Local

Universal, Disney World announce temporary closures ahead of Hurricane Ian

ORLANDO, Fla. — Theme parks across Central Florida are announcing changes to their operations as impacts from Hurricane Ian draw near.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Here is a breakdown of updates from the tourist destinations:

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando, including CityWalk, will close on Wednesday and remain fully closed on Thursday, and is expected to reopen on Friday as conditions permit.

Halloween Horror Nights is also canceled for Wednesday and Thursday, which the special event expected to resume Friday.

READ: How many times have Walt Disney World, Disneyland closed?

Universal hotels are at full capacity and remain operational to take care of guests, the resort said.

Guests who planned to attend the parks or Halloween Horror Nights Wednesday or Thursday or purchased an Express pass can call 1-800-711-0089 or email reservations@universalorlando.com.


Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.

Guests with partially used multi-day park tickets with a validity window impacted by the hurricane will automatically be extended through Sept. 30, 2023, Disney said.

Disney Springs will be closed Wednesday, and a decision will be made later about Thursday’s operations.

READ: Hurricane Ian: Disney World announces some temporary resort closures

According to the Walt Disney World website, the following resorts will close Wednesday through Friday due to weather:

  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
  • Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • The Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney said it is contacting guests with current and upcoming reservations.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica will be closed Wednesday and Thursday due to Hurricane Ian.

HURRICANE IAN UPDATES: OCPS extends school closures; OIA to halt commercial flights

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed Tuesday through Thursday.

Click here for more information.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex said Tuesday afternoon that it will close on Wednesday and Thursday.

READ: Orlando International Airport stopping commercial flights Wednesday morning ahead of Hurricane Ian

Legoland Florida

Legoland Florida said it will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. The closure includes Legoland, the water park and Peppa Pig Theme Park. The hotels remain open to guests with existing reservations.

READ: Hurricane Ian: County-by-county guide to shelter locations in Central Florida

Tickets dated for Wednesday through Sunday will be automatically extended through Dec. 31, and vacation stays for the closure period will be rebooked without penalty when the call center reopens, Legoland said.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.