ORLANDO, Fla. – Hurricane Helene is on a path towards Florida and is expected to strengthen into a major Category 3 storm.
While Helene is not directly heading toward Central Florida, the storm’s outer bands will reach the area as early as Wednesday afternoon, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds.
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Below is a list of attractions that have announced closures as well as severe weather policies at theme parks.
News 6 will update the list if necessary.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26.
The zoo will be open during normal hours, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and is expected to reopen on Friday, Sept. 27 at 9 a.m.
The zoo is monitoring the tropical weather system closely.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
After reviewing the latest route of Hurricane Helene and to ensure the safety of our ambassadors, guests and animals, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26.
Our weather preparedness plan is in place and extra precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of our animals during this time.
In preparation for the upcoming storm, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is drawing on over 60 years of experience operating in Florida to implement comprehensive animal safety protocols. A dedicated team of animal care experts, including veterinarians, will remain onsite 24/7 to monitor the animals, safely housed in buildings designed to withstand category five hurricanes. Once weather conditions improve, our recovery team will ensure the habitats are safe for the animals to return.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a “Weather-or-Not Assurance” policy.
Click here for more information on Busch Garden’s policy.
Walt Disney World
Due to the forecasted weather, below are changes to the normal operation:
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park and miniature golf courses will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26.
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is canceled for Thursday, Sept. 26. Magic Kingdom hours are being extended until 8 p.m.
Disney posted the following Helene update on its weather updates & information.
“Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.”
Below is the hurricane policy for Walt Disney World:
If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area — or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney. Most room-only and vacation packages can be modified, or canceled online, including changes to travel dates.
If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as air transportation, hotels, car rental agencies or travel insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.
This policy also applies to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in the event a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations.
For more information on Walt Disney’s policy, click here.
Universal Orlando
Due to Hurricane Helene, Universal Orlando Resort is making the following operational changes for Thursday, Sept. 26:
- Halloween Horror Nights is canceled.
- Universal Volcano Bay is closed.
- Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will close at their regularly scheduled times – with Universal Studios closing at 5 p.m. and Islands of Adventure closing at 8 p.m.
- Universal CityWalk will close early at 8 p.m.
- Our hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.
Universal will fully reopen its resort including Halloween Horror Nights on Friday, Sept. 27.
Below is the severe weather policy for Universal Orlando Resort:
If a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for the Orlando area or in your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you can contact our team in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel room only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, without any cancellation or change fees imposed.
If you have purchased airline tickets as part of your Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations package, you may still be subject to cancellation and change fees assessed by those airlines. If you have purchased Universal Orlando products and services through third-party suppliers, travel agents, or tour operators please contact them directly for information regarding their cancellation or change policies and procedures.
The policy does not apply to certain special events, dining experiences, or group-related bookings.
For more information on Universal Orlando’s severe weather policy, click here.
SeaWorld Orlando
Due to the projected path of Hurricane Helene, SeaWorld Orlando will be closing at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, and will reopen on Friday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m.
SeaWorld Orlando offers a “Weather-or-Not Assurance” policy.
If extreme weather impacts their experience in the park or impacts their flight plans for an upcoming visit, SeaWorld invites them back within 12 months – at no extra charge for park admission.
The policy applies year-round, covering weather events for every season, including rain, lightning, wind, snow, hail, and more. The expanded policy also covers extreme heat.
Click here for more information on SeaWorld’s inclement weather policy.
Aquatica
The water park will be closed Thursday and with an anticipated reopening on Friday.
Legoland Florida
On Wednesday, Legoland Florida released a statement regarding Helene.
For continued operational updates, please visit: https://t.co/VypsJPxSz6 pic.twitter.com/mRdXzUN1RG
— LEGOLAND Florida (@LEGOLANDFlorida) September 25, 2024
Below is the severe weather policy for Legoland Florida:
If the National Hurricane Center issues a tropical storm or hurricane warning for the Central Florida area — or for your place of residence — within seven days preceding your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Legoland Florida Resort visit without any penalties or fees imposed by Legoland and/or Merlin Entertainments.
This policy applies only to Legoland Florida Theme Park tickets, Legoland Water Park tickets, Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida tickets and Legoland Pirate Island Hotel, Legoland Hotel or Legoland Beach Retreat reservations booked directly with Legoland Florida Resort or Legoland Vacations, as well as partner hotel reservations and packages booked through Legoland Vacations.
For more information on Legoland Florida’s hurricane policy, click here.
Discovery Cove
“Due to Tropical Storm Helene, Discovery Cove will be closed tomorrow, September 26. Please reach out to DCO-GuestRelations@discoverycove.com to rebook or refund your reservation.”
Brevard Zoo
In an abundance of caution, our Zoo will be closed on Thursday, September 26, as our state prepares for Hurricane Helene. Stay safe, everyone!
We plan to reopen on Friday, September 27, pending any possible damage. We’ll be sharing updates on the Zoo’s website and social media channels.
Lonely Dog Immersive Experience
The Lonely Dog Immersive Experience, located on International Drive in Orlando, will be closed today, Thursday, September 26, due to Hurricane Helene.
The safety of our guests and staff is our top priority, and we will continue to monitor the weather closely.
We are expected to reopen tomorrow, Friday, September 27 at 12 p.m.
Please keep an eye on our social media platforms for any updates.
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