As
Hurricane Matthew gained momentum and barreled toward Florida on Thursday,
Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando said they would close their
theme parks and attractions on Thursday and that they would remain closed
through Friday.
A
Walt Disney World spokesperson told Travel Weekly that parks would be closed by 5 p.m. on Thursday and would remain closed through
Friday, a decision that was made based on the most recent forecast. News
reports have indicated that the hurricane is growing into a Category 4 storm
with 140 mph winds.
Universal
Orlando stated that Wet ‘n Wild would close Thursday at 2 p.m. and remain closed
Friday. Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and
Universal CityWalk will close on Thursday at 5 p.m. and remain closed Friday. Halloween Horror Nights is canceled for both Thursday and Friday nights.
SeaWorld close at 2 p.m. on Thursday and will remain closed on Friday.
All of the parks have
stated that they expect to reopen as normal on Saturday.
Walt Disney World’s
hurricane policy is that if a hurricane warning is issued by the National
Hurricane Center for the Orlando area (or the guests’ place of residence),
guests may reschedule or cancel their vacation package and most room-only
reservations booked directly with Disney without any cancellation or change fees
imposed by Disney.