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Major Disney World Park Shuts Down Without Warning

It’s not every day that Walt Disney World visitors wake up to a chill in the air — but this week, Florida is serving up an icy surprise. A rare cold front has made its way across Central Florida, and even Disney’s most seasoned fans are bundling up.

Crowds on Main Street USA at Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom at Christmas
Credit: Eric A. Soto, Flickr

The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for Orange County and the surrounding areas, warning of wind chills that could dip into the mid-20s. Actual temperatures are expected to settle in the upper 30s, with the advisory lasting from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

A Rare Freeze at “The Most Magical Place on Earth”

For many, visiting Disney World means sunscreen, sandals, and slushies — not gloves and scarves. But this sudden cold spell has already started to shake up operations across the resort. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will close on Tuesday due to the cold conditions. The park had been open Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but its official calendar now shows no hours listed for Tuesday.

A split image shows a wooden Typhoon Lagoon sign with rope on the left and a snowy-themed water park slide with a red and white building on a rocky hill on the right, both under a blue sky.
Credit: Disney / edited by Disney Dining

Blizzard Beach, Disney’s other water park, remains closed for its annual refurbishment, leaving no open water park for guests this week. Over at Universal Orlando, Volcano Bay has also closed.

Bundle Up for the Parks

While the four main Disney parks will remain open, visitors are being warned to dress warmly. Mornings and evenings are expected to be particularly brisk, which could make early rope drops and late-night fireworks a little less comfortable.

Crowds in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort.
Credit: s.yume, Flickr

Guests are crowding into indoor attractions, quick-service restaurants, and theaters to stay warm. Hot beverages are suddenly the hottest items at Joffrey’s stands and Starbucks locations around the parks.

Warm Weather on the Way

Luckily, this cold blast won’t stick around long. Temperatures are expected to rebound into the 60s and 70s later this week, with the weekend bringing highs near 80 degrees. Still, it’s a reminder that Florida weather can change in the blink of an eye.

For now, guests are encouraged to check the My Disney Experience app for updated hours and operating changes. Whether you’re braving the chill at Magic Kingdom or cozying up with a hot chocolate at EPCOT, this rare weather twist proves that even in Florida, a little cold can shake up the magic.

Brittni Ward

Brittni is a Disney and Universal fan; one of her favorite things at both parks is collecting popcorn buckets. While at Disney World Resort, Brittni meets the princesses and rides Kilimanjaro Safaris. At Universal, Brittni enjoys the Minions and watching Animal Actors on Location! When not at Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando, Brittni spends time with her family and pets.

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