Ride Vine @ridevine October 5, 2016

This post will serve as an information hub for all that has to do with Hurricane Matthew and Orlando’s Theme Parks. We will update this post throughout the storm.

The impact that Hurricane Matthew will have on Orlando is not yet known. Visitors to Orlando during this time should heed all watches and warnings as well as follow any direction from the parks. The main job of Disney and Universal is to keep guests safe. Below is the information released by each Orlando theme park about Hurricane Matthew.

Walt Disney World

Update from Walt Disney World Resort:
Based on the most recent forecasts for Hurricane Matthew, Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, miniature golf courses and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will all be closed today by 5 p.m., and will remain closed through Friday, Oct. 7.

[10/4 @ 11:00p] On the evening of Tuesday Oct 4th Disney added the following information to their website:

Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions as we continue to monitor Hurricane Matthew. Recent forecasts indicate that there could be rain and wind in the Central Florida area as early as Thursday evening, October 6, 2016. Please continue to monitor news outlets for the latest weather information.

[10/5 @ 11:00a] It has been reported that Disney has began voluntary evacuations of Fort Wilderness. They are offering to move guests to hotel rooms to get them out of harms way.

[10/5 @ 12:00p] Disney has begun evacuating the Bungalow Villas at Disney’s Polynesian resort.

[10/5 @ 12:30p] Disney has begun evacuating the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort.

[10/5 @ 1:40p] Disney has announced the closure of some of their resorts in preparation for Hurricane Matthew.

  • Vero Beach Is Closed Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is currently closed due inclement weather caused by Hurricane Matthew. Please continue to monitor news outlets for the latest information.
  • Hilton Head Is Closed Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is currently closed due inclement weather caused by Hurricane Matthew. Please continue to monitor news outlets for the latest information.
  • Fort Wilderness Is Closed Please be aware that Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is currently closed due to Hurricane Matthew. Please continue to monitor news outlets for the latest information.

[10/5 @ 7:15p] Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are now closed on Friday.

[10/5 @ 9:00p] Blizzard Beach is now closed on Thursday.

[10/5 @ 10:20p] Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is cancelled on Thursday October 6th.

  • Refunds are available at (407) 566-4985 Option 5. Lines are open 9am-11pm est.

[10/6 @ 1:00p] Disney has announced that all parks will be closed at 5pm on Thursday. Parks will remain closed on Friday.

[10/5 @ 1:30p] It has been reported that all non-essential personnel will be relieved at 3pm. Still waiting on confirmation.

Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Operating Update

CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, and Islands of Adventure will close at 5pm on Thursday. The resort will remain closed on Friday.

Halloween Horror Nights is cancelled Thursday and Friday.

Wet ‘n Wild is closed as of 2pm Thursday and will remain closed on Friday.

[10/5 @ 12:00p] As of Noon on Wednesday October 5th Universal Orlando has yet to release an official statement. They have tweeted to multiple people that as of now Halloween Horror Nights 26 and the park are scheduled to operate as usual.

SeaWorld Orlando

[10/5 @ 1:00p] SeaWorld Orlando has modified their operating schedule for Hurricane Matthew.

[10/5 @ 2:00p] SeaWorld updated their operating schedule. The updated hours are below.

  • Thursday
    • SeaWorld: 10a-2p
    • Aquatica: Closed
    • Discovery Cove:  7:15a-4p
  • Friday
    • SeaWorld: Closed
    • Aquatica: Closed
    • Discovery Cove: Closed
  • Saturday
    • SeaWorld: 10a-7p
    • Aquatica: Normal Hours
    • Discovery Cove: Normal Hours

Legoland Florida

[10/5 @ 2:30p] Legoland Florida has announced that they will close on Friday due to Hurricane Matthew.

[10/6 @ 2:00p] Legoland Florida will close at 4pm and will remain closed on Friday. The hotel will remain open to accept any arriving guests.

  • Legoland Florida Hotel will remain open throughout the weekend.
  • Legoland Florida Hotel will reschedule or cancel any bookings without any cancellation or change fees for guests. The cancellation must be within seven days of a guest’s arrival date.
  • Guests also may reschedule any Legoland Florida theme park or Legoland Florida water park tickets booked through Legoland with no additional fees.
  • If tickets were purchased through a third party, Legoland cannot reschedule or cancel them.