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Chilly Blast Hits Walt Disney World With Temps Lower Than The UK

By Helen
A marching band in front of Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World
Cold in Magic Kingdom

A rare cold front is sweeping through central Florida this week and for UK families heading to Walt Disney World to escape the first signs of a UK winter, it’s going to mean keeping those jumpers on for just a little longer. Meanwhile, here in the UK the weather isn’t exactly tropical, but it’s actually going to be warmer here than in Orlando, especially on Tuesday morning.

What's Happening With Florida’s Weather

While November in Florida usually means mild, park-perfect weather, this week's cold front is bringing an early taste of winter. Weather channels are reporting that these cold temperatures could be record breaking.

Orlando is forecast to drop to around 37°F (3°C) early Tuesday morning, with wind chills making it feel closer to 28°F (-2°C). Weather forecasters are saying that daytime temperatures will also struggle to reach 59°F (15°C); one of the coldest November readings in decades.

According to WESH 2, gusty winds are also forecast. This will make the parks feel particularly brisk, especially in open areas like EPCOT's World Showcase Lagoon.

Here’s the forecast:

It's feeling colder than the UK in Florida!

North and west of Orlando, frost and even light freeze warnings are in effect.

The last time the city saw similar cold was January 2025, when it hit 38°F.

It's so chilly in fact, that iguanas are falling from trees again. The Guardian reports that the sudden temperature drop is causing cold-blooded reptiles to lose mobility, a strange but true sign that the Sunshine State is shivering.

How It Affects Disney Guests

If you're heading to Walt Disney World this week, plan for it to feel far from tropical:

  • Pack layers. Mornings and evenings will be near freezing, but afternoons should warm slightly.

  • Bring gloves and hats if you plan to rope-drop the parks or stay out for fireworks.

  • Consider indoor attractions first. Rides like Spaceship Earth and Haunted Mansion provide welcome warmth between outdoor strolls.

  • Resist the merch trap. Disney has some very nice jackets and spirit jerseys but you can get some warmer layers for a fraction of the price from places like Walmart or Target.

How It Compares to the UK This Week

Back home, the UK isn't escaping the chill either. The BBC Weather forecast shows highs of 10-14°C (50-56°F) with overnight lows dipping to 3-8°C (37-47°F).

Rain and brisk winds will make parts of the country feel even cooler, though not quite as cool as Orlando's potentially record-breaking lows. Even Disneyland Paris might be a warmer option!

So, while you might expect Florida sunshine as a break from Britain's grey skies, travellers this week could find both ends of the journey equally brisk.

What UK Travellers Should Know

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is closed all day Tuesday due to low temperatures. This is not unusual, and is protocol when temperatures get too low.

Don't skip sunscreen, even on cold days; the Florida sun can burn quickly.

Some rollercoasters may not be operational first thing, so probably not the best day to rope drop if you are looking for those outdoor thrill rides. With that said, people will be put off by the cold. If you do choose to rope drop, head to the indoor attractions first.

The cold front is expected to be brief, and temperatures will warm up as the week progresses. Frost is still expected on Wednesday and lower than usual temperatures on Tuesday night.

The Magic in a Minute

Florida's coldest air in months has blown right into Walt Disney World, so if you're visiting from the UK this week pack those jumpers and scarves. The magic's still there; it's just a bit colder than usual.

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