As Central Florida moves closer to the Christmas and New Year holiday window, weather conditions have again disrupted normal operations at the region’s largest theme park destinations. Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed that Volcano Bay Water Theme Park is temporarily closed due to circumstances outside its control, following a similar announcement from Walt Disney World Resort earlier in the week.
The update comes after Disney quietly adjusted operations at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. The water park, currently the only one running at Walt Disney World after Blizzard Beach was temporarily closed months ago, will not operate on Monday, December 15, 2025. The closure aligns with a new cold front expected to bring lower temperatures and stronger winds to the area.
Weather forecasts issued late last week signaled changing conditions across Central Florida. “As the cold front arrives on Sunday, expect a few more clouds and the chance for isolated showers, mainly along the coast late in the day,” Click Orlando reported. “By Monday, Central Florida will likely wake up to chilly and breezy conditions. North winds are forecast to pick up, ranging from 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph possible.”
These weather patterns have already made this a challenging winter season for water parks across both Disney and Universal destinations. November and December have seen several interruptions, and this latest cold snap has once again prompted closures. For Universal Orlando, Volcano Bay’s shutdown reflects a continued pattern of weather-related pauses that often accompany colder periods in Florida.
The timing is notable. Theme parks across the Central Florida district are approaching one of the most crowded stretches of the year. The period between Christmas and New Year’s is traditionally the busiest week at Walt Disney World Resort. With water attractions offline, guests may shift plans toward the four main parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That shift could result in heavier attendance across those locations.
Universal Orlando Resort may experience a similar redistribution of guests. With Volcano Bay unavailable, visitors could gravitate toward Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe, the newest addition to the resort’s lineup. These parks typically see increased activity whenever weather limits water-based offerings.
Seasonal cold fronts are not unusual for Central Florida, but their impact becomes more noticeable during peak travel periods. While holiday celebrations continue across both resorts, weather remains a factor that can influence daily operations and guest planning.
How do you feel about the closures hitting the two most prominent theme park resorts in Florida this season? Let us know in the comments down below!
