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Hurricane Helene: Disney, Universal close some parks, cancel some events ahead of storm

By
Updated  September 27, 2024 7:39am EDT
Theme Parks
FOX 35 Orlando

The Brief

    • Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night as a powerful, Category 4 storm with 140 mph sustained winds.
    • Florida's theme parks largely stayed open, but adjusted hours, canceled events, or modified operations ahead of Helene.
    • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay closed Thursday.
    • Some theme parks have severe weather policies that allow people to use their tickets at a later date. Some restrictions apply.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Do the major theme parks in Florida close when a tropical storm or hurricane is headed towards the state? It's possible, and depends on each storm, where it's headed, and the potential for impact over Orlando, and Central Florida.

Hurricane Helene became a Category 1 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, and is forecast to become a major hurricane (Cat. 3+) before making landfall over Florida's Big Bend region, which is several hours north of the theme parks.

Most of the theme parks stay open during weather, even during brief severe weather, but when it comes to tropical storms or hurricanes, it really depends on the storm's track, severity, and impact. 

If you're headed to Florida on vacation to visit the theme parks ahead of Helene, here is the latest we know on each of their status and operations.

Hurricane Helene: Walt Disney World Update

  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park and miniature golf courses closed on Thursday, September. 26.
  • Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party canceled for Thursday, September 26.
  • Magic Kingdom extending hours to 8 p.m. (two additional hours) on Thursday, Sept. 26

Walt Disney World does have a hurricane policy. Read more.

Hurricane Helene: Universal Orlando Resort Update

  • Universal Volcano Bay, Universal's water park, will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26. The resort anticipates reopening Volcano Bay on Friday.
  • Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios is canceled for Thursday, Sept. 26. The park anticipates Halloween Horror Nights to reopen on Friday, Sept. 27.
  • Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will close at their regularly scheduled times on Thursday, Sept. 26 – with Universal Studios closing at 5 p.m. and Islands of Adventure closing at 8 p.m.
  • Universal CityWalk will close early at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26.
  • The theme parks' hotels will remain operational.

Universal Orlando Resort does have a severe weather policy.  Read more.

Hurricane Helene: SeaWorld Orlando Update

SeaWorld Orlando has announced that the park will be closing at 2 p.m. Thursday.

"SeaWorld Orlando usually remains open even when the weather isn’t cooperating, and we have lots of awesome ways for you and your family to have fun while it passes. Still, you never know when thunder and lightning, hail, or even a hurricane might unexpectedly land and ruin your good time. But don’t worry. That’s when our Weather-or-Not Assurance steps in to provide you with a return visit on us! reads its website. Read more.

Hurricane Helene: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Update

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26. Busch Gardens, like SeaWorld, has a weather policy. Read more.

"After reviewing the latest route of Hurricane Helene and to ensure the safety of our ambassadors, guests and animals, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26. Our weather preparedness plan is in place and extra precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of our animals during this time."

Hurricane Helene: LEGOLAND Florida Update

LEGOLAND has not made an operations changes ahead of Helene.

"The safety and wellbeing of our guests and employees is our top priority. We are currently monitoring Helene closely and our highly trained team is working diligently to ensure all necessary precautions are in place. We will continue to keep our guests informed about any potential park closures and will provide timely updates through our website and social media channels."

Legoland does have a "Rainy Day Promise" policy. Read more.

Hurricane Helene: Fun Spot America

No statement or operation changes known at Fun Spot America ahead of Helene. Fun Spot has two locations in Central Florida: Orlando and Kissimmee.

These Central Florida attractions have closed due to Helene

  • The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26, ahead of Tropical Storm Helene. The zoo plans to reopen on Friday, Sept. 27. The Lemurs of Madagascar event has been canceled. It's Sunset at the Zoo event has been rescheduled for Oct. 10. Read more.