It was not that long ago that the summer was a slow season for Florida's theme parks.
Orlando may not be as hot as South Florida, but the summer in Central Florida can bring an unpleasant mix of heat and humidity.
In recent years, however, demand for Disney World and Universal Studios tickets during the school-vacation periods has pushed prices very high at those times of year.
It's not just theme-park tickets either. Airfares are also high during the holidays, spring break, and pretty much any time kids are out of school.
Prices may not be the only factor, but in recent years. the summer has been as busy as any other time of year at Walt Disney's (DIS) -) and Universal Studios. That has fallen off a bit this summer as Disney reported smaller-than-usual crowds over the 4th of July weekend while Comcast (CMCSA) -) noted in its earnings call that demand had softened at its theme parks this summer.
Some of the blame/credit for Disney's slowdown has gone to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has made the company a top target in his so-called War on Woke.
The right-wing candidate for president went after his state's largest tourism driver after former Disney CEO Bob Chapek publicly spoke out against his legislation commonly known as the Don't Say Gay bill.
And while DeSantis's actions may be hurting Disney World in minor ways, something worse might be making all Florida theme parks a less attractive tourist destination this summer -- the temperature.
Image source: Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World Resort via Getty Images
Central Florida Issues First-Ever Heat Warning
Lost in the DeSantis-driven rhetoric over Disney's unexpectedly slow 4th of July was that the holiday weekend was especially hot. That may not keep tourists from visiting, but it absolutely can deter locals and annual-pass holders.
Now, that heat appears to have taken a turn for the worse as a local meteorologist said that both companies' theme parks have experienced a first-ever weather event that's not likely to encourage visitors.
"For the first time, the Orlando metro and our beaches are under excessive-heat warnings. More dangerous heat today friends," Eric Burris, meteorologist at WESH, reported on X (formerly Twitter).
The excessive-heat warning covers Orange County, which includes the Walt Disney World theme parks, and it was in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 9. The counties south of Orange County in Florida have had excessive-heat warnings on multiple days in August.
Orlando's heat index, the "feels like" figure, topped 110 degrees. When that happens, it's literally not safe to be outdoors.
"The heat is nothing short of oppressive, and the National Weather Service recommends frequent indoor rest breaks if heading outdoors, and to stay well-hydrated," BlogMickey reported.
Both Disney World and Universal Studios have line queues where wait times exceed an hour and the lines have little or no shade.
Both theme-park companies offer free water at their parks, and the National Weather Service literally recommends that people stay indoors in an air-conditioned room when temperatures reach these heights.
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