Florida's Theme Park Magic Meets a Deep Freeze: Icicles Drape Disney and Universal in Rare Winter Scene

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Sunshine State lived up to its name in brightness but not in warmth this past weekend, as a severe Arctic front plunged temperatures to record lows, casting an unusual frosty spell over Central Florida's world-famous theme parks. Visitors to Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort encountered a surreal winter wonderland, complete with frozen fountains and glistening icicles adorning attractions.

Photographs and videos circulating online documented the unusual phenomena. At Disney World, the misters along the Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom stood still, encased in ice, while elegant icicles hung from the fountain at the France Pavilion's Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in Epcot. Across town at Universal Orlando, the spectacle extended to its highly anticipated new park, Epic Universe. The Mario Fountain at the entrance to Super Nintendo World and the Isle of Berk fountain began to freeze, with perhaps the most striking image being thick icicles descending from the iconic rotating globe at Universal Studios Florida.

The National Weather Service had issued freeze warnings and cold weather advisories for Orange and Osceola counties, where the parks are located. Orlando's temperature dipped to 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-4°C) on Sunday, challenging historical records for early February.

In response to the prolonged chill, Universal Orlando announced a multi-day closure of its water park, Volcano Bay, citing "inclement weather" for Monday and Tuesday, followed by previously scheduled maintenance days. Disney World remained open, with guests bundling up to experience the parks under rare crystalline conditions.

While brief winter chills are not unheard of in Florida, the intensity and visual impact of this cold snap—transforming the meticulously crafted, often tropical settings of these parks—provided a stark reminder of broader weather pattern volatility. Operational resilience is immediately tested, from protecting water features and flora to managing guest comfort in queues designed for warmer climates.

Visitor Reactions: A Chilly Novelty or a Disappointment?

We spoke to a few park-goers and locals about the unusual conditions:

Michael Torres, 42, Tourist from Chicago: "It's a fascinating sight. We came for sunshine, but seeing Cinderella's Castle with ice formations in the foreground is a unique story to tell. The parks have a different, quiet kind of magic in this weather."

Sarah Chen, 35, Annual Pass Holder from Orlando: "It's inconvenient for sure—you pack for Florida weather and end up needing your heaviest coat. But it's also a rare photographic opportunity. The frozen fountains at Epcot are strangely beautiful."

David Miller, 58, Retired Engineer from Tampa: "This is what happens when we ignore the larger climate signals. These parks are engineered for Florida heat, not arctic blasts. It's a waste of energy and resources to keep everything running, and it disrupts the vacation people paid a fortune for. They should offer more compensation for the experience being so fundamentally altered." [More emotional/pointed critique]

Priya Sharma, 29, Travel Blogger: "The operational response is key. Seeing Universal proactively close Volcano Bay for safety is responsible. It shows adaptation in real-time. For content creators, this unexpected weather has generated incredible, once-in-a-decade visuals."

Source: National Weather Service advisories, park statements, and eyewitness accounts. Original reporting contributed by People.