Credit: DisneyShifting weather patterns across Central Florida have continued to influence day-to-day operations at the region’s major theme park resorts, with cooler temperatures, rain, and strong winds prompting additional water park closures as December progresses.
Forecasts released by Click Orlando just over a week ago pointed to an unsettled stretch of weather beginning over the weekend, driven by a series of fronts moving through the state. Scattered showers were expected to arrive Saturday (December 6), followed by more widespread rainfall on Sunday (December 7), with rain chances climbing as high as 80 percent by late Sunday. While thunderstorms were expected to remain limited, rainfall totals of one to three inches were projected in some areas, particularly north and west of the I-4 corridor.
Alongside the rain, temperatures were forecast to trend downward. After several days of highs in the low to mid-80s, conditions were expected to cool into the mid-70s on Sunday, with even colder air arriving early the following week. Daytime highs were projected to settle into the upper 60s and low 70s, paired with noticeably cooler nights.
Click Orlando attributed the shift to a weak front sagging into Central Florida and fading, followed by a developing low-pressure system along the northern Gulf Coast that would pull a stronger cold front through the region late Sunday into Monday. “As the cold front arrives on Sunday, expect a few more clouds and the chance for isolated showers, mainly along the coast late in the day,” the outlet reported. “By Monday, Central Florida will likely wake up to chilly and breezy conditions. North winds are forecast to pick up, ranging from 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph possible.”
These forecasts were closely watched by theme park fans, particularly those planning visits to water parks. Weather had already impacted operations earlier in the holiday season. Over Thanksgiving weekend, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park temporarily closed as cooler conditions moved into the area, highlighting how quickly operations can shift when temperatures drop.
Those concerns ultimately proved well-founded. Typhoon Lagoon closed on December 11 and December 12 as cooler, wetter weather settled into Central Florida. Just days later, the official Walt Disney World Resort website listed “No Times Available” for Monday, December 15, 2025, confirming another closure tied to the incoming cold front.
In a new update, Typhoon Lagoon’s closure has been extended through Tuesday, December 16, further underscoring the impact of the prolonged cooldown on water park operations. Blizzard Beach, meanwhile, remains closed as part of its ongoing seasonal shutdown, leaving Disney without an operating water park during this stretch of cold weather.
The ripple effects extend beyond Walt Disney World Resort. Universal Orlando Resort has also confirmed the closure of Volcano Bay Water Theme Park as the same cold front moves through Central Florida. Winter months often bring peak holiday crowds alongside an increased risk of weather-related disruptions, and this season has already proven turbulent for water parks across both resorts. Volcano Bay, however, has times listed for today, December 16, 2025.
The timing is particularly notable as Central Florida theme parks inch closer to the busy Christmas and New Year’s period. At Walt Disney World Resort, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is traditionally the busiest of the year. With water parks closed, guests may shift their plans to the four main Disney parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios—potentially increasing crowd levels.
Similarly, Universal’s closure of Volcano Bay likely drove higher attendance at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe, as guests adjusted their itineraries.
How do you feel about the weather-driven closures affecting both Disney and Universal during the holiday season? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below.