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Hurricane Helene Latest Central Florida CLOSURES and UPDATES

Updated: Sep 30

Hurricane Helene has made landfall into Florida's Big Bend region as a catastrophic storm, lashing the region with devastating wind and a massive storm surge, locally here in Central Florida we will keep you up to date with current closures, operational information, and updates from throughout Central Florida. Say Safe!

Hurricane Idalia: LIVE UPDATES

Hurricane Helene is the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Here we will provide updates and information on the massive storm and the impacts that it is having in Central Florida.


Check back often for the latest updates and information on school closures, theme parks, attractions, airports, transportation and more.



Hurricane Helene Closures and Updates



Hurricane Helene - Closures & Updates

We will be updating this page throughout the storm, stay safe everyone!


Theme Parks / Attractions


Universal Orlando Resort reassures guests as major storm Idalia threatens Central Florida

With severe weather expected here in Central Florida on Thursday. and the entire area including Walt Disney World under a Tropical Storm Warning, Walt Disney World has made alterations to its operations on Thursday, Sept. 26.


Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is canceled Thursday, Sept. 26. Guest tickets will be refunded. While Magic Kingdom was scheduled to close tomorrow at 6 pm, the park will now open until 8 pm.


Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will be closed Thursday, September 26, for Hurricane Helene, and is currently scheduled to reopen at 10 am. on Friday, September 27.


Fantasia Gardens and Fairways and Winter Summerland

Fantasia Gardens and Fairways and Winter Summerland miniature golf courses will be closed on Thursday, September 26.


Tours and Enchanting Extras Collection

Walt Disney World has cancelled the following experiences on Thursday, September 26.


Savor the Savanna

Up Close with Rhinos

Walking with Giants

Wild Africa Trek


Walt Disney World Severe Weather Policy

If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area — or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney. Most room-only and vacation packages can be modified, or canceled online, including changes to travel dates.


If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as air transportation, hotels, car rental agencies or travel insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences. For more information: click here.


Due to Hurricane Helene, Universal Orlando Resort is making the following operational changes for Thursday, Sept. 26:


Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled.


Universal Volcano Bay is closed.


Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will close at their regularly scheduled times – with Universal Studios closing at 5 pm and Islands of Adventure closing at 8 pm


Universal CityWalk will close early at 8 pm


Hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.


Universal anticipate a full reopening of the resort including Halloween Horror Nights on Friday, Sept. 27.


Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Severe Weather Policy

In the event that a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center or a state of emergency is declared for the Orlando area or in your place of residence, within seven days of your arrival, you can contact Universal in advance to reschedule or cancel your Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Package, hotel room only accommodations and Universal Orlando theme park tickets booked directly with Universal Orlando, without any cancellation or change fees imposed.


If you have purchased airline tickets as part of your Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations package, you may still be subject to cancellation and change fees assessed by those airlines


.If you have purchased Universal Orlando products and services through third-party suppliers, travel agents or tour operators please contact them directly for information regarding their cancellation or change policies and procedures.


The policy does not apply to certain special events, dining experiences or group related bookings.We want you to feel safe and will work with you directly to best accommodate your needs.


If you have additional questions or need to change or cancel your travel plans, please contact a member of the Universal Guest Contact Center team by calling 800-711-0080. For more information and FAQs, visit here.


Precautions are in place following the park’s comprehensive weather preparedness plan to ensure the safety of all animals and ambassadors during this time. SeaWorld will continue to monitor the storm and guests are encouraged to check back for updates. 


Following the latest updates on Hurricane Helene, here is the latest information on each parks:


SeaWorld Orlando 

Due to the projected path of Hurricane Helene, SeaWorld Orlando will be closing at 2 pm. on Thursday, September 26 and plan to reopen on Friday, September 27 at 10 am.


Aquatica Orlando 

Aquatica Orlando Water Park will be closed on Thursday, September 26. Normal operations will resume on Friday, September 27.


All date-intended tickets for closure days have been extended through September 30, 2024 and requires no action to be taken.


Discovery Cove 

Discovery Cove will be closed on Thursday, September 26. Normal operations will resume on Friday, September 27. 


The Guest Services team is prepared to assist you with shifting your date to a surrounding date., you should email dco-guestrelations@discoverycove.com. Include your reservation number and “Hurricane rebooking” in the subject line of the email.


Due to the possibility for life-threatening weather conditions Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has taken the decision to temporarily close ahead of the storm.


Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed Thursday, September 26 to ensure the safety of their ambassadors, guests and animals, at this time no reopening date has been announced.


Adventure Island 

Adventure Island Water Park will be closed on Thursday, September 26. Normal operations will resume on Friday, September 27.



The Orlando Eye at ICON Park Orlando will be closed Thursday, Spetember 26 as Central Florida braces for severe weather due to impacts from Hurricane Helene.


Harry P. Leu Gardens will be closed on Thursday, September 26, 2024 due to Hurricane Helene.


The museum will be closed tSeptember 26, due to the incoming storm.


Barring any travel advisories and restrictions from the Emergency Operations Center, Orlando Science Center will offer break camp for students in grades K-5 on Thursday, September 26, since schools in Orange County are closed due to Hurricane Helene.


Guests need to register in advance. Non-members can reserve a spot for $145, and Members can reserve a spot for $135. Walk-ups will be accepted based on availability. Sign up here.


OSC will be open to guests from 10 am - 5 pm.


Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will remain closed on Thursday, September 26 due to predicted severe weather as a result of Tropical Storm Helene. The zoo say that they plan to reopen for regular business hours at 9 am. on Friday, September 27.


Also, the previously-scheduled Lemurs of Madagascar event Thursday has been cancelled, together with Friday evening's Sunset at the Zoo event has been postponed to a later date of Thursday, October 10. Ticket holders will be contacted soon wth details on the rescheduled event.


The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey will be closed September 26, following local guidelines as Hurricane Helene moves through. They plan to re-open Friday but will share an update if that changes.


The Lonely Dog Immersive Experience, located on International Drive in Orlando, will be closed today, Thursday, September 26, due to Hurricane Helene. They are expected to reopen tomorrow, Friday, September 27 at 12 pm.


Mennello Museum of American Art will be closed September 26, 2024


Orange County Regional History museum will remain closed on Thursday, September 26.


All library locations will be closed Thursday, September 26, due to Tropical Storm Helene. They plan to open for regular business hours on Friday, September 27.


In preparation for potential impacts from Hurricane Helene, Rollins will close on Thursday, September 26. It is anticipated that normal operations will resume on Friday, September 27.


At this time, park operations and hours are continuing as normal. The resort is closely monitoring the weather. Please check back for updates.


Due to the storm, the Morse Museum will be closed Wednesday, September 25, at noon and remain closed through Thursday, September 26. Regular hours will resume as soon as public safety can be assured.


Due to the incoming severe weather predicted to impact the Tampa Bay Area by Hurricane Helene, ZooTampa will be closed on Thursday, September 26.


As hurricane Helene path moves towards Florida, the zoo has commenced initial preparations. Additional precautions will be taken in the next 24 hours to ensure the security of all animals, including moving larger animals into their night houses, which are built to withstand major storms, and smaller mammals and birds into ancillary buildings.


The zoo is currently planning to resume normal park operations on Friday (including the Creatures of the Night member preview event) following a thorough safety assessment of the entire Zoo.


Bok Tower Gardens will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26. It will reopen with normal operations on Friday, Sept. 26 at 8 am pending no storm-related damage.


In an abundance of caution, Brevard Zoo will be closed on Thursday, September 26, as our state prepares for Hurricane Helene. They plan to reopen on Friday, September 27, pending any possible damage.


Ahead of Hurricane Helene, Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be closed on Thursday, September 26 until further notice. Their teams are diligently preparing the facility in order to protect the animals and building from the storm. Generators are ready, food has been prepared, and a hurricane ride-out team is in place!


Due to the potential impacts of Hurricane Helene, we will be closed to the public on Thursday, September 26 and plan to reopen at 9:30 am on Friday, September 27.



Entertainment / Events


Staind and Breaking Benjamin, two titans of the early 2000s rock scene are on the road and were due to bring their co-headline tour to Tampa's MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre tonight, September 25.


Sadly the show has now been postponed due to the impending weather. A new date is in the works and will be announced as soon as possible. All tickets will be honored for the new date.


Due to inclement weather, the Sexyy Red concert scheduled for tonight, September 25 at Amalie Arena has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 6. All tickets will be honored for the new date.


Due to weather, the Hootie & the Blowfish show in Tampa originally scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26 at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre will now take place on Sunday, Sept.29. All tickets will be honored for the new date.


Due to weather, the Violent Femmes show originally scheduled for Thursday, September 26 at

House of Blues Orlando will now take place on Monday, September 30. All tickets will be honored for the new date.


