You’re standing in line for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and suddenly, you realize you can’t feel your toes. It’s Florida, right? The land of eternal sunshine and melting Mickey Bars. Well, not today. If you’re looking at the weather at Walt Disney World today, Monday, January 12, 2026, you’re dealing with a Central Florida curveball that catches thousands of tourists off guard every single year.
It’s chilly. Actually, it's downright cold for some.
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While the afternoon might hit a peak of around 70°F, the morning started in the low 50s, and a massive cold front is currently screaming down the Florida peninsula. This isn't just a "wear a t-shirt" kind of day. Honestly, if you didn’t bring a hoodie, you’re probably about to contribute to Disney's record-breaking sweatshirt sales at the Emporium.
The Cold Reality of Today's Forecast
The sky is mostly cloudy, and there’s a biting wind coming from the north at about 9 or 10 mph. That doesn't sound like much until you’re sitting on a moving boat in the middle of Seven Seas Lagoon.
Here is the breakdown of what the weather at Walt Disney World today actually looks like on the ground:
- Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Hovering between 52°F and 58°F. It feels damp because of the high humidity (around 89%).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Creeping up to that 70°F high. This is the "sweet spot," but the clouds are keeping the sun from warming you up properly.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Dropping back into the 50s fast. By the time the fireworks start, you'll want gloves. No, seriously.
Disney has already pulled the trigger on some major changes. Typhoon Lagoon is closed today. In fact, it’s closed for the next five days. They don't do that unless the "feels-like" temperature is projected to stay below their operating safety thresholds for water parks. Since Blizzard Beach is also down for its annual refurbishment, there is officially zero water park action available at the resort until at least Saturday, January 17.
Why Mid-January Weather is a Trap
People see "Florida" and pack shorts. Big mistake. Huge.
The humidity in Orlando acts as a conductor. In the summer, it conducts heat into your skin, making 90 degrees feel like 105. In the winter, it conducts the heat away from your body. A 50-degree morning in Orlando feels significantly more "bone-chilling" than a 50-degree morning in a dry climate like Arizona or even a crisp day in New England.
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We are also in the middle of a weird transition week. Yesterday was warmer, but this morning's cold front is the precursor to a "Weather Alert Day" coming later this week. Forecasters like those at WFTV Channel 9 are already warning of a hard freeze hitting the outskirts of Orlando by Friday.
If you are in the parks today, you’re seeing the beginning of this plunge.
What’s Closing and What’s Not
Rain isn't the big threat today—the chance of precipitation is only about 10%—so you don't need to worry about the "3:00 PM shower" that ruins summer trips. However, wind and temperature do affect things.
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- Outdoor Shows: Most stage shows like "Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire" will run, but performers might be in their winter variations of costumes.
- The Skyliner: High winds are the enemy here. With gusts expected to pick up as the front moves in, don't be surprised if the Skyliner pauses for "technical reasons." Always have a bus backup.
- Animal Kingdom: The animals are actually more active in this weather! They aren't hiding from the sun, so the Kilimanjaro Safaris might be better than usual today.
What You Should Be Wearing Right Now
If you're heading out the door of your resort, stop. Go back. Grab the jacket.
Layering is the only way to survive the weather at Walt Disney World today. You need a base layer (t-shirt), a middle layer (fleece or hoodie), and a wind-resistant outer shell if you have it. You’ll be stripping the hoodie off around 2:00 PM, but you’ll be desperately putting it back on the moment the sun dips behind the Tree of Life.
Many guests assume that because they are "walking a lot," they will stay warm. You won't. You spend 60% of your day standing still in lines or sitting on slow-moving dark rides. Your heart rate isn't high enough to keep your core temp up when it's 55 degrees and breezy.
The EPCOT Factor
If you’re heading to EPCOT for the start of the week, keep in mind that the World Showcase is essentially a giant wind tunnel around a lake. There is very little "indoors" when you're trekking from Mexico to Canada. The wind coming off the lagoon makes it feel about 5 degrees colder than it does in the Magic Kingdom.
Actionable Tips for Today’s Weather
- Rent a Locker: Don't carry your heavy coats all day. Pay the $10 for a locker at the front of the park. Drop the heavy stuff at noon and pick it up at 5:00 PM.
- Prioritize Indoor Queues: If it gets too breezy, head for attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, or Rise of the Resistance. These have largely indoor or sheltered lines.
- Hot Chocolate over Dole Whip: This is one of the few days a year where the hot chocolate at the Joffrey’s stands is actually a better value than a cold treat.
- Check the App for Water Park Status: Even though the closure is slated for five days, Disney occasionally re-evaluates. But for today, January 12, don't even bother putting the swimsuit in your day bag.
Basically, enjoy the lower crowds. Mid-January is usually "moderate" in terms of attendance because the Marathon Weekend just ended and MLK Day hasn't arrived yet. The cold keeps the locals away, which means shorter lines for you if you can just handle the chill.
Go to the front desk or check the My Disney Experience app to see if any specific outdoor entertainment has been shifted due to the wind. Otherwise, stay dry, stay layered, and remember that a "chilly" day at Disney is still better than a sunny day at the office.
Watch the wind speeds if you're planning on riding the ferryboat back to the Transportation and Ticket Center; the monorail is the warmer, more shielded bet for tonight.