Several area theme parks and attractions closed or adjusted operations due to Hurricane Helene.
Below are the latest updates.
Also see: Hurricane Helene: Hurricane policies for Orlando, Tampa area theme parks
THEME PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS
- Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on Thursday. The rest of the resort, including hotels, will stay operational as park officials continue to monitor conditions. Universal officials say they anticipate reopening Volcano Bay on Friday at its normal hours.
Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Halloween Horror Nights and Universal Orlando hotels will remain operational, but officials said they will continue to monitor conditions.
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed on Thursday. Veterinarians and animal care experts will remain onsite 24/7 to monitor the animals. The park's recovery team will ensure the habitats are safe for the animals to return once weather conditions improve, officials said.
- Disney World has made the following changes to their normal operations:
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park and miniature golf courses will be closed on Thursday.
- Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is canceled for Thursday.
- Magic Kingdom was scheduled to close Thursday at 6 p.m., but the park is extending operating hours until 8 p.m.
ZOOS, AQUARIUMS AND MORE
- Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be closed on Thursday. Officials with the zoo say they plan to reopen for regular business hours at 9 a.m. on Friday. The previously-scheduled Lemurs of Madagascar event Thursday is canceled, and Friday night’s Sunset at the Zoo event is postponed to Thursday, Oct. 10. Ticketholders will be reached out via email soon, according to officials with the zoo.
- Brevard Zoo will be closed on Thursday. The zoo plans to reopen Friday, September 27, pending possible damage. Any updates will be noted on the zoo's website and social media.
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park will be closed to guests on Thursday in preparation of inclement weather. Officials said a severe weather preparedness plan is in place to ensure the safety of the animals and team members. The zoo plans to resume normal park operations on Friday.
- The Florida Aquarium will be closed on Thursday. Guests who purchased tickets for tomorrow can email MoreInfo@FLaquarium.org or call (813) 273-4000 to reschedule the visit. Officials with the aquarium say they plan on returning to normal operation hours on Friday at 9:30 a.m., resuming normal business hours.
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be closed on Thursday. Officials said a "hurricane ride-out team" will be in place to protect the animals from the storm.
- The Straz Center will be closed on Thursday. Officials said the scheduled performance of Jobsite Theater’s POTUS on Thursday is canceled, and those affected by the cancellation will be contacted directly. The Straz says that classes and activities at the Patel Conservatory have been canceled for Thursday, and parents and students will be contacted by a representative of the Patel Conservatory. The facility will reopen on Friday, conditions permitting, officials stated.