Credit: David Aughinbaugh II, FlickrWalt Disney World Resort guests heading to Central Florida this week may need to rethink their plans on certain days, as a strong cold front is poised to deliver the coldest temperatures of the season so far.
While Orlando is known for year-round sunshine, a sharp drop in temperatures over the coming days could disrupt operations at Disney’s flagship theme park destination.
Strong Cold Front Set to Sweep Across Central Florida
According to the latest forecast from Click Orlando, Central Florida’s warm afternoons are set to give way to a blast of much cooler air after a strong cold front moves through the region late Thursday.
The week begins on a mild note. Monday and Tuesday are forecast to bring a mix of clouds and sunshine, with highs in the low 80s and morning temperatures ranging from the upper 50s to the upper 60s. Patchy fog is possible early on both mornings. Rain chances climb to around 30% to 40% on Wednesday afternoon and evening as a disturbance crosses Florida, with scattered showers and a few thunderstorms possible. Highs are expected to remain in the low 80s.
Temperatures Tumble Into the Weekend
Clouds and a few lingering showers are expected Thursday before the cold front pushes through late Thursday night into early Friday. Click Orlando notes that widespread heavy rain is not expected, though a few additional showers remain possible, particularly south of Orlando.
The real change arrives behind the front. Friday afternoon highs are forecast to struggle to reach the upper 60s to low 70s, with gusty northwest winds making conditions feel even cooler.
Click Orlando’s forecast states that “Saturday and Sunday mornings are expected to be the coldest of the season so far.” Temperatures could fall into the mid to upper 40s across much of Central Florida, and Saturday afternoon highs are expected to reach only the low to mid-60s, before temperatures gradually rebound on Sunday, with 70s returning to parts of the area.
Why Disney World’s Water Park Could Close
In a 2024 response on planDisney, Disney’s official vacation planning forum, a panelist explained that on notably chilly or windy days, “it’s possible that some water-based recreational offerings may not be available.” The panelist added that a cast member had shared that Disney’s water parks may not be available when daytime temperatures are forecast to fall below approximately 70°F.
Though that guidance dates back to 2024, the same expectations can reasonably be applied this week, given past events earlier this year and in 2025. With Saturday highs forecast in the low to mid-60s and Friday’s temperatures hovering around the 70-degree mark, Disney’s operating water park faces a genuine risk of closure for at least part of the weekend.
Resort Pools and Outdoor Water Play
The impact may extend beyond the water parks. According to the same planDisney response, most Disney Resort hotel pools are heated to around 82°F year-round, meaning they are likely to remain an option for hardier guests.
However, particularly chilly or windy conditions can still affect water-based recreation across the resort, so guests should be prepared for limited availability at some outdoor water features–like Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom–over the weekend.
Blizzard Beach Closure and Typhoon Lagoon Return Confirmed
The cold snap arrives as Disney prepares to change its water park lineup. Disney has recently confirmed that Blizzard Beach will close and that Typhoon Lagoon will reopen on January 27, 2027.
Guests planning water park visits over the coming months should factor the switch into their itineraries, particularly those traveling in late January.
Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort this week should plan ahead for the colder conditions. The planDisney panelist recommended checking the My Disney Experience app each morning for the most up-to-date information on water park availability, while cast members at Disney Resort hotel front desks can also help.
Those hoping to enjoy a water park day may wish to schedule it earlier in the week, when highs are forecast to reach the low 80s, rather than risk a closure over the weekend. Packing layers, including jackets for early mornings and evenings, is also advisable.
While the cold front will bring a temporary chill, it also offers comfortable conditions for exploring Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom without the usual Florida heat.
What are your plans for cooler days at the Walt Disney World Resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!
