Disney World closes for 4th time in history thanks to Hurricane Matthew
The Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida, is shutting down because of the approaching Hurricane Matthew — only the fourth time in its history it's been forced to close for an entire day.
SEE ALSO: Hurricane Matthew could render areas 'uninhabitable for weeks'
Disney posted the below message on its website late Thursday afternoon, stating its various theme parks in the area would close effective at 5 p.m. ET and be closed through at least Friday.
There's a full information page for specifics on the different parks and what pass-holders should do.
Here’s the latest on Walt Disney World’s operating schedule due to Hurricane Matthew: https://t.co/PlrgFc4uNZ
— Walt Disney World (@WaltDisneyWorld) October 6, 2016
According to a 2011 report from the Austin Statesman, the park has closed for a full day on three other times in its history, all for hurricanes: Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, both in September 2004.
(The park opened per usual on Sept. 11, 2001, but was evacuated and closed for the remainder of the day following the terrorist attacks in Washington, D.C., and New York.)
#BREAKING: Walt Disney World closed today; the 4th time in it's 45 year history. Previous closures were all weather-related. #Matthew
— Ryan Sloane (@RyanFSloane) October 6, 2016
Other Orlando theme parks, including Universal Studios and Sea World, have also been forced to shutter because of the impending storm, which could bring catastrophic conditions with winds in excess of 140 miles per hour and a deadly storm surge.
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