By Juliana Octavini
On the morning of Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) – official organ that monitors American hurricanes – announced that Hurricane Milton fell into category 4 and remained so all afternoon.
However, around 5:00 p.m., he went back up to Category 5.
But that doesn't mean he'll be less impactful. According to meteorologists, this must be one of the biggest hurricanes ever seen in Florida in recent years.
Just to get an idea, the maximum category of a hurricane is 5 and on Tuesday, experts considered creating a 6th category for Hurricane Milton due to the intensity of its winds, which already exceeded 250 km/h.
Speculations aside, what we know so far is that instead of arriving in Florida on the morning of Thursday, as the meteorologists had said, Hurricane Milton should already reach the coastal region early on Wednesday to Thursday.
And, there are predictions that as he advances to the central Florida region, he loses his intensity and must reach the Orlando region in category 1. In other words, heavy rains are still expected, with the possibility of flooding in some regions (remember that Florida is full of lakes), as well as falls of trees and energies.
But if you're in Orlando during this period, don't worry!
As I said in previous posts, Orlando must be less impacted than coastal regions. Still, of course, we need to be very careful because of the magnitude of this hurricane.
Check out below the latest updates of theme parks and other services that will be impacted by Hurricane Milton:
THEMATIC PARKS
Busch Gardens: closed from 8 to 10/10
Central Florida Zoo: closed from 8 to 10/10
SeaWorld: closed on days 9 and 10/10
Discovery Cove: closed on days 9 and 10/10
Gatorland: closed on days 9 and 10/10
Fun Spot: closed on days 9 and 10/10
Kennedy Space Center: closed on days 9 and 10/10
Icon Park Orlando Eye: will be closed between days 7 and 10/10, with no forecast of reopening. Universal Studios Florida, Island of Adventure and CityWalk: open on 9/10 until 14:00 and closed on 10/10.
Universal Volcano Bay: closed on days 9 and 10/10
Halloween Horror Nights: cancelled on 9 and 10/10 days
Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom: They're closing at 1:00 on the 9/10.
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney Springs: They're closing at 2:00 on the 9/10.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: cancelled on 9/10 and there is the possibility of being cancelled also on 10/10 (event tickets will be refunded according to the company).
Disney announced that it is likely that their parks will remain closed on the 10th, Thursday, and consider reopening Disney Springs in the late afternoon of the 10th.
Check it out. HERE Disney's official statement on the operation of its parks, hotels and transports during Hurricane Milton.
Remembering that all theme parks have rescheduling policies in case of hurricanes and storms. So if you're in Orlando during this period and you need to reschedule some park, look for information on their official page, okay? (I put the link on this POST THAT DID HERE).
In addition, I recommend keeping an eye on the social networks of the respective parks to find out how their working hours will be on 10 and 11/10. Anyway, I will keep you informed here and also on our Instagram (@journada paraorlando).
Shopping:
Mall at Millenia: closed dia9/10, with possible reopening on 10/10.
Premium Outlet International: for now they remain functioning normally.
AIRPORT:
O Orlando Airport will be closed from the day 9/10, without forecast of reopening.
Tips:
- Follow the recommendations of the government and the county in which it is located. Here on the Orlando Journey ALWAYS we disclose official information from the authorities and also from the NHC.
- What? If you are staying in a hotel, please seek information at reception on the recommendations protocols. Normally, hotels have generators, which is great if the power is missing in the region, but try to find out about it.
- What? If you are staying in a holiday home, please check with the tenant what are the condominium protocols in which you are located.
- Never leave home during the storm! Try especially this Wednesday to keep yourself safe in places away from windows.
