Walt Disney World Resort might face an unprecedented weather challenge this winter as Central Florida braces for a historic arctic blast. For the first time in decades, snow could make an appearance at The Most Magical Place on Earth, putting Disney Park vacations at risk and raising the possibility of park closures.
Florida Prepares for Rare Arctic Blast
Florida is no stranger to unpredictable weather, from relentless summer thunderstorms to hurricane season. However, the Sunshine State could experience something even rarer in January—snowfall. Meteorologists, including Brooks Garner (@BrooksWeather on X/Twitter), have warned of a significant cold front that could send temperatures plummeting across Central Florida.
According to Garner, temperatures are expected to peak in the 80s this week but could drop dramatically between January 7 and January 13: “MON. 12/30, ORLANDO — Highs will push 80°F for the next few days across our region, but signals remain strong that we’re in for a major cold blast around the weekend of the Disney Marathon (1/12) with lows in the 20s (or colder) entirely possible, with highs in the 40s and 50s.”
MON. 12/30, ORLANDO —
Highs will push 80°F for the next few days across our region, but signals remain strong that we’re in for a major cold blast around the weekend of the Disney Marathon (1/12) with lows in the 20s (or colder) entirely possible, with highs in the 40s and 50s. pic.twitter.com/bAKsj8B0BA— Brooks Garner (@BrooksWeather) December 30, 2024
If the forecast holds, Walt Disney World Resort could see lows in the 20s and daytime highs in the 40s and 50s. Meteorologists are uncertain if snow will fall, but some are leaving the possibility open. Snowfall would be a first in nearly five decades, with the last recorded instance in the Orlando area being a modest .05 inches in January 1977.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park in Jeopardy
While Walt Disney World Resort has yet to issue an official statement about the incoming cold snap, its water parks are expected to feel the impact. Disney’s Blizzard Beach, the water park inspired by a fictional snowstorm in Florida, could ironically close if temperatures dip too low. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is already closed for refurbishment, leaving Blizzard Beach as the sole water park currently welcoming guests.
Theme park visitors should check the My Disney Experience app for updates on closures or modified operating hours due to weather. In addition to park closures, the cold front could disrupt thousands of vacation plans with flight cancellations, icy road conditions, and other challenges.
Will Winter Weather Hit Walt Disney World Resort?
The big question: will it snow at Walt Disney World Resort? Meteorologists are split. FOX13 Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto cast doubt on the possibility, citing a lack of moisture during cold Florida winters.
“Remember, when it gets cold around here, the atmosphere typically lacks moisture,” he explained. “Can’t get snow without something falling from the sky.”
However, some meteorologists are more optimistic. AccuWeather long-range meteorologist Alex DaSilva told the Tallahassee Democrat that snow is not entirely off the table: “If the blast is intense enough during the second week of January, then it’s possible some people in Florida can see some snow flakes.”
Have you experienced a chilly Walt Disney World Resort vacation? In the comments, share your tips for a magical trip with Disney Dining.
My WDW trip in 2010 during the 2nd week of December started out in the 70’s and then dropped into freezing temps at night. We had traveled with our winter coats, hats and gloves from Illinois so were ready for the cold, however many other people we saw were not prepared for the cold! It still was a great trip! My parent who were in their 80s had wanted to visit WDW one more time while they were able to and we all enjoyed our time. We still laugh about our WDW trip and having to dress like we were back home in Illinois!