"UNBEARABLE": Orlando Theme Park Blames Attendance Drops on Extreme Heat

There is no question about it, the Orlando theme parks can get pretty unbearable during the hot summer months. While the average highs during the summer months are in the low 90s, the heat index can make the temperature feel like it is well over 100 degrees.

Magic Kingdom

Combine the high heat with lots of walking around and pushing your body to see and do as much as possible, you can probably see how the heat can have a negative consequence for theme parks.

Orlando boasts numerous theme parks including Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando. All of them are feeling the impacts of extreme heat and taking measures to make the parks more bearable for both guests and employees during the summer months. While we have all probably been hoping for Disney to develop a weather dome that can provide air-conditioning for the whole park, we know that most likely won’t be happening anytime soon. But, how big of an impact could the extreme heat have on the theme parks?

EPCOT

Florida Politics spent months obtaining public records and speaking to a number of key players to better understand how heat has affected the theme parks in Orlando. We know first-hand just how HOT the theme parks can get in the summer and the effect it can have on your days in the parks. According to Florida Politics, there were OVER 400 heat-related 911 calls at Disney World during the four months of summer.

Animal Kingdom

The CEO of SeaWorld Orlando stated that the “weather was a very significant factor” in their attendance numbers. In the summer of 2023, attendance at SeaWorld Orlando fell by 3%. The company attributes this decline in attendance to the weather including extreme heat and rain.

©SeaWorld Orlando

All of the Orlando area theme parks have been forced to find ways to protect employees and guests from the extreme heat. The theme parks have been building air-conditioned queues for new attractions and providing more shade throughout the parks. SeaWorld noted that they have been focusing on building more indoor shows and providing drink options that can be refilled for cheaper.

Journey to Atlantis

As well, Disney gives out free iced water to guests and has first aid centers for guests to use. Disney designs Cast Member costumes out of breathable materials and is committed to protecting Cast Members from heat-related issues. Florida Politics also noted that Universal is also taking measures to protect people from the high heat. At Epic Universe, Celestial Park will feature about 1,500 trees to help provide shade in the area.

Universal Orlando

State Representative Anna Eskamani told Florida Politics that she worries that the extreme heat may have an impact on theme park attendance. The theme parks are a huge part of Orlando’s economy, and the unbearable heat could result in a reduction in visitors during the summer months.

Universal Studios

We write A LOT about strategies for Disney World during the hot summer months. We know that the weather can have a huge impact on your trip, and we want to make sure you are prepared if you are heading to Disney World in the summer. Yes, it will be hot. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time still; you just want to manage your expectations! Plan for LOTS of breaks indoors and try to hit the attractions and shows that are indoors during the hottest part of the day. Give your body plenty of time to rest and head into the stores on your way for some wonderful AC. And it can never hurt to build in a day or two for a resort day and some pool time! Of course, make sure you are staying hydrated as well!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news!

Find out if necks fans or cooling towels are better for beating the heat at Disney World!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Have you been to the theme parks in the summer? Let us know about your experience in the comments!