Tropical Storm Nicole Pushes Universal Orlando to Early Closure

Florida Theme Parks are hunkering down as Tropical Storm Nicole fast approaches the Florida coastline. Universal Orlando has also now announced an early closure starting at 5 p.m. today in preparation for the incoming storm.

Tropical Storm Nicole has Florida in a state of emergency in anticipation of the incoming Tropical Storm Nicole, which is expected to become a hurricane, and is already just shy of hurricane conditions. She is expected to make landfall in Brevard County–right at the Brevard/Indian River line–before making her way northwest. The worst conditions are also expected to hit Central Florida on Thursday, November 10.

Universal Orlando has released their official update stating their plans for an early closure today, November 9. The update details that Universal’s Volcano Bay is currently closed and Universal Orlando Resort, including City Walk, will close early starting 5 p.m. The update did also specify that the hotels will remain operational in order to take care of Guests.

Check it out:

Update from Universal Orlando Resort.

For more information and FAQs, visit https://t.co/pQEfCVO48q pic.twitter.com/27mVeLY7uh

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) November 9, 2022

Related: Disney World Announces Phased Closure for Tropical Storm Nicole

Universal Orlando currently anticipates a phased and delayed reopening on Thursday, November 10, and will update Guests regarding this once they have more information and have a chance to assess conditions.

The Theme Park also added in a later tweet responding to a question from Twitter user Brian James @Bskillz91 about whether Islands of Adventure would be staying open:

Hi Brian! The Universal Orlando Resort, including Islands of Adventure, will be closing this evening at 5:00PM. We recommend keeping an eye on our website and social media channels for additional updates! #AskUniversal

Tropical Storm #Nicole Advisory 7: Nicole Intensifying and Expected to Become a Hurricane On Wednesday. New Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Watches Issued. https://t.co/tW4KeFW0gB

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) November 8, 2022

The National Hurricane Center has already issued a cautionary that Nicole will most likely become a hurricane today, Wednesday, November 9. Tropical Storm conditions have already begun along the east coast of Florida, and hurricane conditions are expected to hit portions of south-east and east-central Florida beginning later this evening or tonight.

Just earlier today the Walt Disney World Resort announced it would also be closing early and put in place a phased closure plan for each Disney Park.

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to report on all latest news from the Theme Park as it comes to light.