Credit: Inside the MagicPlanning a Walt Disney World vacation requires juggling countless details, from booking Lightning Lane selections to securing dining reservations at the most popular restaurants. But one factor that often catches guests off guard is Florida weather, which can shift dramatically and unexpectedly even during months when you’d expect warm sunshine and perfect pool conditions.
While most people associate Central Florida with year-round heat and humidity, the reality is that winter months can bring surprisingly cold temperatures that make water park visits uncomfortable or even unsafe. Disney’s water parks operate on seasonal schedules and respond to weather conditions in ways that can impact guest plans, sometimes with very little advance notice.
For guests planning to visit Walt Disney World next week with hopes of experiencing Typhoon Lagoon, there’s important news to consider before finalizing your itinerary. The water park will be temporarily closed for three consecutive days as Orlando prepares for a cold snap that will make outdoor water activities less appealing and potentially problematic for operations.
Understanding these closures and how Disney handles weather-related schedule changes can help you adjust your plans and make the most of your vacation even when unexpected circumstances arise.
Typhoon Lagoon Closure Details
Disney has announced that Typhoon Lagoon will be closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week, specifically January 12, 13, and 14, 2026. The closure comes as Central Florida braces for cooler temperatures that would make the water park experience uncomfortable for guests and potentially create operational challenges for Disney. This is after the January 1st closure, marking it the 4th closure at Typhoon Lagoon this year.
According to current projections, Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, January 15, 2026, assuming weather conditions improve as forecasted. However, Disney always reserves the right to modify operating hours and schedules without advance notice, particularly when weather safety concerns come into play.
While Florida is known for heat advisories during summer months, winter cold snaps can affect Walt Disney World operations just as significantly. Water parks are especially vulnerable to temperature drops because guests are expected to be in swimwear and getting wet throughout their visit.
What might be tolerable weather for walking around Magic Kingdom in jeans and a jacket becomes genuinely unpleasant when you’re dripping wet in a bathing suit.
Why Weather Matters for Water Park Operations
Disney’s decision to close Typhoon Lagoon for these three days reflects the company’s consideration for guest comfort and safety. When temperatures drop significantly below normal Florida winter ranges, several issues arise for water park operations.
First, guests simply don’t enjoy the experience when air temperatures make it uncomfortable to be wet and in minimal clothing. The contrast between heated pools and cold air creates an unpleasant cycle of getting in and out of the water.
Second, lower attendance during cold weather makes it economically impractical to staff and operate an entire water park. Disney would rather close temporarily and redirect those operational resources elsewhere than run a nearly empty facility.
Finally, some water park equipment and attractions may require specific temperature ranges for safe operation, making extended cold periods legitimate safety concerns rather than just comfort issues.
For guests who had specifically planned to visit Typhoon Lagoon during these closure dates, the timing is unfortunate but not uncommon during Florida’s winter months. January and February historically see periodic cold fronts that push through Central Florida, bringing temperatures that can dip into the 40s and 50s overnight and struggle to reach 70 degrees during the day.
What About Blizzard Beach?
Adding another layer of complexity to water park planning, Blizzard Beach is currently closed and not operating at all. Disney typically operates its two water parks on alternating seasonal schedules, with one remaining open while the other undergoes refurbishment and maintenance. This rotating closure system allows Disney to keep attractions fresh and well-maintained without completely eliminating water park options for guests.
The timing of Blizzard Beach’s extended closure combined with Typhoon Lagoon’s temporary weather closure means Walt Disney World will have no water park options available January 12-14. For guests who purchased tickets specifically hoping to visit a water park during this period, this presents a significant planning challenge.
Changes to Resort Water Park Benefits
Disney Resort hotel guests have historically enjoyed various perks related to water park access. For 2025 vacation packages, guests staying at Disney Resort hotels could enjoy complimentary admission to one of the water parks on their check-in day. This benefit added significant value to resort stays, especially for families who wanted to ease into their vacation with a relaxing pool day before tackling the major theme parks.
Many guests hoped this generous benefit would continue unchanged into 2026. Unfortunately, Disney has modified the program rather than extending it year-round. The water park admission perk for resort guests will now only be offered during summer months of 2026, when both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are expected to be operational simultaneously.
This change means guests visiting during off-peak seasons, including those affected by next week’s Typhoon Lagoon closure, won’t have the same complimentary water park access that 2025 visitors enjoyed. For families budgeting their Disney vacation, this represents an additional expense if water park visits remain part of their plans.
Adjusting Your Plans
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World next week and had planned to spend time at Typhoon Lagoon, you’ll need to adjust your itinerary. The good news is that with four major theme parks, Disney Springs, resort activities, and countless other experiences available, you won’t lack for things to do.
Consider using those three days to explore parks you might have otherwise rushed through, enjoy resort amenities, or take advantage of dining experiences that require reservations.
The weather that’s forcing Typhoon Lagoon’s closure might actually make indoor attractions and air-conditioned spaces more appealing anyway. EPCOT’s various pavilions, Hollywood Studios’ shows, and Magic Kingdom’s classic attractions all provide comfortable environments when outdoor temperatures aren’t cooperating with your vacation plans.
For guests who absolutely want water park access during their trip, keep an eye on the forecast and Disney’s official announcements. If temperatures warm up faster than expected, Disney could potentially reopen Typhoon Lagoon earlier than Thursday. Conversely, if cold weather persists, the closure could extend beyond the currently announced dates.
Got a trip planned for next week? Tell us in the comments how you’re adjusting your plans to work around the Typhoon Lagoon closure. And if you’ve experienced Disney water park closures during past trips, share your tips for making the most of unexpected schedule changes. Sometimes the best vacation memories come from the plans you didn’t originally make.