Hurricane Ian closings list: Walt Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland, Busch Gardens

As Hurricane Ian is projected to impact Florida, it remains unclear just where exactly the storm will make landfall and how it will track across the state.  Some area attractions and theme parks, and other businesses are keeping a close watch on the forecast path before announcing any closures or cancelations. 

According to the National Hurricane Center, Ian will emerge over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, passing west of the Florida Keys late Tuesday, and approaching the west coast of Florida on Wednesday into Thursday. As we get details about closures or adjustments, we will post the information below. 

Latest Storm Updates

Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort closed all of its theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 28 & 29, 2022.

  • Magic Kingdom Park
  • EPCOT
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park (Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for the season.)
  • Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
  • Fantasia Gardens
  • Fairways Miniature Golf

Additionally, Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28, and park officials anticipate Disney Springs will be also closed on Thursday, Sept. 29. 

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort, including CityWalk, will close on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 28 & 29, 2022. Halloween Horror Nights will also be closed those days. The resort said it anticipates reopening on Friday. Read more.

SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Discovery Cove

SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 28 & 29, 2022. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 27 to Thursday, Sept. 29.

"Precautions are in place following the parks’ comprehensive weather preparedness plan to ensure the safety of our animals and ambassadors during this time," SeaWorld said. Refund information.

LEGOLAND Florida

Legoland Resort will be open until 5 p.m on Tuesday, Sept. 27, and closed on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 28 & 29, 2022, due to Hurricane Ian.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Tampa is expected to feel the impacts of Hurricane Ian as early as Tuesday evening.  Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Monday announced that a severe weather preparedness plan is in effect and that "extra precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of our animals during this time.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Thursday, Sept. 29. Guests are encouraged to check their website or social media for updates during and after the storm.

ICON Park Orlando

In preparation for Hurricane Ian, The Wheel at ICON Park and Carousel on The Promenade will be closed beginning Sept. 27, park officials said in a news release. A reopening schedule will be made available at www.iconparkorlando.com

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be closed Wednesday - Friday, Sept. 29 - 30, 2022.

Brevard Zoo

The Brevard Zoo will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 28 & 29, 2022, due to Hurricane Ian. The zoo expects to reopen at 9:30 a.m. on Friday.

Gatorland

Gatorland has not made any announcements yet.

Crayola Experience

 Crayola Experience, located in the Florida Mall, will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29 in anticipation of Hurricane Ian’s impact.

Orlando Science Center

The center will be closed due to Hurricane Ian on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29.

Lake County libraries

Six Lake County Libraries will begin closing early on Monday, September 26, to accommodate the CIL. The following branches will close at 5 p.m. until further notice:

  • Astor County Library
  • Crossings Library (Four Corners)
  • Cooper Memorial Library (Clermont)
  • East Lake Mini Library (Sorrento)
  • Marion Baysinger Memorial County Library (Groveland)
  • Paisley County Library   

Florida State Forest Campground and Recreation Area 

All campgrounds and recreation areas on the following State Forests are closed due to Hurricane Ian:

  • Belmore State Forest
  • Carl Duval Moore State Forest and Park
  • Cary State Forest
  • Charles H. Bronson State Forest
  • Deep Creek State Forest
  • Etoniah Creek State Forest
  • Four Creeks State Forest
  • Goethe State Forest
  • Indian Lake State Forest
  • Jennings State Forest
  • Kissimmee Bend State Forest
  • Lake George State Forest
  • Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
  • Little Big Econ State Forest
  • Matanzas State Forest
  • Myakka State Forest
  • Newnans Lake State Forest
  • Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
  • Peace River State Forest
  • Picayune Strand State Forest
  • Ralph E. Simmons State Forest
  • Ross Prairie State Forest
  • Seminole State Forest
  • Tiger Bay State Forest
  • Watson Island State Forest
  • Welaka State Forest
  • Withlacoochee State Forest 

Additional State Forests may be closed depending on the storm’s path. 

"Pending damage assessments, the Florida Forest Service anticipates reopening the areas as soon as possible once the storm passes," officials said in a news release. "Refunds will be issued automatically for reservations during the closures. For reservation questions, visit FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com or call 1- 877-879-3859." 

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex 

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be closed Thursday, Sept. 29 due to expected severe weather from Hurricane Ian. During this closure, guests will not be permitted onto visitor complex grounds.

LYNX

Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) is monitoring the impacts of Hurricane Ian to the area. As of Tuesday, LYNX fixed route, NeighborLink and LYMMO services will be provided as scheduled. ACCESS LYNX will only be providing life sustaining medical trips until further notice.

"If sustained winds reach 35 mph from Hurricane Ian, the LYNX transit system will shut down temporarily for safety reasons. LYNX staff will monitor the effects of the storm and will keep the community up-to-date as the hurricane passes through the area," officials said in a news release. 

SunRail

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is suspending SunRail service beginning Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Publix grocery stores

Publix stores in the following counties will close at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, and are expected to remain closed through Thursday, Sept. 29. Officials anticipate the stores to reopen on Friday, Sept. 30.

  • Sumter
  • Orange
  • Lake
  • #815 (717 N 14th Street, Leesburg)
  • #447 (1120 Bichara Blvd., The Villages)
  • Citrus
  • Seminole
  • Marion
  • Osceola
  • Volusia