A blast of cold air is sweeping into Central Florida this week, bringing with it an unusual situation for Universal Orlando Resort—an extended park closure right before the busy Veterans Day holiday.
Cold Weather Causes a Change in Plans
Universal Orlando announced late Sunday that one of its parks would not operate on Monday, November 10, and Tuesday, November 11, citing “inclement weather.” The official Universal Orlando X account posted the update, which quickly spread among fans preparing for the long weekend.
A quick look at Universal’s park hours calendar confirmed what many suspected: Volcano Bay, the resort’s tropical-themed water park, will remain closed for two consecutive days due to the expected cold front. The timing couldn’t be worse, as Veterans Day weekend typically attracts larger-than-usual crowds eager for an early winter escape.
How Long Will Volcano Bay Stay Closed?
According to the updated schedule, Volcano Bay will also be closed on November 12 and 13—its regular midweek off days—before reopening on Friday, November 14. That means the water park will be dark for a full four days, making this one of its lengthier non-hurricane weather-related closures in recent memory.
The forecast shows a noticeable temperature drop for the Orlando area, with highs barely reaching the low 70s early in the week and dipping into the high 50s on Tuesday. While that might sound pleasant to anyone from colder climates, those numbers make for uncomfortable swimming and water slide conditions.
What Guests Should Know
Universal’s other parks—Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure—will remain open as usual. Guests with Volcano Bay tickets can reach out to Universal for guidance or check the official website for any updates to hours or operations. The resort also reminded guests that weather conditions in Florida can shift quickly, and the closure could extend if the cold snap lingers longer than expected.
While disappointing for some, the decision isn’t without precedent. Universal and Disney both occasionally close their water parks during cooler months, particularly when cold fronts sweep through unexpectedly.
Looking Ahead
Volcano Bay’s reopening on November 14 should bring back normal operations and a full slate of water-based fun just in time for temperatures to rise again. For now, guests can take advantage of Universal’s other offerings—from Diagon Alley to the Jurassic World VelociCoaster—without the chill of cold water to worry about.
This week’s weather serves as a reminder that even in sunny Orlando, nature sometimes has the final say.
