While tourists often flock to Florida expecting high temperatures, winter can get cold—and, in turn, force the closure of some beloved parks and attractions.
Case in point: the current situation in Orlando. The Sunshine State is currently going through a cold spell, as it so often does in January. Last year saw Walt Disney World Resort’s Blizzard Beach – which is, ironically, winter-themed – face multiple temporary closures as temperatures dropped during the winter, and 2025 is no exception.
Having already closed multiple times since reopening in November (its operating season typically only runs from November through March-ish), the park is closed again today as the first of three cold fronts hit Central Florida.
Temperatures in the Orlando area are forecasted to drop to as low as 43 degrees Fahrenheit today, with further dips to 38 degrees Fahrenheit expected midweek. Blizzard Beach remains closed as of now, and while it is slated to reopen tomorrow, further closures are anticipated as conditions worsen.
Universal Extends Volcano Bay Closure
Universal Orlando Resort has now also followed suit, announcing the extended closure of its own water park, Volcano Bay, today.
Originally scheduled to reopen after closures on January 2 and 3, Volcano Bay’s shutdown has now been extended through January 4 due to inclement weather. Late-night updates from Universal suggest that more closures might be on the horizon if temperatures continue to drop.
Universal issued the following update to visitors late last night:
🌧️ ❄️ Weather Update ❄️ 🌧️
Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on Saturday, January 4 due to inclement weather. For park updates, please call 407-817-8317 or stay tuned to Universal Orlando’s social channels.
🌧️ ❄️ Weather Update ❄️ 🌧️
Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on Saturday, January 4 due to inclement weather. For park updates, please call 407-817-8317 or stay tuned to Universal Orlando’s social channels.— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) January 3, 2025
When open, the park – which opened in 2017 as Universal’s third park (and is arguably better than both Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach) – boasts popular features such as the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides, Ika Moana, and the Kopiko Wai Winding River. As temperatures drop, however, it’s unlikely that many guests will feel up to standing outdoors while soaking wet, meaning it’s often more cost-effective to just shutter the park for the day.
The park’s tropical theme, designed to transport guests to a warm island paradise, contrasts sharply with the current chilly conditions. Like Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Volcano Bay’s appeal relies heavily on Florida’s usual heat, making closures during colder weather particularly disruptive.
More Cold Weather Approaches Orlando
As we previously mentioned, Florida faces the arrival of three significant cold fronts this month.
The first is already underway, while the second is expected around January 7 and 8. The third, predicted to be the most severe, is forecasted to hit between January 11 and 12, potentially bringing snow to the Sunshine State. During this period, temperatures in Orlando could drop to the mid-to-upper 20s. Thanks a lot, Elsa.
These prolonged cold spells mean frequent water park closures are likely in the coming weeks. For visitors planning trips to Florida, it’s important to stay flexible and keep an eye on weather updates. Thankfully, Orlando offers a wide array of alternative attractions, from indoor experiences to thrilling rides at Universal Studios Florida and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, ensuring that the fun doesn’t stop despite the cold.
Are you planning to visit Florida during this unusually cold weather?
