Entertainment

Disney World, Universal close as Hurricane Irma draws near

By Marty Clear
A record number of global food and wine marketplaces, 35 in all, sizzle with new edible delights to celebrate 35 years of Epcot during the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival through Nov. 13.
A record number of global food and wine marketplaces, 35 in all, sizzle with new edible delights to celebrate 35 years of Epcot during the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival through Nov. 13. Matt Stroshane Disney

If you had the idea to avoid the crowds and the long lines by visiting the big Orlando Theme Parks during Hurricane Irma, you’re out of luck.

Universal Orlando will close at 7 pm. Saturday. It will remain closed through Monday. On Friday afternoon, the Universal website said that plans are to re-open Tuesday for normal hours.

Walt Disney World will be open Saturday, but with “modifed hours.” No exact hours had been announced on Friday afternoon, but the usual hours are 9 a.m.-11 p.m. The parks will be closed Sunday and Monday.

For updates on Disney World, go to disneyworld.disney.go.com. For Universal, check universalorlando.com.

Marty Clear: 941-708-7919, @martinclear

This story was originally published September 8, 2017 at 4:37 PM with the headline "Disney World, Universal close as Hurricane Irma draws near."

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