As Hurricane Helene approaches Florida’s coastline, major theme parks in the region are adjusting their operations to ensure the safety of guests and staff. The Category 3 storm is predicted to impact central Florida, prompting Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) World Resort and Universal Orlando to make significant changes. The parks, popular destinations for tourists, are closely monitoring weather updates and revising their schedules accordingly. These adjustments reflect a broader community effort to brace for the storm and protect both life and property.
What Precautionary Measures Are Theme Parks Taking?
Both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort are taking proactive steps to address the impending hurricane. Universal Orlando announced that it would maintain regular operating hours for its main attractions, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, while moving up the closing time for Universal CityWalk to 8 p.m. Moreover, the park called off its Halloween Horror Nights and closed Universal Volcano Bay for Thursday, with plans for a full reopening on Friday. Universal Orlando emphasized its commitment to guest safety, particularly for those staying at its hotels.
How Is Disney World Adjusting Its Operations?
Disney World, actively tracking the storm’s path, is prioritizing the safety of its visitors and staff. Although the resort is operating under normal conditions, certain experiences have been canceled or made unavailable. These include the closure of Typhoon Lagoon water park, Disney’s miniature golf courses, and the cancellation of Thursday’s cabana and umbrella rentals. “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” was also scrapped. Disney World has extended operational hours at the Magic Kingdom until 8 p.m., allowing guests additional time to enjoy the park.
Hurricane preparations are not new for Florida’s theme parks. Past hurricanes have similarly caused temporary closures and adjustments, as seen during Hurricane Dorian in 2019 when both Disney and Universal made operational changes to ensure safety. These measures often include evacuations, closures of certain attractions, and providing guests with updates through various communication channels. While the challenges remain consistent, each storm presents a unique situation, demanding tailored responses from these entertainment giants.
In anticipation of Helene’s landfall, the National Weather Service has issued warnings, urging residents and businesses to finalize protective measures. The hurricane is expected to weaken after landfall, but strong winds and heavy rainfall could still have significant impacts inland, including in the southern Appalachians. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency, facilitating the allocation of resources to affected counties.
The response by Disney World and Universal Orlando exemplifies the broader community effort to mitigate hurricane impacts. Both parks are leveraging their extensive resources to ensure guest safety while maintaining as much of their operations as possible. This commitment underscores the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
The theme parks’ decisions are part of a broader strategy to balance safety and operational continuity. As central Florida braces for the storm, the actions taken by these entertainment giants highlight the importance of preparation and timely communication in managing crisis situations. Visitors and residents alike are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as the situation evolves.
