As Hurricane Helene takes aim at Florida, Disney World decided to preemptively close some experiences for the safety of its guests.
The storm is expected to make landfall along the Big Bend area on Thursday as a devastating Category 4 with 130-mph winds.
As airlines have worked to alert travelers of delays or changes for flights headed to destinations in the projected path or impacted region, other businesses such as theme parks have also announced adjusted hours and operations.
Disney World closes some experiences due to Hurricane Helene
Cars enter and exit the grounds of Walt Disney World on June 1, 2024, in Orlando, Florida.
Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
“Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions; however, some experiences will be cancelled or unavailable on September 26,” the company announced in a statement. “We are closely monitoring the path of the storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.”
To prepare guests for the weather event, Disney World has updated its website with weather alerts and shared the below list of details surrounding changes at the parks and resort.
See below for a snapshot of what’s been impacted by the storm so far.
Walt Disney World Water Parks
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park is temporarily closed on Thursday, Sept. 26.
Beachcomber Shack (cabanas) and Typhoon Lagoon Umbrella rentals are cancelled for Thursday, Sept. 26.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
The outdoor entertainment offering has been cancelled due to the forecasted weather on Thursday, Sept. 26. Guest who purchased tickets will be refunded.
Miniature Golf
Miniature golf courses at Walt Disney World Resort are temporarily closed on Thursday, which includes: Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf; Winter Summerland Miniature Golf.
Pools at Disney Resort Hotels
The pool area at the Disney-owned Yacht & Beach Club near the Epcot theme park at Florida’s Disney World Resort.
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
As of time of publication, Disney Resort’s pools will continue to operate and close under normal conditions.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The Enchanting Extras Collection experiences have also been canceled due to the storm, including: Savor the Savanna, Up Close with Rhinos, Walking with Giants, and Wild Africa Trek.
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Hurricane Helene, a powerful storm that has been making its way through the Atlantic Ocean, has caused some temporary closures at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. While the theme park is known for its magical experiences and attractions, the safety of guests and employees is always the top priority when severe weather threatens the area.
As Hurricane Helene approaches, Disney World has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of everyone on the property. Some of the experiences that have been temporarily closed include outdoor attractions, water parks, and certain shows that may be affected by high winds or heavy rain.
One of the most popular attractions affected by the storm is the outdoor fireworks show at Magic Kingdom. Due to the potential for inclement weather, Disney World has decided to cancel the fireworks show for the safety of guests and employees. Additionally, some outdoor rides and attractions have been temporarily closed until the storm passes.
In addition to the closures at Disney World, other theme parks in the area have also taken similar precautions. Universal Studios and SeaWorld have announced temporary closures of some outdoor attractions and shows in anticipation of Hurricane Helene.
While it may be disappointing for visitors to miss out on some of their favorite experiences at Disney World, safety is always the top priority. The theme park has a team of experts monitoring the weather conditions and will reopen the closed attractions as soon as it is safe to do so.
Guests who have tickets for the affected attractions are encouraged to check the Disney World website or social media channels for updates on when they will reopen. In the meantime, there are still plenty of indoor attractions and shows to enjoy at Disney World while waiting out the storm.
Overall, while Hurricane Helene may have caused some temporary closures at Disney World, the theme park is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of everyone on the property. Visitors can rest assured that once the storm passes, they will be able to enjoy all of the magical experiences that Disney World has to offer.
