More Hurricane Damage Unveiled: Massive Hole Appears in Orlando Theme Park
A week after Hurricane Milton swept through Florida, new reports continue to emerge about the extent of the damage, especially in the state’s famed theme parks.
With winds reaching 120 mph, the Category 3 hurricane unleashed widespread havoc, flooding coastal areas, downing power lines, and leaving millions without electricity. The powerful storm also wreaked havoc on some of the state’s most popular tourist destinations, sparking concerns about recovery timelines for the industry.
Tampa Braces for Impact, Busch Gardens Hit Hard
When Hurricane Milton was first predicted to hit Florida, the biggest concerns were for Tampa. The city had only recently faced Hurricane Helene, a devastating Category 4 storm that claimed over 200 lives just weeks before.
While fears of a 12-foot storm surge didn’t materialize, the damage to the area was significant. Tropicana Field’s roof was shredded by the winds, while Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, one of the region’s major attractions, was forced to close for several days due to extensive damage.
The park finally reopened on Sunday, suspending both its regular operations and Halloween events during the recovery process.
Disney World Battles Flooding, Electrical Issues
Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort also faced its share of problems. Strong winds tore down billboards promoting the highly anticipated “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” ride, and the storm caused water damage to several resort properties.
Both Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Polynesian Resort reported leaks and minor flooding, while Fort Wilderness Resort dealt with blaring fire alarms throughout the night due to electrical malfunctions. Fortunately, maintenance crews quickly addressed the issues, and no fires were reported.
Other more minor damages include the Mickey Mouse statue that sits atop Crossroads of the World at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
SeaWorld’s Journey to Atlantis Takes a Hit
Meanwhile, SeaWorld Orlando has also been grappling with the aftermath of the storm. The popular Journey to Atlantis ride sustained damage, as strong winds tore a hole in the structure, according to images shared by @SeaworldH on X, formerly known as Twitter. Despite the visible damage, the ride is expected to resume operations soon, as the damage appears to be mostly cosmetic.
There is unfortunately a pretty large hole on the backside of JTA from the strong winds of Milton
https://twitter.com/SeaworldH/status/1845899983070937405
SeaWorld has faced ongoing controversies and struggles since the release of the 2013 documentary Blackfish. The park has dealt with fluctuating attendance in recent years, compounded by challenges during the pandemic. In 2023, its parent company, United Parks & Resorts, saw a revenue drop of $4.7 million, with attendance down 1.5% from the previous year.
CEO Marc Swanson noted that severe weather had contributed to a significant portion of the loss, estimating over 370,000 fewer visits due to weather-related disruptions.
As Florida’s theme parks continue to assess and recover from the storm’s damage, visitors and residents are keeping a close eye on any further developments.
Have you noticed any damage at the parks following Hurricane Milton?
