Disney World, Universal Florida, more theme parks close due to Hurricane Matthew
Fireworks explode in the sky at the grand opening celebration at the Cinderella Castle for the New Fantasyland attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Dec. 6, 2012. Credit: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Due to coastal storm Hurricane Matthew, many Florida-based theme parks have announced closings or cancellations. Below are some alerts posted on the attractions’ official websites or reported through other channels:
Walt Disney World: May close early Thursday; closed Friday
“Based on the most recent forecasts for Hurricane Matthew, Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, miniature golf courses and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will all be closed Thursday; and will remain closed through Friday, Oct. 7. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Theme Park is also canceled for tonight and tomorrow.” –Walt Disney World Resort
Universal Orlando: Closing early Thursday; closed Friday
“Universal Orlando will close its water park, Wet 'n Wild, at 2 p.m. Thursday and remain closed Friday. Other attractions — Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk -- are to close Thursday at 5 p.m. and remain closed Friday. And Halloween Horror Nights is cancelled Thursday and Friday nights. Plans are to resume normal operations on Saturday morning.” -- NBC New York
SeaWorld Orlando: Closing early Thursday; closed Friday
“We are closely monitoring Hurricane Matthew. For the safety of our guests and ambassadors, SeaWorld will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6 and CLOSED on Friday, October 7. The park is expected to be open from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, with normal Spooktacular activities from noon – 7:00 p.m. Hours are subject to change. Please check back for the most up-to-date information as the weekend progresses. Thank you. Please be aware that the Call Center will close on Thursday at 2:00 p.m., and will be closed on Friday. Normal operation is expected to resume on Saturday at 8:00 a.m.” – Sea World Orlando
Lego Land Florida: May close early Thursday; closed Friday
“Florida Resort will operate as scheduled Thursday, Oct. 6, but may close early due to the approach of Hurricane Matthew. For the safety of all guests and employees, LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park will remain closed Friday, Oct. 7, but LEGOLAND Hotel will be open to admit arriving guests.” – Lego Land Florida
Kennedy Space Center: Closed Thursday and Friday
“Due to Hurricane Matthew, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be closed Thursday, October 6 and Friday, October 7. The Visitor Complex is anticipated to reopen Saturday, October 8 at 9 a.m. -- Kennedy Space Center
Gatorland Orlando: Closed Friday
“Will be closed Friday Oct. 7 due to Hurricane Matthew.” – Gatorland Orlando
