A strong cold front is headed for Central Florida this week, and it could bring the coldest temperatures of the season so far to Walt Disney World Resort. For guests with water park days on the calendar, the timing matters.
Forecast Calls for a Sharp Drop After Thursday
Click Orlando’s latest forecast shows a mild start to the week before a cold front moves through the region late Thursday. Monday and Tuesday should see a mix of clouds and sun, with highs in the low 80s and morning lows ranging from the upper 50s to the upper 60s. Patchy fog is possible early on both days.
Wednesday brings a 30% to 40% chance of rain in the afternoon and evening as a disturbance crosses the state. Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms are possible, though highs should hold in the low 80s.
Thursday is expected to be cloudy with a few lingering showers before the front arrives late Thursday night into early Friday. Click Orlando does not expect widespread heavy rain, but a few more showers are possible, mostly south of Orlando.
Weekend Lows in the 40s
Behind the front, Friday afternoon highs are forecast to top out in the upper 60s to low 70s, and gusty northwest winds will make it feel cooler still. According to Click Orlando, “Saturday and Sunday mornings are expected to be the coldest of the season so far.” Much of Central Florida could drop into the mid to upper 40s.
Saturday’s highs are expected to reach only the low to mid-60s. Temperatures should begin to recover on Sunday, with 70s returning to parts of the area.
Water Park Closure Risk
Disney’s water parks are among the most weather-dependent experiences at the resort. In a 2024 response on planDisney, Disney’s official vacation planning forum, a panelist noted that on especially chilly or windy days, “it’s possible that some water-based recreational offerings may not be available.” The same panelist said a cast member had indicated that Disney’s water parks may not be available when daytime highs are forecast below roughly 70°F.
That guidance is from 2024, but closures earlier this year and in 2025 suggest it still applies. With Friday hovering near 70 degrees and Saturday expected in the 60s, Disney’s operating water park could close for at least part of the weekend.
Resort Pools and Water Rides
Resort hotel pools should be less affected. The planDisney response notes that most Disney Resort hotel pools are heated to about 82°F year-round.
Cold and wind can still limit other water-based experiences, however. Guests should be ready for possible limited availability at outdoor water attractions such as Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom.
Water Park Swap Coming in January
The cold snap comes as Disney prepares a change to its water park lineup. Disney has confirmed that Blizzard Beach will close and Typhoon Lagoon will reopen on January 27, 2027. Guests traveling in late January should plan around the switch.
Planning Tips
The planDisney panelist recommended checking the My Disney Experience app each morning for current water park status. Front desk cast members at Disney Resort hotels can also help.
Guests set on a water park visit may want to go earlier in the week, when highs are expected in the low 80s. Layers and jackets for cool mornings and evenings are a good idea. On the plus side, the cooler weather should make for comfortable days at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
What is your favorite thing to do in a chilly Walt Disney World Resort? Let us know in the comments below!
