Busch Gardens Tampa closes early Tuesday as Idalia approaches Florida

In Orlando, Universal and Disney World said they are monitoring Idalia

By Colin Wolf on Tue, Aug 29, 2023 at 10:44 am

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Busch Gardens Tampa closes early Tuesday as Idalia approaches Florida (2)

Photo via Busch Gardens Tampa Bay/Facebook

Disappointing news for maniacs hoping to ride a rollercoaster during a hurricane.

This morning, Busch Gardens Tampa announced on social media it has enacted its "Named Storm Policy" and will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, and remain closed through Wednesday, Aug. 30.

As of now, the park plans to reopen Thursday.

The early closure comes as Hurricane Idalia barrels towards Florida's Gulf coast and is projected to become a major storm before making landfall early Wednesday morning.

Across Central Florida, other major theme parks remain open. Both Universal Orlando resorts and Disney World said they are monitoring Idalia, but the parks are fully operational. Sanford's Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, however, will also close at noon Tuesday, Aug. 29.

This story first appeared in our sister publication Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.

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