Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld shut down as Hurricane Matthew approaches; Pres. Obama declares state of emergency

FLORIDA -- With dangerous Hurricane Matthew approaching Florida's coastline, officials at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld say they'll be shutting down until the storm passes.

Disney officials said on the company's website Thursday afternoon, October 6th that theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, the miniature golf course and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex would close at 5 p.m. The theme park will remain closed through Friday.

Alyson Lundell is director of public relations for Universal Orlando. She said in a statement that Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Citywalk would close at 5 p.m. and remain closed on Friday.

Earlier Thursday, SeaWorld announced on its website that the park would close at 2 p.m. and remain closed on Friday.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has declared a state of emergency in Florida as the potentially catastrophic hurricane approaches.