ORLANDO, Fl. – As Hurricane Irma approaches the East Coast this weekend, Walt Disney World will close for what will be the fifth time in its 46-year history.
Its official website said the resort will close early on Saturday and will remain closed through Monday, September 11. Resort hotels will stay open.
The resort hopes to resume normal operations on Tuesday, September 12.
Here are the other times the resort has closed due to severe weather:
- September 15, 1999 – Hurricane Floyd
- September 4-5, 2004 – Hurricane Frances
- September 26, 2004 – Hurricane Jeanne
- October 7, 2016 – Hurricane Matthew
At the time of publication, Disney’s Blizzard Beach is the only park that is currently closed.
Universal Studios
Universal Studios Florida: The park will close at 7 p.m. Saturday and remain closed Sunday and Monday. Park officials anticipate opening with normal hours on Tuesday. The “Rock the Universe” event is canceled for Saturday. For information on refunds, please click here.
Other parks
Legoland Florida parks: Both the theme park and water park will be closedSaturday through Monday. Legoland Hotel will remain open to admit arriving guests and Legoland Beach Retreat guests will be moved to Legoland Hotel.
SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: The parks plan to close by 5 p.m. ET Saturday. Both will remain closed Sunday and Monday.
Aquatica Orlando and Adventure Island: The parks will be closed Saturday through Monday.
Discovery Cove: The park will be closed Sunday and Monday.
(In a statement, SeaWorld said it has a weather plan in place, and security and zoo staff will stay on premises. “We’re also providing support and temporary housing for animals from other zoological facilities in coastal areas expected to have greater impact.”)
Click here for the full list of closings.
CNN Wire contributed to this report.
Related links:
Disney World closing for 4th time since opening in 1971 due to Hurricane Matthew
