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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’s theme parks reopened this weekend after the force of Hurricane Matthew left the majority of Central Florida largely unscathed.
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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
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
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COMPANY PROFILES
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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