As Severe Storms roll into Central Florida, Holiday Events get Wiped Out!

A significant storm is set to bring gusty winds, heavy rain, and the possibilities of flooding and tornadoes to Central Florida tonight, with the storm forcing the closure of theme parks, and the cancelation or postponement of many holiday events due to take place today

As we coutdown to Christmas here in Central Florida, many outdoor holiday events that weere due to take place today have either been canceled or postponed due to an approching storm system that is set to slam Orlando with heavy rain, gusty winds, flooding, and the chance of tornadoes late Saturday, and into Sunday.

Holiday events canceled today include Oh What Fun in Lake Nona, Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens, and Downtown For The Holidays at Lake Eola.

At the theme parks, Disney has canceled tonights Jollywood Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is closing at 5 pm.

Here is the full list of affected attractions, and events throughout Central Florida.

Jollywood Nights - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Jollywood Nights st Disney's Hollywood Studios has been canceled due to inclement weather. Those who paid for tickets to tonight’s event should receive automatic refunds using the original payment method within 7-10 business days.

Guests with questions should contact Walt Disney World by calling (407) 939-5277 for more information.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Due to inclement weather and high winds, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is closing at 4 pm due to the extreme weather, the park will re-open Sunday at 10 am.

Fun Spot - Orlando & Kissimmee

Due to inclement weather in the Central Florida area, the Orlando and Kissimmee parks will be closing early. Rides will close at 5 pm and the Arcade will close at 8 pm!

Oh, What Fun! - Lake Nona

Due to forecasted rain in Lake Nona, Oh, What Fun! is cancelled today. The snow slide will now be a part of the festivities happening tomorrow from 3-7 pm during Sunday Family Funday at Oh, What Fun!

Downtown For The Holidays - Lake Eola

The city of Orlando has taken the decision to cancel today's holiday festivities at Lake Eola, with Downtown for the Holidays returning Sunday, December 17.

Dazzling Nights - Leu Gardens

Tonight's Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens has been canceled. Ticket holders impacted by the cancellation have been notified by email and their tickets have been automatically reassigned to Wednesday, December 27, 2023. If this date, or any of the other remaining dates, do not work for ticket holders, they can request a refund.

Holiday Nights - Island H20

Holiday Nights at Island H20 Water Park will be closed 12/16 due to severe weather in the area.

Promenade at Sunset Walk

Due to Tonight’s Inclement Weather the Holinights Holiday Programming and Performances have moved to the Grand Lobby of the Margaritaville Resort next to the Promenade Sunset Walk at 8000 Fins Up Circle / Kissimmee.

Old Town - Kissimee

Due to impending weather conditions tonight, Saturday, the live music and entertainment has been canceled at the Saturday Night Cruise.

Asian Lantern Festival - Central Florida Zoo

The event is canceled for Saturday, Dec. 16. Guests with tickets for this date can reschedule or receive a refund by clicking here.

Jingle Jam - Sanford Main Street

This year's street festival, Sanford Jingle Jam which was due to take place on Dec. 16 has been canceled. The decision has been made in consideration of the safety and well-being of residents and visitors due to projected poor weather.

Light Up Central Winds! - Winter Springs

With the potential for severe weather, and out of an abundance of caution, the Light Up Central Winds walk-thru event on Saturday, December 16, is cancelled.

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

Walt Disney World has made the decision to close Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park on Saturday Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec 17 due to the expected poor weather.

Sir Henry's Haunted Christmas - Plant City

Sir Henry's has taken the decision to close on Saturday 12/16. If you have purchased tickets for Saturday 12/16 you will be able to use those tickets on 12/15 & 12/17.

LEGOLAND Florida Water Park

The Water Park at LEGOLAND Florida will be closed 12/16/23 due to weather.

Aquatica Water Park

SeaWorld Orlando has annoucned that Aquatica Water Park will remian closed Saturday 12/16, and Sunday 12/17 due to the expected severe weather. The park is currently scheduled to re-open Monday 12.18.

Universal's Volcano Bay

Universal Orlando Resort is closing Volcano Bay on both Saturday 12/16, and Sunday 12/17 due to the expected poor weather conditions.

Winter Garden Santa Run

Due to anticipated severe weather conditions, the Santa Run on Saturday, December 16 is Rescheduled for Monday, December 18.

Santa’s Wonderland - Winter Garden

Santa’s Wonderland in Winter Garden will be closed Saturday due to the anticipated severe weather conditions.

Light Up the Park - St Cloud

The December 15 - 17, Light Up the Park event nights have been canceled due to the high winds and rain forecast for this weekend. Ticket holders will automatically receive refunds.

Christmas in the Wild - Zoo Tampa

Due to the inclement weather forecast and to ensure the safety of guests, Zoo Tampa is canceling Saturday's Christmas in the Wild event. Guests who have reservations/tickets will be allowed to use them for any of the remaining 11 nights of the event. There is no need to rebook or reschedule, any reservations/tickets for Saturday will automatically be valid for another night of holiday fun. The event takes place for select nights through December 30

Stay safe, and make sure your outdoor Christmas Decorations and Holiday Lights are secure!

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