Hurricane Nicole – Theme park updates and closures
With Hurricane Nicole hitting Florida, this continually updated article will offer closures, changes, and re-openings in the Central Florida area.
Florida is certainly used to heavy rainfall. It can be expected that numerous outdoor rides will close down, and may be closed for the majority of Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 and Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022. This includes the recently re-opened “Fantasmic!” show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
What was Sub-Tropical Storm Nicole has now grown into Hurricane Nicole before making landfall on Florida’s east coast late Wednesday night.
Here are the closings we know about so far. Also check this page later for any reopenings.
Walt Disney World Resort
All four Walt Disney World theme parks will close Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 until midday Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022. Walt Disney World has stated that they plan on a noon phased re-opening, of the theme parks and Disney Springs, beginning Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022. Here are the hours:
Magic Kingdom Park: Noon to 6 p.m. (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is scheduled for 7 p.m. to midnight.)
Epcot: 1 to 9 p.m.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 1 to 7 p.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 2 to 10 p.m. (Fantasmic! will not be presented on Thursday.)
Transportation to theme parks will begin 30 minutes prior to the scheduled park reopening time.
Disney Springs will close, Nov. 9, 2022 at 7 p.m., with last dining reservations being accepted at 6:30 p.m. Disney Springs will reopen at noon on Thursday.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 9-Friday, Nov. 11. Disney will contact guests with current and upcoming reservations impacted by this change.
Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue have been cancelled for Wednesday, Nov. 9 – Friday, Nov. 11 in light of the temporary closure of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be cancelled and refunded to the original form of payment.
Walt Disney World water parks and miniature golf locations will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 10.
You can head to Disney’s Weather Advisory website, here.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal’s Volcano Bay is closed on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Starting at 5 p.m., Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will also close.
The Universal Orlando theme parks will only open for resort guests with limited attractions on Thursday. Volcano Bay will remain closed on Thursday. All parks will fully open on Friday.
The Universal Orlando Resort hotels will remain open for guests.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando will be closed Thursday, Nov. 10 with intentions to re-open as normal on Friday, Nov. 11. Aquatica Orlando is also closed Wednesday, Nov.9.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed Thursday, Nov. 10 with intentions to re-open as normal on Friday, Nov. 11.
Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida will have altered hours on Thursday, Nov. 10, Legoland Florida theme park will open at 12 p.m., the Peppa Pig Theme Park will open at 12 p.m. and the Legoland Water Park will be closed. The resort hotels will operate as normal and all park operations should be back to normal operation on Friday, Nov. 11.
Icon Park
The Wheel will be closed starting at 3 p.m. today, Nov. 9, and will remain closed through Thursday, Nov. 10. The Carousel on the Promenade will be closed Nov. 9 and 10. The restaurants and attractions will remain open for business unless the weather becomes too severe.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will be closed beginning Wednesday, Nov. 9 due to expected severe weather from Tropical Storm Nicole. The complex expects to reopen on Friday, Nov. 11 after a thorough assessment of the property has been complete.
Orlando International Airport
The Orlando International Airport will cease commercial operations at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, until circumstances permit operations resume. Work with your airline directly in regards to your specific flight.
Gatorland
Gatorland will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 10. The park expects to reopen on Friday, Nov. 11, for the regular hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts
The Wednesday, Nov. 9 performance of Hamilton has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. The remaining performances of Hamilton scheduled through November 20 at the Walt Disney Theater are expected to go on as scheduled. Visit drphillipscenter.org/weather for additional updates.
