Walt Disney World is known for warm days and sunny skies, not frost warnings. Yet this week, Central Florida’s weather took a surprising turn, and Disney was quick to adapt. As cold temperatures swept across the region, the resort quietly implemented a new safety measure—salting bridges and pathways to prevent ice from forming overnight.
It’s not a sight you’d expect to see at the Most Magical Place on Earth, but it shows just how far Disney goes to keep guests safe.
Frozen Forecast Hits Florida
The National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory for Orange County, warning residents and visitors of wind chills dropping into the mid-20s. That’s an uncommon forecast for an area better known for heat indexes and humidity. Early Tuesday morning, Disney crews were seen spreading salt across key guest pathways, including bridges at the Transportation and Ticket Center and around EPCOT’s World Showcase.
While the idea of ice at Disney World sounds almost impossible, the resort’s network of bridges and elevated walkways can become slick after a night of frost. Disney’s maintenance teams worked through the early morning hours to prevent dangerous conditions for rope-droppers and resort guests heading to transportation hubs before sunrise.
Typhoon Lagoon Shuts Down
The cold weather didn’t just affect the bridges. It also forced Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park to close on November 11. The water park was open just the day before but was removed from Disney’s operating schedule as temperatures dipped into the 30s. Blizzard Beach is already closed for refurbishment, meaning both Disney water parks are now offline at once—a rare occurrence.
Universal’s Volcano Bay also closed for the same reason, showing that even in Florida, winter can have an impact on the biggest attractions.
Guests Bundle Up
Guests visiting this week are sharing photos online of bundled-up families, steam rising from ponds, and Cast Members wearing gloves and hats—something you almost never see in Orlando. The unusual chill has been met with a mix of surprise and amusement, with many joking that Disney finally looks like Arendelle from Frozen.
Still, the parks remain open and lively. Magic Kingdom’s Christmas lights are glowing, EPCOT is preparing for its holiday festival, and Animal Kingdom’s animals are adjusting to the brisk morning air.
A Temporary Chill
Temperatures are expected to rebound by the end of the week, but the sight of Disney World salting its bridges will be one that guests won’t soon forget. It’s a reminder that even in Florida, the magic doesn’t stop for the weather—it just adapts.
