Knott’s Berry Farm and SeaWorld San Diego close due to ‘Pineapple Express’ storm

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Rain closed Knott’s Berry Farm for 10 days in early 2023, resulting in a $14 million drop in revenue and 400,000 fewer visitors for that quarter. (File photo by Sam Gangwer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

A “Pineapple Express” storm battering Southern California has forced the closure of Knott’s Berry Farm and SeaWorld San Diego and soaked stoic visitors who braved the bad weather at other area theme parks.

Knott’s closed on Thursday, Feb. 1 due to inclement weather, according to the Buena Park theme park’s official Twitter page. Knott’s tickets purchased for Thursday are valid any day through Feb. 25.

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ALSO SEE: 10 rainy day closures cost Knott’s Berry Farm millions in early 2023

SeaWorld San Diego also closed on Thursday because of inclement weather and will reopen on Friday, Feb. 2, according to the marine park’s website. SeaWorld’s Weather-or-Not program provides a free return visit when rain, thunder, lightning, hail, winds, heat, snow or a hurricane force the closure of the park.

The latest rainfall hammering Southern California is thanks to a Pineapple Express weather system carrying heavy rain from the tropical Pacific — specifically from the Hawaiian islands area.

Other Southern California theme parks remained open despite the back-to-back storms forecast to wallop the Southland through early next week.

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Disneyland is set to close early at 8 p.m. on Thursday to empty the Anaheim theme park of daily visitors so the separate admission Sweethearts’ Nite after-hours event can get started. Disney Lovebirds will want to bring a raincoat, boots and an umbrella along with their romantic intentions.

Across the esplanade, Disney California Adventure is scheduled to remain open until 9 p.m. on Thursday.

Universal Studios Hollywood is scheduled to close at 6 p.m. on Thursday while Legoland California will stay open until 4:30 p.m.

Legoland California offers a “Rainy Day Promise” that allows visitors to return within a year when storms ruin the day.

Universal Studios tickets are rain or shine with no complimentary admission to return another day when it rains.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the winter season.

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