Skip to main content
Clear icon
62º

Central Florida theme parks, attractions adjust schedules due to Hurricane Nicole

Storm impacted the attractions Thursday

Cinderella Castle inside Magic Kingdom Park (Olga Thompson, Walt Disney World)

ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida’s theme parks and attractions made adjustments ahead of Hurricane Nicole and are now announcing when they will reopen.

Nicole passed through Central Florida Thursday, with gusty winds and heavy rain.

Recommended Videos



[TRENDING: Nicole expected to become hurricane, projected path shifts over Central Florida | Powerball ticket sold in California snags record $2.04B win | Become a News 6 Insider]

Theme parks are now assessing any damage and reopening their venues. See the latest statements below.

Walt Disney World

FILE - The newly painted Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is seen with the the crest to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the theme park (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

On Thursday, Walt Disney World Resort theme parks reopened its parks in phases.

  • Magic Kingdom: noon to 6 p.m., with plans to proceed with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at 7 p.m. as scheduled
  • Epcot: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Fantasmic! will not be presented on Thursday)

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park and Disney’s miniature golf courses will stay closed Thursday.

Universal Orlando

No description found

Universal Studios Florida and CityWalk are open for hotel guests only with limited experiences. Islands of Adventure opened at 3 p.m. Thursday, also with limited experiences for hotel guests only.

All of the parks and areas will reopen for full operation Friday.

SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando

(WKMG)

SeaWorld Orlando and its neighboring water park, Aquatica, are scheduled to be closed Thursday, according to SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando. SeaWorld Orlando was open for business Wednesday while Aquatica was not.

“Following the latest updates on Tropical Storm Nicole, both Aquatica Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando will be closed on Thursday. Precautions are in place following the park’s comprehensive weather preparedness plan to ensure the safety of our animals and ambassadors during this time. We will continue to monitor the storm and guests are encouraged to check our website and follow our social media channels for updates,” the park said in a statement.

Gatorland

Alligator at Gatorland (McReynolds)

Gatorland says everything is OK at the historic park, which will reopen Friday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m.

Legoland Florida

(Merlin Entertainment)

Legoland Florida Resort will operate on an adjusted schedule starting Thursday, Nov. 10. That schedule will be:

  • Legoland Florida Theme Park will be open from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Peppa Pig Theme Park will be open from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Legoland Water park will be closed all day
  • Resort hotels will remain open and continue normal operation

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Photos of the Falcon Heavy side booster parked in front of the Atlantis exhibit at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex taken on February 18, 2018. (Photos by Michael Seeley / We Report Space)

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex said it will be closed beginning Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the recommendation of the Brevard County Emergency Management Office. Severe weather is expected on the Central Florida coast due to Tropical Storm Nicole. The visitor complex expects to reopen on Friday, Nov. 11 after a thorough assessment of the property has been complete.

Wild Florida

(Wild Florida)

Wild Florida is making adjustments ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole.

“Hey Explorers! Many of you have contacted us inquiring about plans regarding Tropical Storm Nicole. We will continue to monitor the storm’s path and strength and consult with local emergency officials as needed,” the animal park said on its website. “As of now, airboat tours will not occur on Wednesday, Nov. 9, and Wild Florida will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 10. For updates regarding your upcoming adventure, check back on our website and social media channels. Our reservation team will reach out to you via the contact information you provided regarding any reservations that may be affected.”

Fun Spot America

No description found

Fun Spot America announced in a tweet that Fun Spot Orlando and Fun Spot Kissimmee will be closing Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The parks are expected to reopen Thursday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m.

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will open Iron Gwazi on March 11

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed starting Thursday Nov. 10.

Guests are encouraged to check the park’s website and social media for updates on the park’s reopening.


Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops newsletter, sent every Friday morning.


Recommended Videos