Disney World is in the midst of a landscaping cleanup after a historic cold outbreak in late January 2026. The extreme temperatures caused significant damage to the tropical and subtropical plants across the property, particularly at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The horticulture teams are working tirelessly to assess the damage and restore the beautiful landscapes. With dead plants being removed and damaged vegetation cut back for regrowth, the recovery process is well underway. But here's where it gets controversial... While many plants will survive, the extreme cold has left some plants vulnerable and in need of careful attention. The extreme cold outbreak in late January brought unprecedented conditions to Central Florida, with temperatures dropping to the mid-to-upper 20s and wind chills reaching single digits. This freeze was the coldest the region has experienced since 2010, and the extended duration of freezing temperatures proved particularly damaging to tropical and subtropical plants. The horticulture teams are working systematically across the property to assess the damage and remove dead vegetation. The current work includes cutting back dead foliage to ground level, removing completely dead plants, pruning damaged palms, clearing away dead fronds and branches, and assessing which plants will regenerate. The recovery process will take time as plants slowly regenerate from their root systems. And this is the part most people miss... The 16-year gap between extreme freezes of this magnitude means many plants installed after 2010 had never experienced such cold. Younger, less-established plants were particularly vulnerable. So, what do you think? Do you think Disney World's landscaping cleanup is enough to restore the beauty of the parks? Or do you think more needs to be done to protect the plants from future extreme weather events? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
