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After Operations Cut, Disney World Theme Park Now Closing: Update

Holiday plans are shifting for some Guests at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Central Florida, as the destination faces another unexpected closure this week.

Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy having fun at Blizzard Beach
Credit: Disney

As the festive season ramps up, Disney fans are flocking to the Sunshine State’s premier resort. After a bustling Thanksgiving period marked by record sellouts of Lightning Lane passes, the focus now shifts to Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, which are expected to bring massive crowds to the parks.

Known for its enchanting seasonal offerings, Walt Disney World is a magnet for holiday magic seekers. Events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park and Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios add an extra sparkle to the resort during this time. However, while the cooler weather enhances the winter charm for many, it can also lead to challenges for others.

This week, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will close again due to a cold front—another closure after last week’s six-day shutdown. The park will not operate on Thursday, December 12, 2024, but is scheduled to reopen on Friday, December 13. For today, Wednesday, December 11, the park remains open, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy attractions like Summit Plummet from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Blizzard Beach landing page with no times available on Thursday December 12, 2024
Credit: Disney (Screenshot, Inside the Magic)

The closure is a response to plummeting temperatures across Central Florida. “Behind the front, a cold air mass will settle in early Thursday morning, bringing temperatures down into the low to mid-40s across most of the area,” reported Click Orlando.

Regions north and west of I-4 are expected to see the coldest conditions. The report elaborated, “Although winds will die down overnight, there will be enough of a breeze to bring wind chill values into the 30s across most of the area.” With wind gusts projected to reach up to 20 miles per hour by Thursday afternoon, frost remains a slight possibility in sheltered areas despite the breeze.

The cold front has made the decision to shutter Blizzard Beach an understandable one. While the park’s snow-and-ice theme is usually a fun novelty, the cold and winds are sure to dampen any enjoyment of its water attractions.

Have your plans been impacted by this unexpected closure? Let us know in the comments below, and keep checking back for updates as Walt Disney World continues to adapt to the changing weather conditions!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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