Due to Hurricane Helene, the Sexyy Red “Sexyy Red 4 President” tour scheduled for tomorrow at Addition Financial Arena has been postponed. Sexyy Red’s rescheduled date will take place on Saturday, Oct 5 at 7 pm at Addition Financial Arena. All tickets will be honored.


All performances on Thursday, September 26 have been canceled

Girl From The North Country (including the Talkback)

The Second City 65th Anniversary Show

Sean Holcomb


Rescheduled Performances:

Sean Holcomb has been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 17 at 7 p.m.

Girl From The North Country's talkback has been rescheduled for tomorrow, September 27 after the performance.


For assistance with exchanging your tickets for another performance or for any other ticketing inquiries, please contact the the Bill & Mary Darden Box Office at 407.358.6603.


De to the threat of storms in the area due to Helene, the City is canceling the Thursday evening event for Oktoberfest. The festival will resume for Friday and Saturday ONLY. at Center Lake Park, September 27-28, 2024.


Tomorrow’s (Thursday, Sept. 26) Uncorked has been canceled. Ticket holders have been contacted via email.  For more information, contact partrons@orlandoballet.org.

Orlando Ballet School


The Straz Center will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26 in anticipation of tropical weather.


 The scheduled performance of Jobsite Theater’s POTUS on Thursday, Sept. 26 is cancelled. Ticketholders will be contacted by phone.


 Conditions permitting, we plan to reopen on Friday, Sept. 27.



Transportation


As Hurricane Idalia strengthens on a path towards Florida, SunRail are suspending services

The FAA is working with airlines and weather pros to keep flights safe during Tropical Storm Helene. Remember, check your flight status with your airline and monitor www.fly.faa.gov. 


Learn more at https://bit.ly/3SUAc8t.


Tampa International Airport will suspend all commercial and cargo operations beginning at 2 a.m. Thursday ahead of Hurricane Helene, with the Airport remaining closed to the public until it can assess any damage after the storm.  


The Airport and its partners will use time ahead of the suspension to prepare the airfield and terminals, including the securing of jet bridges, ground equipment and any remaining aircraft before the storm arrives Thursday. The three other public airports managed by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive and Plant City Airports will also close at 2 a.m. Thursday.


TPA, including the Main Terminal and Airsides, will not be open for public use and is not equipped to function as a shelter for people or vehicles.


The Airport anticipates reopening Friday following a damage assessment that will begin as soon as it is safe to do so. TPA will closely coordinate the reopening of the Airport with its partners, including the Transportation Security Administration and airlines, based on roadway safety, facility readiness and staffing. Any changes to the timing will be promptly communicated.


PIE is monitoring Tropical Storm Helene. Passengers should check with their airline for flight information updates.


Operational Update – Tropical Storm Helene

The airport remains open and operational. Inclement weather may lead to delays & cancellations.


Please check with your airline for any flight updates. For general airport delays, please visit: https://nasstatus.faa.gov.


SFB are advising customers to contact the airline for booking and the latest information regarding their service.


MLB is closely monitoring Hurricane Helene. At this time, the airport remains open and operational. However, as the storm approaches, flights may be impacted. Please check with your airline for the most up-to-date flight information.


DAB is closely monitoring Hurricane Helene. The airport remains open; however flights may be impacted. Travelers should contact the airlines for the latest flight information.




Hurricane Helene: Airline Travel Advisories

United has issued a travel alert impacting eight airports in Florida, including Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA).


Passengers who bought a ticket before Monday, September 23 for a flight traveling Tuesday through Friday, September 24 -27, to, from or through any of the listed airports can reschedule the trip with no change fees and fare differences. But, your new flight must be a United flight departing between September 22, 2024 and October 4, 2024. Tickets must be in the same cabin and between the same cities as originally booked.


Delta has issued a travel advisory covering 10 airports in Florida, including Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA).


Travelers scheduled to fly through the designated airports Wednesday through Friday, September 25-27, can rebook tickets on flights for travel by Monday, September 30 in the same cabin of service as originally booked, with no change fees and fare differences.


When rebooked travel occurs after September 30, 2024, a difference in fare may apply. If travel is not able to be rescheduled within these guidelines, customers may cancel their reservation and apply any unused value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket for a period of one year from the original ticket issuance.  Applicable fare difference may apply for new travel dates. Final travel must be completed by end of ticket validity.


JetBlue has issued a travel alert for 15 airports in Florida, including Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA).


