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Credit: Inside the MagicWalt Disney World Resort is no stranger to inclement weather, from hurricane season to daily summer thunderstorms. But in January, the Central Florida Disney park could see its first snow since 1977.
As Inside the Magic previously reported, the Sunshine State is preparing for a historic arctic blast in the first week of January. According to meteorologists, including Brooks Garner (@BrooksWeather on X/Twitter), temperatures will spike in the 80s this week but plummet from January 7 to January 13.
Lows could plummet to the 20s “or colder” in the evenings, with high daytime temperatures in the 40s and 50s. The worst winter weather is expected to hit during the Walt Disney World Resort marathon weekend, from January 8 to January 12.
MON. 12/30, ORLANDO — Highs will push 80°F for the next few days across our region, but signals remain strong that we’re in for a major cold blast around the weekend of the Disney Marathon (1/12) with lows in the 20s (or colder) entirely possible, with highs in the 40s and 50s.
MON. 12/30, ORLANDO —
Highs will push 80°F for the next few days across our region, but signals remain strong that we're in for a major cold blast around the weekend of the Disney Marathon (1/12) with lows in the 20s (or colder) entirely possible, with highs in the 40s and 50s. pic.twitter.com/bAKsj8B0BA— Brooks Garner (@BrooksWeather) December 30, 2024
Walt Disney World Resort‘s water parks often close due to colder weather during the winter months, and guests are encouraged to check the My Disney Experience app to ensure their desired destination is still open. Right now, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is temporarily closed for refurbishment, but Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is welcoming guests.
Although Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t made a statement about the upcoming winter weather, Blizzard Beach is likely to close when the temperatures drop. The cold front could also impact thousands of theme park visitors with flight cancellations, worsened road conditions, and more.
Meteorologists are unsure if it will snow in Central Florida, but they haven’t ruled it out. Snowfall in the Orlando area in January 2025 would mark the first in 48 years since a modest .05-inch snowfall in January 1977.
FOX13 Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto doubted that Walt Disney World Resort and surrounding areas would receive snow. He noted that moisture tends to drop in Central Florida during the winter months, lowering the chance of precipitation.
“Remember, when it gets cold around here, the atmosphere typically lacks moisture,” he said. “Can’t get snow without something falling from the sky.”
Still, others haven’t discounted a chance for snow at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Most said it’s too early to tell for sure.
“If the blast is intense enough during the second week of January, then it’s possible some people in Florida can see some snow flakes,” AccuWeather long-range meteorologist Alex DaSilva told the Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow Inside the Magic for updates on the historic arctic blast headed to Florida.
What is the lowest temperature you’ve endured during a visit to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!