As winter settles in across the nation, Florida is experiencing an unprecedented cold snap that has caught many off guard, including those planning to visit popular theme parks like Walt Disney World. This weekend, temperatures are predicted to plummet to levels not seen in over a decade, with Orlando set to feel the chill more than ever before.
A cold front is set to sweep through Florida starting on Saturday and lingering through Sunday and Monday, bringing lows in the mid-20s to Orlando, well below freezing. According to The Weather Channel, the last time Orlando experienced temperatures below 25 degrees was over a decade ago, in December 2010.
If the forecasted temperatures materialize, it will mark the coldest Orlando has been in over 15 years, potentially even bringing the rare sight of snow to the sunny state. The National Weather Service has issued both a Freeze Watch and an Extreme Cold Watch for Orlando from January 31 to February 1, putting residents and visitors on alert.
The unseasonably cold weather has already impacted plans for theme park enthusiasts in Florida, with Walt Disney World taking the precautionary step of closing its water park, Typhoon Lagoon, on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. This decision comes after the park closed earlier this month due to low temperatures, but this time around, the mercury is even lower.
As of now, Universal Orlando’s water park, Volcano Bay, is still scheduled to remain open during the cold snap, although this could change depending on the weather conditions. Guests planning to visit theme parks like Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT at Disney World, as well as Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe, should bundle up to stay warm while still enjoying their visit.
In the midst of this unexpected cold front, Florida visitors may find themselves having a unique and chilly theme park experience, one that requires a bit more layering than the typical sunny days the state is known for. As they navigate the frosty weather, guests can still revel in the magic of these iconic attractions, even if they have to do so while clutching a hot cocoa to keep warm.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.