Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Faces Extended Closure Amid Roller Coaster Weather
For six consecutive days, one of Walt Disney World Resort’s popular attractions has remained closed, leaving guests wondering when they’ll get to enjoy its frosty thrills again.
As the magic of the Thanksgiving holiday fades and crowds dwindle, Central Florida has been met with a chillier-than-usual start to December. While the cooler temperatures complement the festive atmosphere of Disney’s Christmas offerings, they’ve posed operational challenges for one particular park.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park has been shuttered since Monday, December 2, as a cold front swept through Florida. Initially set to reopen on Thursday, December 5, the closure has been extended daily, keeping the park off-limits to guests. The latest updates suggest Blizzard Beach will finally reopen on Sunday, December 8, with standard operating hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Blizzard Beach isn’t the only water park feeling the chill. Over at Universal Orlando Resort, Volcano Bay also faced weather-induced closures earlier in the week. However, Volcano Bay will resume operations, with gates reopening on December 7 at 10 a.m.
Looking ahead, Florida’s forecast suggests more erratic weather patterns as December unfolds. Reports from Click Orlando predict a brief return to above-average temperatures over the weekend before another cold front rolls in on Tuesday. This unpredictable weather could lead to further disruptions at both Disney and Universal’s water parks.
Blizzard Beach: A Winter Wonderland in the Sunshine State
Blizzard Beach Water Park first opened on April 1, 1995, bringing to life an imaginative story that only Disney could tell. The park is themed around the idea of a freak snowstorm transforming Florida into a ski resort, only for the sunshine to melt the snow, leaving behind a water park with icy theming and sun-soaked fun.
The park’s centerpiece is Summit Plummet, a daring 120-foot slide that challenges guests to face exhilarating speeds and near-vertical drops. While Blizzard Beach offers plenty of thrills, Disney’s water attractions have occasionally made headlines for the wrong reasons. For example, one guest recently filed a lawsuit after experiencing injuries on the Humunga Kowabunga slide at Typhoon Lagoon, a reminder of the risks involved in high-speed water rides.
Currently, Blizzard Beach remains Disney’s sole water park in operation, as Typhoon Lagoon is closed for seasonal maintenance. This alternating schedule, implemented during the pandemic, appears to have become a permanent strategy for Disney’s water park operations.
Will the ongoing closure of Blizzard Beach affect your Disney vacation plans? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
