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Credit: Inside the MagicThe latter parts of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 have been marred with theme park closures across Central Florida. Now, new data shows just why it has been necessary to close the gates at these popular locations.
Throughout December and January, theme parks across Orlando have had to close due to low temperatures. Over the last two months, a number of cold fronts have drifted through Central Florida, causing operational disruption at major theme park resorts like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
This week has seen extended closures for Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park—currently Disney World’s only operating water park—and Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park. Both parks are closed today (Thursday, January 16, 2025) after having turned guests away for the last few days.
“Morning temperatures have been routinely starting in the 30s and 40s across the region, and afternoons have often struggled to reach the 50s and 60s,” Click Orlando reported. “Normally, the Orlando area is enjoying highs around 71 degrees at this time of year, so this cold streak is definitely standing out.”
The cold weather in the Sunshine State is not particularly unusual for January; however, the current low temperatures in 2025 have seen the year join a list of other record-breaking Januarys.
“As of now, Orlando is experiencing its 12th coldest January ever on record, with an average high of 55.7 degrees,” the outlet explained. “For some context, the coldest January on record was in 1977, when highs averaged 50.6 degrees, which is pretty insane for Florida!”
2025 marks the coldest January since 2010, which had lows of 54.4 degrees and ranks fifth on the list.
At the time of writing, both Blizzard Beach and Volcano Bay are expected to reopen at their respective resorts tomorrow, Friday, January 17, 2025. The former is opening from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., while the latter will operate between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. also. Volcano Bay will welcome guests with early park admission from 9:30 a.m.
Are you feeling the chill in the Sunshine State this year? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!