Florida theme parks, including Disney World, to close as Hurricane Milton nears

ORLANDO, Fla. (TNND) — Popular theme parks and tourist destinations in Florida will close in anticipation of the potentially catastrophic Hurricane Milton.

Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orland, Busch Gardens Tampa,Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove have all announced modified hours and closure dates with the storm expected to make landfall in the Tampa area sometime Wednesday evening into Thursday morning.

In a statement, Disney World said "Based on the latest projection, we are making additional operational adjustments for the safety of our Guests and Cast Members beginning Wednesday, October 9."

On Wednesday, Disney's theme parks and Disney Springs will close in phases beginning at 1 p.m. According to the parks, it is "likely" the parks will remain closed on Thursday. The "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party" scheduled for Thursday will also be canceled, with event tickets refunded.

We will consider opening Disney Springs on Thursday in the late afternoon, with limited offerings."

As for hotels, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close starting Wednesday, with closures lasting through at least Sunday, Oct. 13.

According to PEOPLE,the park closure "marks the 12th time it's done so in Disney World’s 53-year history."

Universal Orlando will also close beginning Wednesday at 2 p.m. and will be closed Thursday. This includes the water park, Volcano Bay, as well as the "Halloween Horror Nights" event set to take place both days.

Parks owned by United Parks and Resorts, includingSeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove, will also close on Wednesday and Thursday. In addition, Thursday's "Howl-O-Scream" event will be canceled, with tickets able to be used for any of the remaining dates.

Following the storm, it is expected that the parks will reopen relatively quickly.