Universal Orlando Resort’s popular water park, Volcano Bay, has officially closed due to the region’s unusually cold weather, with plans to reopen on January 24, 2024. The water park, known for its immersive tropical theme and world-class attractions, is a staple of the resort’s offerings. However, the current cold snap gripping Central Florida has forced the closure until the weather improves.
Unprecedented Winter Weather Hits Central Florida
The temperatures in Central Florida have dropped drastically over the past few days, bringing a mix of cold air and rain to the area. Overnight, low temperatures reached the 30s and 40s, with freeze warnings in effect for several counties. Wind chills have made it feel even colder, dropping to the 20s in some areas. While the worst of the freeze warnings has passed, the chill continues to grip the region, with daytime highs expected to hover in the low to mid-50s through much of the week.
A cold front bringing significant rain will move through Central Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing with it the possibility of freezing rain or ice to the northern part of the state. While snow is not expected to reach Central Florida, the combination of rain and cold weather will create a gloomy and wet week, making outdoor activities less desirable.
Volcano Bay Temporarily Shuts Down Amid Cold Conditions
Universal Orlando Resort’s Volcano Bay water park is closed indefinitely, with the expectation that it will reopen on January 24. This closure is the latest in a series of weather-related shutdowns for the park, which has already had several disruptions this winter season. The park, which combines a tropical paradise theme with thrilling water attractions, has seen its operations affected by extreme weather conditions before, including a six-day closure back in December due to the cold.
The park’s primary attraction, Krakatau, the towering volcano at the center of the park, is known for its stunning effects, which are best enjoyed under sunny skies and warm temperatures. With forecasts calling for continued cold weather and rain, Volcano Bay’s operations are temporarily halted until conditions improve.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Also Faces Closures
The cold weather affecting Universal Orlando is not unique to them. Walt Disney World Resort’s Blizzard Beach, another beloved water park, has also been forced to close due to the chilly conditions. The park, themed as a ski resort experiencing a meltdown, has shut down for January 20 and 21, 2024, with hopes to reopen by January 22. However, given the forecasts predicting additional rain and low temperatures, that reopening date remains uncertain.
Typhoon Lagoon, Disney’s other water park, is currently closed for its regular seasonal maintenance, so Blizzard Beach’s closure leaves guests with fewer options to enjoy water-based fun. While the closure is inconvenient, guests can still experience the many other attractions at Disney World and Universal Orlando, albeit with fewer options for those hoping to splash around.
The Broader Impact of Cold Weather on Theme Parks
The current cold snap underscores a challenge faced by theme parks in Florida: even in a region known for its warmth and sunshine, unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on guest plans. Water-based attractions like Blizzard Beach and Volcano Bay are especially susceptible to closures during cold spells, as temperatures drop too low for comfortable enjoyment of outdoor water rides and pools.
Moreover, the weather can cause disruptions throughout the parks, even for non-water attractions. For example, outdoor rides and shows might close temporarily if temperatures dip too low. This can lead to a somewhat subdued experience for guests, who may also need to bundle up for evening fireworks or opt for more indoor activities.
Despite these weather-related interruptions, both Disney and Universal still offer plenty of indoor and covered experiences, from thrilling rides like Space Mountain to the immersive experiences of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal. However, visitors may want to adjust their expectations and make the most of indoor attractions until the weather improves.
What to Expect as the Weather Improves
Though the parks have been impacted by the recent cold spell, Central Florida’s weather is expected to gradually warm up later in the week. By Thursday, the rain should ease up, with sunshine returning to the area by the weekend. This will bring more pleasant temperatures, making it easier to enjoy both indoor and outdoor experiences at Disney and Universal.
For those hoping to visit Volcano Bay or Blizzard Beach in the near future, keeping an eye on the weather forecast and any additional park announcements is crucial. As the season progresses, the likelihood of such weather disruptions decreases, but for now, it’s essential to plan accordingly.
In the meantime, Universal guests can still enjoy all of their favorite theme park rides and entertainment, including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Simpsons Ride, as well as explore CityWalk for dining, shopping, and more. Disney visitors can take advantage of the indoor shows, such as Mickey’s PhilharMagic or The Lion King stage production, and explore the many indoor attractions available across the resort.
With weather setbacks not uncommon in Florida, it’s always a good idea to prepare for potential changes in plans—especially if your trip coincides with an unexpected cold front or storm. Fortunately, both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort are equipped to offer memorable experiences, no matter the weather.