For the sixth day running, one of Walt Disney World’s most unique attractions remains closed, leaving guests looking for alternative ways to enjoy their Disney vacation.
As the busy Thanksgiving rush winds down, Walt Disney World guests have been greeted by an unusual chill in the typically sunny Florida air. While cooler temperatures have enhanced the festive ambiance across the resort, bringing extra charm to its holiday-themed attractions, the same weather has brought complications for Blizzard Beach Water Park, which has remained shuttered for nearly a week.
Blizzard Beach first closed on Monday, December 2, as a cold front swept through the Sunshine State. While the park was initially expected to reopen on Thursday, December 5, the closure has been extended on a day-to-day basis. Disney has quietly confirmed that the weekend will begin without the water theme park and now lists Blizzard Beach as reopening on Sunday, December 8, with operating hours scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., provided the weather cooperates.
Universal Orlando Resort’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park faced similar challenges earlier this week but has resumed operations as of December 7. Unlike Blizzard Beach, Volcano Bay is welcoming guests once again, taking advantage of a brief reprieve in the cold weather.
The unpredictable Florida forecast shows little consistency as December progresses. According to Click Orlando, temperatures are expected to climb above normal over the weekend but will likely plummet again by Tuesday as another cold front moves in, possibly impacting water park operations for both Disney and Universal.
Since its grand opening on April 1, 1995, Blizzard Beach has been a guest favorite. It offers an imaginative blend of icy theming and sun-soaked water adventures. The park’s storyline centers on a freak snowstorm that once transformed Florida into a ski resort—until the inevitable thaw turned it into a water park with wintry charm.
One of its standout attractions, Summit Plummet, features a huge 120-foot drop, drawing thrill-seekers from around the globe. While Blizzard Beach is beloved for its unique rides, Disney’s water parks have occasionally been the subject of controversy. Last year, a guest filed a lawsuit against Disney following an injury sustained on Typhoon Lagoon’s Humunga Kowabunga slide, highlighting the potential risks of water park thrills.
Currently, Blizzard Beach is Disney’s only operational water park, as Typhoon Lagoon is closed for its seasonal hiatus. The alternating schedule of the two parks, introduced during the pandemic, has since become a standard part of Disney’s operations, allowing one park to remain open while the other undergoes maintenance.
Will Blizzard Beach’s extended closure impact your plans? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned for updates on its reopening!
