Walt Disney World to close theme parks through Monday; aims to reopen on Tuesday

ORLANDO -- Disney announced on Friday its four major theme parks will close early on Saturday and remain closed through Monday with hopes of reopening on Tuesday.

"Based on the latest forecasts for Hurricane Irma and keeping safety top of mind, Walt Disney World Resort will be closing early on Saturday, September 9 and will remain closed through Monday, September 11. Resort hotels will remain open. We hope to resume normal operations on Tuesday, September 12. "


There will be staggered closings at the various theme parks on Saturday. Guests with special event tickets during the closure can contact Disney for a full refund.

Hotels at the resort will remain open.

Universal Orlando will also close its theme parks early on Saturday and remain closed on Sunday and Monday.

Disney released a detailed list of closings:

Disney’s Blizzard Beach: Closed as of Friday, September 8 – Monday, September 11
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: Closing early Saturday, September 9 at 5 PM – Monday, September 11
ESPN Wide World of Sports: Closed on Saturday, September 9 – Monday, September 11
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Closing early on Saturday, September 9 at 7 PM – Monday, September 11
The Saturday, September 9 Rivers of Light performance is canceled.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Closing early on Saturday, September 9 at 7 PM – Monday, September 11
The Saturday, September 9 Fantasmic! and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular performances are canceled.
Epcot: Closing early on Saturday, September 9 at 9 PM – Monday, September 11
The Saturday, September 9 Illuminations Reflections of Earth performance is canceled.
Magic Kingdom: Closing early on Saturday, September 9 at 9 PM.
The Saturday, September 9 Happily Ever After fireworks performance is canceled.
Disney Springs: Closing early on Saturday, September 9 at 9 PM – Monday, September 11