Will Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld close because of Hurricane Nicole?

Hurricane Nicole is projected to impact Florida and make landfall in the state this week. Some area attractions and theme parks, and other businesses are keeping a close watch on the storm that could impact operating hours.

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World closed its theme parks early on Wednesday, Nov. 9, ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole, which has since strengthened to a hurricane. Disney said it planned to reopen on Thursday, Nov. 10, in a "phased approach."

Late Wednesday night, Disney released details on when the parks would open on Thursday:

  • Magic Kingdom, Noon to 6 p.m. (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party scheduled 7 p.m. - midnight)
  • EPCOT, 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom, 1 p.m - 7 p.m.
  • DIsney's Hollywood Studios, 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. (Fantasmic! is canceled for Thursday)

 Walt Disney World Water Parks and Miniature Golf locations are temporarily closed on Thursday, November 10:

  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park (Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for the season.)
  • Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
  • Fantasia Gardens
  • Fairways Miniature Golf

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando has reopened both of its theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure – on Thursday afternoon to its hotel guests only. It's water park Volcano Bay will remain closed Thursday. The theme park said it will resume normal operations on Friday, Nov. 11.

SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando will close Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. and on Thursday, Nov. 10, according to an online statement. Aquatica Orlando is closed for both Wednesday and Thursday. Both parks plan to reopen on Friday, Nov. 11.

LEGOLAND Florida

LEGOLAND Florida has adjusted its park hours for Thursday, November 10. It's theme parks are scheduled to open Thursday afternoon, however, the LEGOLAND water park will remain closed on Thursday.

  • LEGOLAND theme park, noon to 6 p.m.
  • Peppa Pig theme park, noon to 5 p.m.
  • Water park, closed

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 10, due to Tropical Storm Nicole, and anticipates reopening on Friday, Nov. 11, according to an online statement.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

The zoo will be closed from Wednesday, Nov. 9, through Friday, Nov. 11. "This will give our team time to prepare and clean up our property. We will continue to assess the situation and will provide updates here when we can," the zoo tweeted on Tuesday.

Brevard Zoo

The Brevard Zoo will be closed on Wednesday, November 9, and Thursday, November 10, as Florida prepares for Tropical Storm Nicole.  The Zoo plans to reopen on Friday, November 11, pending any possible damage. 

Kennedy Space Center Complex

Kennedy Space Center said it will now remain closed on Wednesday, Nov. 9, and Thursday, Nov. 10, ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole. The complex anticipates reopening on Friday, Nov. 11, at 9 a.m.

Those who had tickets and reservations for Nov. 9 or 10 will be refunded, the complex said in a statement.

Gatorland

Gatorland closed Thursday due to Hurricane Nicole, but said it would reopen on Friday, Nov. 11.