Try though they may, no theme park can guarantee zero operational issues all year round – as proven by unexpected closures for Six Flags and SeaWorld.
There’s no shortage of things that can suddenly close a theme park. While COVID-19 may be the most obvious example, we’ve also seen everything from hurricanes and earthquakes to wildfires and political incidents shutter parks over the years.
Walt Disney World Resort, for example, has regularly had to shut its gates in response to hurricanes, and Universal Studios Hollywood faced closures earlier this year due to the fires sweeping across Los Angeles.
Today, both SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas have announced their closures due to yet another unavoidable factor: an Arctic blast hitting Texas.
SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas Close
According to SeaWorld San Antonio’s official website, the park closed its doors to guests today, with the forecast predicting temperatures as low as 33 degrees Fahrenheit, along with snow and freezing rain in the region.
Not only are these kinds of weather conditions unpleasant for visitors, but they can also pose potential operational issues.
Just a short 20-minute drive away, Six Flags Fiesta Texas also shut down its gates for the day. The park shared the news with its followers on Facebook, stating, “Due to winter weather, Six Flags Fiesta Texas will remain closed on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Your safety is our top priority!”
While the temporary closures are unfortunate, they are not entirely uncommon in Texas, where cold fronts and storms can arrive unexpectedly, even in February. In fact, temperatures dropped so low in the area that local school districts were forced to cancel or reschedule activities yesterday, including sports events.
Both theme parks have reassured visitors that the closures will be brief. They plan to reopen tomorrow, February 23, and continue with their respective Mardi Gras festivities. SeaWorld San Antonio is hosting live music, vibrant costumes, and a menu featuring New Orleans-inspired cuisine such as jambalaya, po-boys, shrimp skewers with dirty rice, and beignets.
Similarly, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is celebrating Mardi Gras with its “Spectacle of Color” parade, live entertainment, and a selection of festive food options, including exclusive Mardi Gras-themed treats.
Wider Impact of the Cold Snap on Florida’s Theme Parks
While the Texas closures are grabbing attention, the cold weather has also impacted other theme parks across the country.
In Orlando, both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort temporarily closed their water parks this week (again) due to the unseasonably low temperatures, which triggered an emergency alert to the phones of some in the area.
Historically, Blizzard Beach undergoes its standard closure each year in March, with Typhoon Lagoon reopening to replace it for the summer and early autumn months. Considering the amount of time it’s spent closed this winter – and last winter – it begs the question of just how efficient Disney’s current water park operational calendar really is.
