Just like the rest of us, Central Florida theme parks are busy preparing ahead of hurricane Irma’s arrival. Guest safety is always the most important thing to our beloved Central Florida theme parks. All Them park resorts are prepared and ready to shelter in place with their guests. They have food and water on the ready and have given specific tips and procedures for resort guests.

If you visit the theme parks in the next two days you will see many preparations underway. Accordingly, schedules have been adjusted for guests, but could be changed if Irma arrives earlier than forecasted. For any refund policies please check the theme park’s website. Here is the latest adjusted Schedules for Friday-Sunday:

Walt Disney World Resort:

Saturday: Blizzard Beach and ESPN World Wide of Sports is closed; Typhoon Lagoon closes at 5pm; Disney’s Animal Kingdom and  Disney’s Hollywood Studios closes at 7pm; Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney Springs close at 9pm; All firework shows are cancelled;

Night of Joy: Saturday’s performances are canceled

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Sunday is Canceled

Sunday:-Monday: all theme parks and water parks are closed; ESPN Wide World of Sports is closed; Disney Springs is closed

Disney’s Fort Wilderness resort and campground and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort’s Treehouse Villas will close at 2Pm Saturday – Monday.

The dining reservation cancellations policy will not be enforced and there is no need to cancel reservations through Monday

SeaWorld Orlando:

Saturday: SeaWorld will close at 5p; Discovery Cove will operate on a normal schedule; Aquatica is closed

Sunday-Monday: SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove are closed

Universal Orlando Resort:

Saturday: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay are close at 7:00pm; Rock the Universe is Cancelled

Sunday-Monday: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay are Closed

*Onsite hotels are at capacity and remain operational

Legoland:

Saturday-Monday: Legoland is closed

Busch Gardens in Tampa:

Saturday: Busch Gardens in Tampa will close at 5p

Sunday-Monday: SeaWorld and Busch Gardens in Tampa will close at 5p; Discovery Cove will operate on a normal schedule; Aquatica is closed

Saturday: Busch Gardens in Tampa will close at 5p

Sunday-Monday: Busch Gardens in Tampa will be closed

Tuesday: All theme parks plan to operate on a normal schedule depending on storm damage*

Also please keep those on hurricane crews in your thoughts and prayers. Many do not know that hurricane crews at theme parks is largely a volunteer effort. Employees sign up to ride out the storm and be first to begin cleaning up after the storm. This includes veterinarians and animal care teams that take care of the many animals across various parks.

It is a big job but this effort is well coordinated. Likewise, there are many that employees that volunteer to take care of guests as they ride out the storm. While employees are paid for their time working, most parks have never had to assign additional hurricane roles because most of the people working at the parks have a heart to serve whether it be guests or animals.  It’s a lesson that will serve us all well in the coming days. May we all have a servants heart and help our community as we clean up after this storm.