Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal to Close for Hurricane Irma

Theme parks will shut down for the weekend as Florida braces for storm

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom
Disney

Walt Disney World Resort has announced it will close this weekend, joining a number of other Florida theme parks that are temporarily closing their doors as the state braces for Hurricane Irma.

“Based on the latest forecasts for Hurricane Irma and keeping safety top of mind, Walt Disney World Resort will be closing early on Saturday, September 9 and will remain closed through Monday, September 11,” the company said in a statement Friday. “Resort hotels will remain open. We hope to resume normal operations on Tuesday, September 12. We will provide regular updates to our guests on all operational changes. Please continue to check this page for updates.”

SeaWorld Orlando will also shut down early on Saturday and remain closed through Monday, the company announced on Friday.

“We have comprehensive weather preparedness plans, and security and zoological staff will remain on property in secure locations as we monitor the storm,” the company said in a statement on Facebook. “We’re also providing support and temporary housing for animals from other zoological facilities in coastal areas expected to have greater impact.”

Universal Studios Orlando will similarly shut down at 7 p.m. on Saturday and remain closed on Sunday and Monday; as will the water parks Aquatica Orlando and Adventure Island and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Irma is expected to make landfall in Florida mid-weekend. The storm has already claimed at least 10 lives and caused catastrophic damage as it tore through the Caribbean earlier this week.

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