Credit: DisneyExtreme weather continues to strike Disney World, as a popular park is now under an extended closure through early January.
It appears that, despite Queen Elsa’s iconic song in Disney’s Frozen (2013), the cold did bother us anyway, as extreme weather conditions have extended the closure of the popular Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, now set to remain shut down through Tuesday, January 2, with the park’s operating hours remaining subject to change without notice.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park officially shut down on December 28 for a four-day closure due to cold weather in the area, remaining closed through New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately, as extreme weather continues to impact Orlando, Florida, this closure has been extended for two more days, with the park now being unavailable for Guests on New Year’s Day, January 1, and January 2.
At the time of publishing, the official Disney World website stated that Blizzard Beach would resume operations on January 3 from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. However, this schedule can be modified if weather conditions don’t improve in Orlando, possibly extending the park’s closure.
The National Weather Service issued a “Hazardous Weather Outlook” for East Central Florida, warning residents and visitors about excessive cold impact with much cooler air spreading across the area starting today, December 29, and advising them to “dress appropriately for the colder temperatures.”
This advisory will reportedly continue through Thursday, January 4, with colder-than-normal temperatures impacting the area this weekend and possible frost on Saturday and Sunday nights, mainly in wind-protected, rural inland areas.
In response to the inclement weather in the Orlando area, Universal Orlando Resort will also temporarily cease operations at Universal’s Volcano Bay, the resort’s water theme park, with a closure from Wednesday, December 28, through Saturday, December 30.
Over the past weeks, the only operational water theme park in Disney World — as Typhoon Lagoon is closed down for the winter season — has faced an intermittent operating schedule with multiple closures, some of them extending longer than initially anticipated.
Blizzard Beach remained closed for an extensive refurbishment before its long-awaited reopening on November 13, 2022, welcoming guests into an all-new arctic adventure in the warm Florida sun inspired by Walt Disney’s Animation Studios film Frozen.
The new Frozen-inspired features included the statuettes of Olaf and his Snowgie pals in Tike’s Peak, a popular warm wading pool popular among young guests, as well as Anna and Elsa’s igloo castle.
Other popular attractions in Disney’s water theme park include:
- Summit Plummet, one of the tallest, fastest freefall body slides around. The heart-pumping attraction plunges guests down Mount Gushmore in a near vertical drop and rockets them into a darkened tunnel. It’s an attraction made especially for thrill-seekers!
- Teamboat Springs, one of the world’s longest group whitewater raft adventures, where up to six riders can take an epic and unpredictable whitewater journey down a mountain.
- Toboggan Racers, a unique attraction where guests use a mat to compete in a thrilling race downhill on an eight-lane slalom-style waterslide.
- Cross Country Creek, a scenic lazy river that takes guests on arctic adventure gliding through mysterious caves, illuminated grottoes and bask in Mount Gushmore’s refreshing spring water throughout polar paradise.
- Runoff Rapids, which offers a choice of three distinctly different inner-tube waterslides, where guests twist and turn down an adrenaline-filled trip down Mount Gushmore.
The official description for the unique Disney water theme park feels incredibly close to reality with the extremely cold weather impacting Florida and the extended closure taking place. It reads:
As the legend goes, Disney’s Blizzard Beach was once Florida’s first ski-resort after a blizzarding winter storm hit Walt Disney World Resort. Yet, before the skiers could strap on their boots, sunny Florida weather returned and powdery snow quickly turned to slippery slush. Bobsled and toboggan runs became downhill waterslides; a creek of melted mountain snow became a relaxing tube ride; and the chairlift now carries swimmers instead of skiers. Full of plenty of icy architecture and water-ful attractions, the water park’s snowy atmosphere amid the warm temperatures of Florida continues to bring guests back to the winter wonderland year after year.
While guests won’t be able to take a splash at Blizzard Beach during the last days of the year and the beginning of 2024, each of Disney World’s four theme parks offers a unique immersive experience for the young ang the young at heart.
The Magic Kingdom brings classic and beloved stories to life into a fairytale world of timeless adventures, featuring Cinderella Castle as its icon in the park’s heart. Meanwhile, EPCOT, a celebration of human achievement and cultural diversity, transports visitors through Future World’s innovative technologies and World Showcase’s global pavilions.
Related: New Walt Disney Attraction Facing Technical Issues in Disney World
Disney’s Hollywood Studios plunges guests into the heart of showbiz, featuring attractions inspired by beloved films and thrilling adventures in a galaxy far, far away. Lastly, Disney’s Animal Kingdom combines the magic of nature and imagination, where visitors can embark on safaris through lush landscapes and encounter exotic wildlife. With its unparalleled blend of fantasy and reality, Walt Disney World Resort remains a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable vacation experience.
Will this closure affect your visit to Walt Disney World Resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!