Disney and Universal are shutting down on Wednesday and Thursday as Hurricane approaches the Florida coast. The last time these major theme parks closed was in September 2017, when Hurricane Irma battered the Sunshine State with 85 mph winds to the Orlando area.
Universal Orlando Resort, including CityWalk, will close on Sept. 28 & remain fully closed on Sept. 29. We anticipate reopening on Sept. 30 as conditions permit. pic.twitter.com/nPgsmv6TUv
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) September 27, 2022
Both parks reduced their hours during Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. As of now, Disney and Universal anticipate reopening the parks on Sept. 30 as conditions permit.
Walt Disney World Resort Update on Hurricane Ian – For the latest information, visit: https://t.co/tFCa0Atuj5 pic.twitter.com/2HikYFXRU6
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) September 27, 2022
Florida Prepares For A 'Monster Storm'
More than 2.5 million people in Florida are under mandatory evacuation orders. As of Wednesday, 8:50 AM EST, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Hurricane Center advisory now have the storm as an extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph. The storm can easily increase into a category 5.
Infrared imagery of #HurricaneIan this morning via #GOESEast shows the storm churning off the coast of western Florida. #Ian‘s maximum sustained winds are now 155 mph, making it a Category 4 #hurricane.
Latest forecasts, maps, imagery, and more: https://t.co/FYrreOueMf#FLwx https://t.co/vvjB7tECBr pic.twitter.com/3tLxly6IWZ
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) September 28, 2022
Major Florida Airports Closed
Major airports across Florida and other smaller airfields have also closed down as Hurricane Ian turned to Western Florida.
Tampa International Airport closed at 5 p.m. ET on Sept. 27, as well as Orlando’s Sanford International Airport.
Last flight out 🥲 We hope to be able to serve our amazing travelers again soon! pic.twitter.com/OBD5B4zo4C
— Tampa International Airport ✈️ (@FlyTPA) September 27, 2022
Orlando International Airport (MCO) closed at 10:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 28.
Operational Update – Hurricane Ian
Commercial operations at MCO will cease at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, 09/28/22. Entry to all parking facilities will be closed at that same period. Please contact your airline for flight updates. pic.twitter.com/P75DooP2EA— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) September 27, 2022