Southern California theme parks are busy making storm watch preparations usually reserved for their Florida counterparts as Hurricane Hilary heads north packing 145 mph winds and bearing down on a region not accustomed to severe tropical weather.
Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland California are monitoring Hilary’s approach and preparing for potential impacts on Sunday, Aug. 20 and Monday, Aug. 21 when the storm is expected to bring flooding, downed trees and power outages.
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The major category 4 storm is expected to weaken to tropical storm strength by the time it makes landfall in Southern California on Sunday evening and pushes inland on Monday.
Disneyland is taking standard foul weather precautions in advance of the anticipated heavy rain and strong winds.
Visitors and employees should monitor the Disneyland app for information on any unexpected changes to resort operations or select outdoor attraction closures.
Universal Studios Hollywood is continuing to monitor Hurricane Hilary for potential impacts on the movie theme park and the adjacent CityWalk outdoor shopping mall.
Universal expects to remain open on Sunday and Monday, but recommends visitors check the park’s website for updates throughout the storm.
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The Knott’s Berry Farm maintenance and operational teams are taking proactive steps to secure the Buena Park theme park.
“We advise guests to check weather forecasts and our website for the latest information about any changes in Knott’s Berry Farm or Knott’s Soak City operating hours,” according to the official Knott’s Twitter account.
Six Flags Magic Mountain currently expects the Valencia amusement park and the adjacent Hurricane Harbor water park to open as scheduled on Sunday and Monday.
Magic Mountain continues to monitor Hurricane Hilary and any changes or updates to operations will be announced on the park’s website and official social media channels.
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SeaWorld San Diego’s location on Mission Bay puts the marine park in the direct path of the hurricane’s forecast cone.
“We are carefully monitoring this storm and its potential impact here,” SeaWorld officials told Theme Park Insider. “Our parks have comprehensive weather and emergency preparedness plans in place.”
The Legoland California water park will close on Sunday with plans to reopen on Monday. The Carlsbad theme park and adjacent SeaLife Aquarium are expected to maintain regular operating hours on Sunday and Monday.
The safety of visitors, employees and in some cases animals remain a top priority for all of the Southern California theme parks.
