Hurricane Irma is about to barrel through Florida and Disney World is planning to stay open — for now

The INSIDER Summary

• The massive Category Five Hurricane Irma is about to hit Florida.
• Disney World is not planning to close.
• The park has only closed 4 times in its 46-year history.
• However, Disney is closing water parks and canceling a few scheduled cruises out of Florida.
• Universal Studios Orlando and Sea World are also staying open for now.

As Hurricane Irma weaves a path of destruction throughout the Caribbean, Florida is bracing itself for the worst ahead of this Category Five storm — but that isn't stopping many theme-park goers.

As of right now, Walt Disney World resorts, Universal Studios Orlando and Sea World will all remain open under normal operating hours this weekend and through Tuesday. 

With winds topping 185 miles per hour, the hurricane will likely not impact Central Florida as much as the coastline, but all three theme parks are keeping an eye on the storm trackers to make the decision whether or not to shut down.

In preparation, Disney World has canceled a few scheduled outgoing cruises and shortened some that were already en route. In addition, Blizzard Beach— one of Disney's water parks — will close on Friday and Saturday, and the flags atop Cinderella's Castle have been secured. 

Guests have the option to cancel their visit without financial penalty, as Disney World has a policy in place that allows incoming guests to reschedule their vacation plans in event of a hurricane emergency without financial retributions.

Disney World has only ever shut down completely four times throughout its 46-year existence: Once was an evacuation immediately after 9/11 and the other times were during similar destructive hurricanes (including last year's Hurricane Matthew). 

Disney also has a Disaster Relief Center that will be open and ready with supplies and shelter for stranded theme park guests. 

Are you in the path of the storm? Learn how best to prepare yourself for Hurricane Irma here.

INSIDER will update this story as more information is known. 

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