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.

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.

Based on the most recent forecasts for Hurricane Matthew, Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, miniature golf courses and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be closed through Friday, Oct. 7.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Theme Park is also canceled for tonight and tomorrow.

There's a full information page for specifics on the different parks and what pass-holders should do.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.)

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.

.