids major hurricane damage


Orlando’s theme parks reopened this weekend after the force of Hurricane Matthew left the majority of Central Florida largely unscathed.
Orlando prepares as Hurricane Matthew approaches


Several theme parks and attractions in Orlando have been forced to take precautionary action ahead of Hurricane Matthew's impending arrival in Central Florida later today (6 October).
MORE NEWS
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
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Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
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COMPANY PROFILES
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
Painting With Light

By combining lighting, video, scenic and architectural elements, sound and special effects we tell s [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
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ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
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