Idalia threat closes Busch Gardens early Tuesday, all day Wednesday

Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel
·1 min read

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday — and not reopen at all Wednesday — in response to the possible path of tropical storm Idalia. The system is expected to become a hurricane as it travels through the Gulf of Mexico with a predicted landfall along the Florida coast.

Representatives for Central Florida attractions — including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida — said they were monitoring the conditions created by Idaila, but no closures or cancellations were announced Monday.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, owned by Orlando-based SeaWorld Entertainment, plans to reopen Thursday, according to the park’s official website.

“Precautions are in place following the parks’ comprehensive weather-preparedness plan to ensure the safety of our animals and ambassadors during this time,” the site read.

Foiled visitors can check Busch Gardens’ Weather-or-Not Assurance policy for more information.

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