Credit: Jeremy Y., FlickrDisney World guests were shocked to learn the morning of December 10, 2025, that an entire park would close down due to unforeseen circumstances that posed a threat to millions of guests.
Guests Shocked as Disney Quietly Shutters One of Its Theme Parks in the Middle of December”
It’s supposed to be the most magical time of the year — but for many Disney fans, the magic came with a chilly surprise. Visitors escaping the biting winter cold and flocking to Florida’s warmth this week were met at the gates with an unexpected sight: one of Walt Disney World’s beloved parks suddenly closed.
Guests who had packed swimsuits and sunscreen for a mid-December dip were left staring at locked entrances and empty wave pools. What could possibly shut down part of Walt Disney World during one of its busiest holiday months?
Turns out, not even Disney can fight Mother Nature.
The Cold Front That Froze the Fun
While much of the United States braces for freezing temperatures and the promise of a white Christmas, even Central Florida isn’t immune to winter’s sting.
Temperatures across the Orlando area plunged lower than expected this week, with daily highs hovering around the low 60s and nighttime lows slipping into the 40s.
To protect guests’ comfort and safety — and preserve the park experience — Disney made the rare call to pause operations at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park for at least two days due to the unseasonably cool weather.
Why This Matters for Disney Fans
Though it’s common for Disney to temporarily close its water parks during cold snaps, the timing caught many guests off guard. December is typically one of the most crowded months at Walt Disney World, particularly as winter travelers seek to trade snow boots for flip-flops. The sudden closure meant guests hoping to enjoy a warm escape had to rethink their Disney itineraries at the last minute.
It’s also a reminder that even in Florida — the land of endless summer — Disney’s operations adapt daily to weather conditions. Typhoon Lagoon, known for its massive surf pool, tropical setting, and lazy river, thrives on the promise of sunshine and warmth. Temperatures dipping into the 40s meant those waves would go un-ridden, at least temporarily.
How Disney Handles Winter Weather
Historically, Disney alternates seasonal maintenance closures between its two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, ensuring at least one remains open throughout the cooler months. However, when temperatures drop too low for safe and comfortable swimming, the company opts for short-term closures.
This strategy maintains high-quality experiences, rather than forcing guests through uncomfortable, near-icy water adventures.
A spokesperson confirmed through the official Walt Disney World operating calendar that Typhoon Lagoon would remain closed for December 11 and 12, with reopening dependent on the weather outlook. The forecast suggests warmer conditions will return by the weekend, with highs climbing back into the 70s — the perfect range for reopening and a return to splash-worthy fun.
A Reminder That Magic Is Weather-Proof, Despite This Disney World Park Closure
While the brief shutdown may disappoint some vacationers, there’s a silver lining: it underlines Disney’s attentiveness to guest experience. Operations evolve not just around safety regulations but guest enjoyment — ensuring that when Typhoon Lagoon’s gates reopen, they do so under skies worthy of the Most Magical Place on Earth.
For now, guests can find plenty of other ways to soak in the Florida sun, whether it’s sipping hot cocoa along Main Street, U.S.A., watching the new holiday fireworks spectacular, or exploring the recently updated areas of EPCOT’s World Celebration. And if the forecast holds true, Typhoon Lagoon should be making waves again just in time for the weekend — a little delayed sunshine after an unexpected winter chill.