In light of Hurricane Helene intensifying as it approaches the Florida coast, major theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort are preparing to ensure guest safety.
The imminent storm is expected to peak at Category 4 strength before making landfall, per the National Hurricane Center. As such, it has prompted various closures and adjustments across the state.
As per the official statement, the Walt Disney World Resort is "currently operating under normal conditions." Furthermore, the establishment is keeping a close eye on Hurricane Helene's trajectory, keeping the safety of the guests and cast members in mind. However, some resort attractions will be closed.
Walt Disney World Resort has extended hours to the Magic Kingdom for guests to enjoy amid Hurricane Helene
The Walt Disney World Resort released a statement on September 25, 2024, to inform those interested in its function status. The statement reads:
"Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions; however, some experiences will be cancelled or unavailable on September 26. See details below. We are closely monitoring the path of the storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members."
As per the website, a few attractions have been closed down, such as Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. It will be temporarily closed on Thursday, September 26, while Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park remains closed for the entire season.
Beachcomber Shack (cabanas) and Typhoon Lagoon Umbrella rentals will also bear the brunt of the impact, as they will remain closed on Thursday as well.
Furthermore, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, initially slated for Thursday, September 26, has been axed, and guests will be refunded. The website cites the "forecasted weather and the impact on our outdoor entertainment offerings."
The Miniature golf courses have also taken a hit, namely the Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf and the Winter Summerland Minature Golf.
Pool timings may be subject to wary as well, as they "will continue to operate or close under normal conditions," the statement reads. Notably, the resort's Magic Kingdom was initially slated to close at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
However, officials have disclosed that the park will remain open through extended hours “for guests to enjoy more time in the park," until 8 p.m.
Should the matter of Hurricane Helene take a more dire turn, only upon the National Hurricane Center issuing a warning for Orlando, will the park officially close down. As such, all guests will be refunded. Dates can also be subjected to modification.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida says "no one is living" through Hurricane Helene
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Helene has the potential to be the biggest one yet in over a year. As per the statement, CNN reported,
"A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast, where inundation could reach as high as 20 feet above ground level, along with destructive waves. Preparations to protect life and property should be completed by early Thursday before tropical storm conditions arrive.”
U.S. Senator Rick Scott of Florida said in Taylor County that the storm is bound to be fatal, and no one is "living that." NBC News reported him saying,
"In the Big Bend, they’re talking about possibly 18-foot of storm surge. I’m a little over 6 feet — that’s three times my height. None of us are living that. You’re not going to survive. I mean, you’re not going to live through this stuff."
The National Hurricane Center is calling for all preparations to protect life and property to be "rushed to completion," per their X.
Masses of Florida residents have already been ordered to evacuate in the wake of the imminent Hurricane Helene. Mexico’s Yucátan Peninsula and Cuba bore the brunt of the impact on Wednesday, as cars drowned and over 50,000 people were left without electricity in Pinar del Río, western Cuba.
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