The airline will waive change and cancel fees and fare differences for customers traveling Tuesday and Friday, September 24-27. They can rebook for flights lup until October 4.


JetBlue has issued a travel alert for four airports in Florida, including Tampa (TPA).


The airline will waive change and cancel fees and fare differences for customers traveling Thursday and Friday, September 26-27. They can rebook for flights leaving no later than Wednesday, October 2.


Customers with cancelled flights may also opt for a refund to the original form of payment. Original travel must have been booked on or before Monday, September 23, 2024.


Southwest has issued a travel advisory covering 8 airports in Florida, including Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA).


Travelers scheduled to fly through the designated airports Tuesday through Friday, September 24-27, and who want to alter their travel plans may rebook or travel standby (within 14 days of their original date of travel between the original city pairs and in accordance with our accommodation procedures) without paying additional charges.


Additionally, Customers holding reservations for a flight that is canceled or Customers who opt not to travel as a result of a significant delay may request a refund for the unused portion of their ticket. Alternatively, Customers may cancel the reservation and hold the value of the unused portion of the ticket as a flight credit that can be used to buy a future flight.


Frontier has issued a travel alert covering 6 airports in Florida, including Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA).


Travelers scheduled to fly through the designated airports Thursday through Friday, September 26-27, can reschedule the trip with no change fees and fare differences.


If you cancel your itinerary, you will retain the value of your itinerary less the applicable cancel fee and certain carrier charges as a travel credit.


Spirit has issued a travel alert covering 4 airports in Florida, including Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA).


Travelers scheduled to fly through the designated airports Wednesday through Friday, September 25-27, can reschedule the trip with no change fees and fare differences until October 2.


Breeze has issued a travel alert covering 2airports in Florida - Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA).


Travelers scheduled to fly through the designated airports Wednesday through Friday, September 25-27, can move to the next available flight or anytime within 2 weeks (14 days) of the original flight without additional charges.



SunRail service will be suspended on Thursday, September 26 due to Hurricane Helene. Updates will be provided through our website, the SunRail Alerts app, and social media platforms. To learn how SunRail prepares for severe weather, please visit: bit.ly/3sohi0y


Brightline is currently operating as normal.


LYNX will be back to regular service on Friday.


Effective Friday, September 27, CFX will return to normal operations.


The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has set hurricane condition "ZULU" for Port Canaveral. Port Canaveral is closed and has ceased all waterside and vessel shoreside Port operations until further notice. Monitor https://x.com/BrevardEOC and the Port Status Hotline at 321-394-3411 for updates.



Food & Drink / Retail



Due to inclement weather this week, the Marketplace at Avalon Park will be CLOSED on Thursday, Sept. 26.




Schools


Hurricane Idalie School Closures

OCPS plans for all schools and facilities to reopen Friday, Sept. 27.


In the event there are significant changes in the storm overnight OCPS will update you immediately, first thing in the morning.


Seminole County Public Schools anticipate the district being fully operational and school being in session on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.


If any information changes, they will provide an update.


Parents are reminded that Osceola County students have a prescheduled student holiday tomorrow, Friday, September 27, as reflected on the academic calendar so that teachers can have a professional study day.


Schools are not closed on Friday because of the weather. Osceola students have a prescheduled student holida. At this time, teachers and staff will report to work.


Lake County public schools will reopen on Friday.


Sumter District Schools will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday. Sept. 27. 


All schools and offices are planned to reopen on Friday, Sept. 27. More information will be communicated in the future about making up Thursday’s lost instructional day.


Friday, September 27, all schools and offices will be open, including after-school activities.

The district will continue to monitor the storm’s progress and work closely with Brevard County Emergency Management and other local agencies, and will update families if anything changes.


Flagler County will now be closing all schools across the district for Friday, September 27. Any extracurricular activities or athletic events taking place after school hours and into the weekend will take place as scheduled.


Marion County Public Schools will remain closed Friday.


Based on consistent forecasts that show Hurricane Helene moving away from Central Florida, UCF will resume normal classes and operations starting at 6 am Friday, Sept. 27.


FAMU has announced its closure ahead of Tropical Weather System. FAMU will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 24 through Friday, Sept. 27. Classes have been canceled through Friday.


FSU main campus will be closed beginning 7 am, Sept. 25 due to Tropical Storm Helene.


Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus will close on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, and will continue until 11pm Sunday, Sept. 29. The university expects to resume normal business operations at 12:00 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.


Visit alerts.fsu.edu/ for additional details on student services and programming and official updates.



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