Potential Hurricane Helene Puts Disney World and Universal Orlando Under Tropical Storm Watch

Shannen Ace

A scarecrow with a pumpkin head, dressed in a yellow outfit, stands surrounded by pumpkins and greenery on a rainy day near a train station-like building adorned with lights.

Potential Hurricane Helene Puts Disney World and Universal Orlando Under Tropical Storm Watch

The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm watch for Florida’s Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake counties, including Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney & Universal Under Tropical Storm Watch

A map shows the probable path of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, with a cone indicating the storm's center path from the Caribbean to the U.S. Gulf Coast. Advisory information is included. A tropical storm watch has been issued for the Disney and Universal area.

The incoming storm is still Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, but is expected to strengthen into Hurricane Helene in the coming days as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico. It’s expected to make landfall on the evening of Thursday, September 26. Note that the cone shown above shows the probable path but does not show the size of the storm, and the path could change.

Tropical storm conditions can include 50-60 mile per hour wind guests, 1-6 inches of flooding, and possible tornadoes.

Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 41 of Florida’s 67 counties, including the West Coast and Panhandle.

Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort will likely experience heavy rain and winds later in the week. Outdoor attractions and entertainment may have limited operation. Theme parks could close early or for a whole day, depending on conditions, but no closures have been announced yet. Guests with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Halloween Horror Nights 33 tickets will be contacted if the events are affected.

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