Disney World Faces a Sudden Freeze, Leaving Guests Scrambling to Escape

Walt Disney World Resort has experienced some wacky weather patterns in the last few months. Temperatures have ranged from the low 30s to the low 80s, with “real feel” as low as the high teens. From disabling fog to ice-cold rain, weather conditions have significantly impacted countless visits to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The Sunshine State hasn’t been very sunny!

January, February, and March are typically less busy times at the Central Florida Disney parks, except for public school holiday weeks and athletic competitions, which bring occasional crowds. So, for those who have never experienced a day at Walt Disney World Resort in freezing, cold weather, Disney Dining wanted to share the magic of a chilly day at Magic Kingdom Park with these photos!

What Do Guests Wear in Cold Weather at Disney World?

Theme park attire looks a lot different when it feels like 20 degrees! Guests wear puffer coats, hats, and gloves into Magic Kingdom Park. Shops around the park sell plain black beanies and gloves, as well as more expensive, Disney-themed cold-weather gear.

During the winter, Central Florida weather fluctuates so much that you might need to pack a pair of shorts and a parka in your suitcase…for the same trip!

Attraction Access

Attraction wait times are much shorter as locals avoid visiting Walt Disney World Resort in the rainy, cold weather. A member of the Disney Dining team was able to sign up for a Virtual Queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure more than two hours after it opened–no one wanted to get wetter than they already were! (Note: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has since switched to a standby line, no longer offering a Virtual Queue.)

Unfortunately for those willing to brave Tiana’s Bayou Adventure that day, three of the ride’s animatronics were malfunctioning. It’s unclear if the icy cold, wet weather impacted the Walt Disney World Resort attractions.

Disney Snacks and Reservation Availability

Like ride lines, snack lines are much shorter throughout Magic Kingdom Park when it’s cold. Mobile Ordering time slots are widely available, and many Table Service restaurants have walk-up availability. Though it might seem too chilly for a frozen treat, colder days give guests the rare opportunity to enjoy their Dole Whips before they melt!

Disney Dining visited in January, and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover experience, which usually books months in advance, had walk-up availability throughout the day.

Entertainment Changes

When it’s too rainy, regardless of temperature, Magic Kingdom Park doesn’t perform its Festival of Fantasy Parade. Instead, it offers a shorter Rainy Day Cavalcade. While this might be disappointing, it’s much easier to walk up a few minutes beforehand and get a viewing spot instead of waiting an hour on the hot pavement!

Some Disney characters and dancers walk down the parade path from Frontierland, through Liberty Square, and down Main Street, U.S.A. Others ride and wave at guests from the Main Street Vehicles!

Happily Ever After can be impacted by inclement weather, but Walt Disney World Resort does its best to put on the iconic fireworks show every night. On cold nights, guests bundle up and drink hot chocolate while waiting in front of Cinderella Castle or on Main Street, U.S.A. Most guests walk up to claim a spot for the fireworks much later than they would on a hot summer day. This gives you more time to enjoy attractions and other experiences throughout Magic Kingdom Park before ending your day with Happily Ever After!

Heading “Home”

After a long, freezing day at Magic Kingdom Park, waiting for a bus, ferry, or Monorail in the cold can be exhausting. However, Disney cast members work hard to fit as many guests as possible into each boarding group to maximize every vehicle’s efficiency. As soon as a bus or Monorail departs, it’s only a moment before another arrives!

To avoid a lengthy wait, consider hopping on one last ride or doing some shopping after Happily Ever After. As most guests rush out of Magic Kingdom Park, you can enjoy 30 minutes or so of extra magic and walk up to a much shorter line for your chosen transportation method.

You’re probably not going to want to hop in the pool when you arrive back at your Disney Resort hotel…but the cold weather makes for some fun photo opportunities! A Disney Dining team member captured this photo of steam rising off the Hippy Dippy Pool at Disney’s Pop Century Resort when the temperature was around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a hot chocolate and your camera, and go for a stroll!

Disney Resort hotels organize activities for guests when the pools are closed due to inclement weather. These include pin trading, random character encounters, dance parties, and more.

Is Disney World Worth it in the Cold Weather?

January, February, and March are some of the best times to visit Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. But with such unpredictable weather, is it worth planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation during those months to avoid crowds?

Only you can make the best decision for your family. But after our recent visit, this Disney Dining team member says a cold, rainy day at Magic Kingdom Park is a magical experience we’ll never forget!

What’s the worst weather you’ve experienced at Walt Disney World Resort? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments!