Walt Disney World guests are used to hearing about rain delays, lightning warnings, and summer storms that pop up out of nowhere. Florida weather is basically its own character in the theme park experience.
But early February brought something far more unusual to Central Florida—a rare freeze that reportedly pushed the resort into an entirely different kind of emergency mode.
Now, more than a week later, the effects are still being seen, especially inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
A post shared on X recently grabbed the attention of Disney fans after showing what appears to be serious landscaping damage caused by the cold snap. In the images, trees look brown and lifeless, and certain landscaping areas appear to have been cut back or removed completely.
And while Disney fans are used to seeing storm clean-up after hurricanes, this is a very different kind of aftermath.
When Orlando froze a week or two ago, Animal Kingdom got hit pretty hard. This is a park that relies heavily on landscaping so it’s very interesting to see it in this state. The winter is already interesting here, but this is something completely different. pic.twitter.com/bI0ZkRJhNA
— Evan Patel (@EvanPatel11) February 10, 2026
Animal Kingdom’s Biggest Feature Is Also Its Biggest Weakness
Animal Kingdom isn’t just another theme park filled with rides. It’s built around nature. The landscaping is part of the illusion, part of the immersion, and honestly, part of what makes the park special.
Disney uses thick greenery to hide buildings, block sightlines, and create the feeling that guests are walking through real jungles, savannas, and ancient ruins.
So when a freeze kills off plants and damages trees, the result isn’t subtle. It changes the entire look and feel of the park.
The user who shared the post on X pointed out that Animal Kingdom “got hit pretty hard,” and that it’s strange to see a park so dependent on landscaping looking so exposed.
And for many guests, that’s exactly what makes these photos so shocking.
The Freeze Caused Major Closures on February 1
The cold snap didn’t just damage landscaping—it also caused operational issues across Walt Disney World.
On February 1, reports indicated that multiple attractions across all four theme parks were impacted by the historic freeze, with rides and shows shutting down as temperatures dropped to levels not commonly seen in Florida.
Animal Kingdom was reportedly one of the hardest-hit parks that day, with several major attractions experiencing closures and downtime.
What made the timing even worse is that the freeze hit on the final day of DINOSAUR. Instead of a smooth sendoff for one of Disney’s most iconic thrill rides, fans reportedly dealt with extended downtime and unpredictable operations, turning what should have been a nostalgic farewell into a frustrating scramble.
Why the Damage Could Stick Around
Unlike ride closures, which can sometimes be resolved quickly once temperatures stabilize, landscaping damage takes time.
Trees and plants that thrive in Florida aren’t built to handle sustained freezing temperatures. Once the damage is done, there’s no quick fix. Some plants recover slowly, but others don’t survive at all.
That means Disney may be forced to remove dead landscaping entirely and replace it over time—something guests may continue noticing for weeks.
A Rare Moment of Disney Looking Unfinished
Walt Disney World is famous for being polished and controlled, even when the weather turns ugly. But this freeze appears to have left behind visible damage that can’t be hidden with a quick clean-up crew.
For many fans, it’s a reminder that even Disney can’t control everything.
And as more guests share photos in the days following the freeze, it’s becoming clear that this historic weather event didn’t just disrupt park operations for one weekend—it may have changed the look of Animal Kingdom for months to come.
