Before Hurricane Helene hits Florida, Disney World in Orlando is still open

(This story has been updated with new information.)

A hurricane is coming, and that undoubtedly means these questions: Where is it going and will Disney World in Florida close?

Tropical Storm Helene is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast on Thursday, September 26. Here’s a look at Orlando theme park policies during severe weather.

When Tropical Storm Helene Hits, Will Disney World in Orlando Close?

As of Tuesday, September 24 at 8 p.m., Disney had posted an update on the hurricane on its Disney World weather information and updates page: “Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the storm’s path as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.”

The theme park, which includes Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, has created a Disney World FAQ page regarding hurricanes. Regarding cancellations and date changes, the theme park giant says: “If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area – or for your place of residence – within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Co. Disney Resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney. Most room-only packages and vacation packages can be changed or canceled online, including changes to travel dates.”

Cancellations and date changes due to hurricanes apply to Disney tickets purchased through a third-party site: “If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your stay (for example, air transportation, hotels, car rental agencies or travel insurance companies), you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as any cancellation or change fees charged by those suppliers. This policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.”

The policy also applies to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort or Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in the event a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations, the site says.

To change, cancel or get assistance rescheduling a Disney vacation due to a hurricane warning, guests can call 407-939-7675.

Where is Helen? Will Tropical Storm Helen hit Florida?

Yes. Expect life-threatening storm surges and damaging hurricane-force winds along the Panhandle and western Gulf Coast of Florida. Heavy rain, flash flooding and a risk of tropical tornadoes are also expected.

Don’t focus on the center of the storm. It is extremely large, meaning its impacts will be felt hundreds of miles away, especially on the north and east sides.

➤ For more details on impacts and timing of impacts in Florida

Weather Radar: Will we have showers, thunderstorms and rain in Florida today?

The National Weather Service radar for the southeastern United States is shown here. It shows real-time conditions. The current date and time are displayed in the lower right corner of this embedded radar. Otherwise, you may need to clear your cache.

Spaghetti models: last forecast before Florida landfall

Special note on spaghetti models:Spaghetti model illustrations include a range of forecasting tools and models, and not all are created equal. The Hurricane Center uses only the top four or five models to help it make its forecasts.

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Sangalang is a senior digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or on Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article was originally published on Florida Today: Will Disney and Epcot close when Helene lands in Florida?