ORLANDO, Fla. — Today's weather word could be layering as a blast of cold hits Central Florida, especially its theme parks.

SeaWorld, Universal, and Disney have all shut down their water parks for a couple of days while the cold weather moves through.

For the locals it may be hard to imagine making a splash in late November, but these parks are still a big draw for tourists with more than 2 million visitors combined last year.

Seaworld's Aquatica and Universal's Volcano Bay will both be closed again on Wednesday as Disney says it will keep Typhoon Lagoon closed through Thursday.

Their second water park Blizzard Beach is already closed for annual refurbishment projects. 

Besides theme parks, another big thing that is being watched is electricity demand.

Orlando Utilities says it is prepared for a surge in power use. It is encouraging people to set thermostats at 68 degrees and to keep in mind that every degree above that can raise the electric bill by 4 to 6 percent.

Other quick tips: Open your blinds during the day to let the sun in and then close your blinds at night.

Run your ceiling fan clockwise to force warm air toward the floor and never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

Winter home fires account for 30 percent of all fire deaths.

— Greg Angel

Orlando Union Rescue Mission Opens Doors As Temps Drop

Moreover, others have battled the cold as the Orlando Union Rescue Mission was open Tuesday night as temperatures dipped below 40 degrees in Orlando.

Otis Williams got out of the cold Tuesday.

"I thank God they are able to open up so we can come in and stay out the cold weather," said Williams.

Williams is from Alabama and he came to Florida in August. He has been trying to find work.

"The labor pool if I can, handyman work, and/or mechanic work when I find work I can pay for a motel or I can get somewhere stable," said Williams.

Williams said the last couple of days have been tough and he had to sleep out in the streets.

"I don't want to be on the streets here," said Williams.

Others like Williams plan to take advantage of the Orlando Union Rescue Mission during the cold days this week.

Orlando Union Rescue Mission plans to be open again at 9 p.m. Wednesday for anyone needing a warm place to stay.

— Matt Fernandez