ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida’s theme parks and attractions are making adjustments ahead of Hurricane Nicole.
The system is projected to pass over Central Florida this week. Impacts from Nicole are expected to ramp up, bringing rain to Central Florida through Wednesday, Thursday and eventually late Friday. It will then push to the north toward the Carolinas.
[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]
See some of the closures and 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)
Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will have a phased closure, Nov. 9, beginning at 5 p.m. and will remain closed through Thursday morning, Nov. 10. Disney resort guests are encouraged to enjoy food and beverage options at the theme parks prior to returning to their Disney Resort hotel. Theme parks will likely not reopen at their regularly scheduled time tomorrow, Nov. 10.
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Magic Kingdom Park: Closing Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. Last dining reservations for Be Our Guest, Liberty Tree Tavern, Diamond Horseshoe and Cinderella’s Royal Table will be at 6 p.m., and last dining for all other dining reservations will be at 6:30 p.m.
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Closing Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. with last dining reservations at 5 p.m.
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Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Closing Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. with last dining reservations at 6 p.m.
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EPCOT: Closing Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. Last dining reservations for Monsieur Paul, Space 220 Restaurant, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Garden Grill Restaurant will be at 6 p.m., and last dining for all other dining reservations will be at 6:30 p.m.
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Disney Springs will close early Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., with last dining reservations at 6:30 p.m. Disney Springs will remain closed through tomorrow morning, Nov. 10.
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Disney Bus transportation from Disney Springs will operate until 8 p.m. on Nov. 9.
Extended evening theme park hours at Magic Kingdom will be canceled for Nov. 9.
To align with modified theme park hours, nighttime spectaculars will be canceled on Nov. 9, including Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom Park, Harmonious at EPCOT, and Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf are closed on Thursday.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Guests staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will be required to depart by 3 p.m. on Nov. 9. Disney is contacting guests with reservations to help them find alternate accommodations. Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground have been cancelled for Wednesday, November 9. Guests staying at the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will be required to depart by Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. Disney is contacting guests with reservations to help them find alternative accommodations. Character breakfasts at Disney Resort hotels will not include characters Thursday morning, Nov. 10.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage scheduled to begin Nov. 10 will be cancelled.
For additional closures, guests are being urged to visit Walt Disney World’s weather updates page on its website.
Universal Orlando
“Due to Tropical Storm Nicole, Universal’s Volcano Bay is currently closed and Universal Orlando Resort, including CityWalk, will close early on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 5 p.m. Our hotels will remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests. We anticipate a phased and delayed reopening on Thursday, Nov. 10 and will update once we assess conditions,” Universal said in a statement.
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 will close Thursday, Nov. 10 due to approaching turbulent weather expected as Tropical Storm Nicole gets closer to Central Florida. The park 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:
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Legoland Florida Theme Park will be open from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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Peppa Pig Theme Park will be open from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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Legoland Water park will be closed all day
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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
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.
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