Credit: Inside The MagicA travel warning will soon take effect for Disney World visitors, remaining in effect through the weekend.
Should you reschedule your upcoming vacation plans?
Related: Walt Disney World Guests Advised To Bring New Items Into Parks During Visits
Travel Advisory Sends Warning to All Disney World Vacations: Potential Closures, Delays, and More on the Way
A travel advisory will soon be in effect for the entirety of Central Florida, leading many Walt Disney World guests to wonder what kind of impact this will have on their vacations, as the warning will begin January 15 and follow through towards the end of the day on January 16.
Operational disruptions, closed attractions, and delayed openings could be on the horizon for vacations during this time, meaning Disney World visitors could see their itineraries impacted, and not in a good way.
But what is this warning, and how does it really impact your upcoming travel plans to the Magic Kingdom?
Freeze Watch Issued for Walt Disney World as Temperatures Could Drop to 27°F
A freeze watch has been issued for Walt Disney World and much of Central Florida, with temperatures expected to fall as low as 27°F late Thursday night into Friday morning. The alert, issued by the National Weather Service, goes into effect at 1:00 a.m. EST on January 16 and could impact early-morning park operations, outdoor attractions, and guest comfort across the resort.
Cold weather alone won’t shut down Disney parks—but if temperatures dip lower than expected, guests could see delayed openings, temporary ride closures, and noticeable changes to the overall park “vibe,” especially at rope drop.
What areas around Walt Disney World are under the freeze watch?
The freeze watch covers Orange and Osceola Counties, which include Walt Disney World, along with several surrounding Central Florida counties. According to the National Weather Service, sub-freezing temperatures pose a risk to sensitive vegetation and unprotected outdoor plumbing, which is why Disney and nearby vacation rentals take these alerts seriously.
Counties included in the freeze watch are:
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Orange County (Walt Disney World)
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Osceola County (Walt Disney World)
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Seminole County
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Northern and Southern Lake County
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Coastal and Inland Volusia County
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Okeechobee County
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Northern and Southern Brevard County (Mainland and Inland)
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Indian River County (Inland)
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Saint Lucie County (Inland)
The cold is coming and is crossing the state line this Thursday. NWS putting a big chunk of Florida under a Freeze Watch for Friday morning here. 30s way way south expected. Wind chills forget about it. Socks and sandals ain’t going to cut it this time around!
The cold is coming and is crossing the state line this Thursday. NWS putting a big chunk of Florida under a Freeze Watch for Friday morning here. 30s way way south expected. Wind chills forget about it. Socks and sandals ain't going to cut it this time around! pic.twitter.com/RMK6yrKmoW
— Mike's Weather Page (@tropicalupdate) January 14, 2026
For Disney guests, the biggest concern isn’t safety—it’s how the cold changes the day-to-day park experience.
Will Walt Disney World close due to freezing temperatures?
Historically, Walt Disney World continues normal operations during freeze warnings, even when overnight temperatures drop below 32°F. That said, certain outdoor attractions, water features, and entertainment offerings may temporarily close or open late if temperatures remain below freezing during operating hours.
Based on past cold snaps, the most affected experiences tend to include:
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Outdoor water rides and splash elements
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Decorative fountains and water features
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Select character meet-and-greets held outdoors
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Early-morning entertainment dependent on weather conditions
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will be closed, which is standard during cold weather stretches.
If temperatures rebound quickly after sunrise—as currently forecast—most attractions typically resume normal operation by late morning.
Related: Woman Found Unresponsive in Car at Disney, Babies Abandoned in Back Seat
How cold mornings change the Disney park experience
Guests who have experienced rare Central Florida freezes know this already: cold mornings at Walt Disney World feel very different.
From firsthand observation, sub-freezing mornings often bring:
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Lower rope-drop crowds than expected
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Guests huddled in coffee shops and indoor queues
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Faster wait times early, followed by a late-morning surge once temperatures rise
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Heavier jacket sales inside the parks
Magic Kingdom and EPCOT tend to feel the cold most intensely due to open walkways and wind exposure, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios can feel especially chilly before sunrise.
The upside? If you’re dressed correctly, cold mornings often produce some of the best early-day wait times of the week.
Which attractions could be affected by freezing temperatures?
Disney does not release a formal “freeze closure list,” but based on previous events, attractions most likely to be impacted include:
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Outdoor rides with exposed ride systems
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Attractions with water elements
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Experiences requiring safe operating temperatures for ride vehicles
At Universal Orlando Resort, similar weather patterns have historically led to temporary delays on outdoor coasters until temperatures rise—something Disney guests should keep in mind when planning early park entry strategies.
Related: Disney World’s 2026 Discounts Could Change Crowd Levels Across the Parks
How should guests prepare for a freeze at Walt Disney World?
If you’re visiting during the freeze watch window, planning ahead can prevent a rough morning from derailing your vacation.
Disney-savvy preparation tips include:
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Bring layers, especially for rope drop
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Gloves and hats make a noticeable difference before 9 a.m.
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Prioritize indoor attractions early, then shift outdoors later
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Expect longer indoor wait times early as guests avoid the cold
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If staying off-site, protect rental property plumbing
Guests staying in vacation homes should also take steps to protect sensitive plants and check outdoor plumbing, especially overnight.
Could this affect crowd levels and wait times?
Yes—and often in surprising ways.
Cold mornings frequently cause casual visitors to sleep in or arrive late, which can create an early window of lighter crowds. By late morning, once temperatures climb, parks often see a delayed surge of guests.
If temperatures drop below forecasts, Disney may adjust operations in real time, which can ripple into Genie+ return times and standby waits.
When will temperatures return to normal?
According to current forecasts, freezing conditions are expected to end by Friday morning, with temperatures warming steadily throughout the day. Afternoon highs should return to more typical Central Florida winter conditions.
Still, weather volatility means Disney operations teams will be monitoring conditions closely—especially overnight lows.
What this means for Disney guests right now
A freeze watch doesn’t mean panic—but it does mean adjust expectations.
Walt Disney World is built to operate in cold snaps, but rare freezes always introduce unknowns. Guests who plan ahead, dress appropriately, and stay flexible often find these days surprisingly enjoyable—with shorter waits and quieter mornings.
For experienced parkgoers, this could even be an opportunity.