As Hurricane Idalia threatens Florida’s Gulf Coast, regional theme parks and attractions are keeping an eye on the weather, with some closing early as a precaution.
The following is a list of closures and updates.
THEME PARK AND ATTRACTIONS CLOSURES
Busch Garden Tampa Bay
The theme park will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday and remain closed Wednesday in response to the projected path of Idalia.
“Precautions are in place following the park’s comprehensive weather preparedness plan to ensure the safety of our animals and ambassadors during this time,” read a notice on Busch Gardens’ website.
The park plans to reopen Thursday. Busch Gardens says visitors whose trips are impacted by the closure should check its Weather-or-Not Assurance policy.
Adventure Island
The water park will be closed Tuesday through Thursday because of the storm, with plans to reopen on Friday. Visitors impacted by the closure should check the park’s Weather-or-Not Assurance policy.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Disney miniature golf courses
In an update on its website, Disney World said Typhoon Lagoon water park will be closed Wednesday due to inclement weather. Disney also said its two miniature golf courses Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens will also be closed on Wednesday.
Aquatica Orlando
Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, will be closed Wednesday due to the projected path of Hurricane Idalia. The park plans to reopen on Thursday.
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove, the day resort in Orlando, will be closed Wednesday due to the project path of Hurricane Idalia. The park plans to reopen Thursday.
“We are taking all the necessary precautions to protect the safety of animals, employees and guests” the park said in a post on social media.
Anyone with reservations impacted by the closure should contact guest relations to rebook.
ICON Park
The Wheel and Carousel attractions at ICON Park will be closed Wednesday, the entertainment complex announced. However, many restaurants and indoor attractions at ICON Park will be open. Visitors should contact businesses directly for hours and other information.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Bus Tour and the Apollo/Saturn V Center will be closed Wednesday. All other exhibits at the main visitor complex will be open during regular hours.
ZOOS AND AQUARIUM CLOSURES
Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday in anticipation of Hurricane Idalia. Officials said staff was preparing the building to protect its residents animals from the storm.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens announced it will close at noon on Tuesday and remain closed Wednesday. The plan is to reopen on Thursday. Seminole Aerial Adventures, the zoo’s aerial climbing attraction, will be closed Tuesday through Thursday.
The Florida Aquarium will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday due to potential impact of Idalia. Additional updates will be shared on its social media channels.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, with plans to reopen Thursday following a park safety assessment. The Zoo School will be closed Tuesday through Thursday.
Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida plan to remain open but are monitoring weather conditions. Follow Tampa Bay Observer for more updates.