Disney World, Universal Orlando announce some closures as Hurricane Helene approaches Florida
Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida at least as a Category 3 hurricane Thursday night.
Bryan Norcross analyzes Hurricane Helene forecast
FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross takes a look at the latest data from Hurricane Helene and the storm's forecast.
As Hurricane Helene closes in on a Florida landfall this week, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort are assessing their operations.
Walt Disney World Resort will close Disney's Typhoon Lagood water park on Thursday, Sept. 26, according to a recent statement. Plus, Beachcomber Shack and typhoon Lagoon Umbrella rentals are canceled for Thursday, as well.
Other Disney activities that will be canceled or closed on Thursday due to Helene include the following tours and miniature golf experiences:
- Savor the Savanna
- Up Close with Rhinos
- Walking with Giants
- Wild Africa Trek
- Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf
- Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
FILE: The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service / Getty Images)
Universal Orlando announced that the Universal Volcano Bay water park will be closed Thursday. Park officials expect Volcano Bay to reopen on Friday at its normal hours.
In addition, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled Thursday.
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will close at their regularly scheduled times - Universal at 5 p.m. and Island of Adventure at 8 p.m.
Universal CityWalk is closing early at 8 p.m. and hotels remain open.
They noted their severe weather policy, pertaining to whether a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency declared for Orlando within a week of a guest's arrival.
In such a case, guests can contact the Universal Orlando team and cancel tickets and hotel rooms booked directly with Universal Orlando without any cancelation or change fees.
FILE: The symbolic globe turns outside Universal Studios theme park, part of Universal Orlando Resort.
(Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel / Tribune News Service / Getty Images)
"We want you to feel safe and will work with you directly to best accommodate your needs," park officials said in a statement.
Helene is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend of Florida at least as a Category 3 hurricane Thursday night.