Florida may technically be the Sunshine State, but winter often surprises visitors with its sudden cold fronts, causing temperatures to plummet significantly (and theme parks to close unexpectedly).
Chilly Weather Impacts Theme Parks
During such cold spells, attendance at water parks often drops, and closures become common. For instance, Walt Disney World Resort’s Blizzard Beach – which is, ironically, winter-themed – has faced multiple temporary closures during past winter seasons due to low temperatures.
This trend continues this year, with Blizzard Beach shuttering on several occasions as temperatures drop in Central Florida.
Temperatures in the Orlando area are forecasted to drop to as low as 43 degrees Fahrenheit today, with further dips to 38 degrees Fahrenheit expected midweek. Blizzard Beach remains closed as of now, and while it is slated to reopen tomorrow, further closures are anticipated as conditions worsen.
Universal Extends Volcano Bay Closure
Universal Orlando Resort has now followed suit, announcing the extended closure of its own water park, Volcano Bay.
Originally scheduled to reopen after closures on January 2 and 3, the park’s shutdown has now been extended through January 4 due to inclement weather.
🌧️ ❄️ Weather Update ❄️ 🌧️
Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on Saturday, January 4 due to inclement weather. For park updates, please call 407-817-8317 or stay tuned to Universal Orlando’s social channels.
🌧️ ❄️ Weather Update ❄️ 🌧️
Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on Saturday, January 4 due to inclement weather. For park updates, please call 407-817-8317 or stay tuned to Universal Orlando’s social channels.— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) January 3, 2025
Volcano Bay, which joined Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure as the resort’s third park in 2017, features attractions such as the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides, Ika Moana, and the Kopiko Wai Winding River.
The park’s tropical theme isn’t totally dissimilar to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, which typically operates from March through November while Blizzard Beach takes over during the winter months. While Disney previously operated both water parks in tandem, this pattern was dropped after COVID-19, with the two now opening on alternating schedules in what we can only assume is an effort to cut operating costs.
More Cold Weather Approaches Orlando
This January, Florida faces the arrival of three cold fronts. The first is already underway, while the second is expected around January 7 and 8. The third, predicted to be the most severe, is forecasted to hit between January 11 and 12, potentially bringing snow to the Sunshine State. Temperatures during this period could drop to the mid-to-upper 20s in Orlando.
With these conditions, frequent water park closures are likely in the coming weeks. Fortunately, Orlando offers a wealth of alternative attractions that allow visitors to enjoy their vacations without braving the freezing waters. For now, guests are advised to monitor updates from Universal Orlando Resort and other parks to stay informed about operational changes.
Are you planning to visit Florida during this unusually cold weather?
