Florida theme parks in Orlando, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld, announced plans to reopen on Friday following the impact of Hurricane Milton. The parks were closed on Wednesday and Thursday as the major storm made landfall, disrupting the vacations of many tourists in the area.
Although some Halloween events were canceled and not all attractions were fully operational, the parks welcomed back the public with statements indicating their readiness to resume operations. Orlando International Airport also planned to resume domestic flights on Thursday and departures on Friday after a temporary shutdown.
Tourists affected by the storm, such as Simon Forster and his family from Scotland, found themselves extending their vacation in Orlando due to the airport closure. Despite the intense weather conditions, they made the most of their extra days in the bustling tourism district.
Meanwhile, in Tampa, popular tourist attractions like ZooTampa and The Florida Aquarium were preparing to reopen after the storm. The zoo's animals were safely sheltered during the hurricane, while the aquarium reported minimal damage and the well-being of their animals.
In the aftermath of the storm, tourists in Orlando sought out activities like miniature golf to pass the time while waiting for the theme parks to reopen. Craig Greig from Scotland, who was originally planning a visit to the Magic Kingdom, found himself enjoying a round of golf with his family instead.
Hurricanes are rare but not unheard of in the Orlando area, with past storms like Charley, Frances, and Jeanne in 2004, and Hurricane Ian in 2022 causing disruptions. Despite the occasional weather challenges, Orlando remains a top tourist destination in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Overall, the reopening of Florida theme parks and tourist attractions after Hurricane Milton reflects the resilience and adaptability of the tourism industry in the face of natural disasters.