Spring break has brought a wave of visitors to Florida, and Walt Disney World Resort is feeling the impact. With Orlando International Airport bustling and parks hitting capacity, it’s clear that tourists have flocked to the Sunshine State in droves. Over the weekend, some Disney guests found themselves unexpectedly turned away when Blizzard Beach Water Park reached its limit.
Despite Disney World’s sprawling size, which includes four major theme parks and a water park, the seasonal surge overwhelmed operations. From EPCOT’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to Animal Kingdom’s World of Pandora, guests were met with excitement — but also challenges — during their visit.
This year has seen plenty of change at Walt Disney World, with closures and upgrades underway across the property. Frontierland at Magic Kingdom is set for redevelopment, while Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A. is being transformed. Additionally, Hollywood Studios is preparing for closures to make room for a Monstropolis-inspired area. One long-standing attraction, “It’s Tough to be a Bug!”, recently closed for good.
In addition to its main parks, Disney World operates two water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Since pandemic closures in 2020, the two parks have alternated seasons. Currently, Blizzard Beach is open, while Typhoon Lagoon will return on May 1, 2025.
This reopening follows Blizzard Beach’s 30th anniversary in April, after which the park will close once again. While Disney has maintained this alternating schedule for several years, some guests are beginning to feel the strain on operations.
To help manage crowds, Blizzard Beach extended its operating hours to 6 p.m., an hour later than usual. Even so, the demand was intense enough that non-resort guests were turned away over the weekend. Overflow parking was directed to nearby resorts, including Coronado Springs and Animal Kingdom.
Disappointed guests turned to social media to share their experiences. @JamesIaniro expressed frustration, writing:
“Wow… @DisneyParks @WaltDisneyWorld really needs to have both waterworks open right now…. Right now Blizzard beach is only open for resort guests. Non resort guest? They are turning you away.”
Similarly, @ChrisCJRobinson voiced concerns:
“@DisneyParks @WaltDisneyWorld
Let me get this straight.
Blizzard Beach closed and denied entry to people who paid to go but allowed entry to people who got to visit for free?
If only both water parks were open so that everyone who wanted to visit a water park, could.”
Another user, @TheLeisureProf, attributed some of the crowd issues to a recently announced resort perk:
“So that free water park ticket on the day of resort check-in is WAY more popular than I ever expected.. haven’t seen the water parks this busy in YEARS.
The upside is we should see improved food/beverage items and availability because the food spots were SLAMMED.”
This new benefit, shared by Disney Parks Blog last February, will allow Disney Resort hotel guests to enjoy complimentary admission to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon on their check-in day starting in 2025. As Disney Parks Blog explained:
“Disney Resort hotel guests arriving in 2025 can enjoy admission to one of our water parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, on their check-in day – included in their stay.”
“The fun can start on day one at a Disney water park when you stay in the Disney Resorts Collection! And, yes, to all the Disney Vacation Club Members, Annual Passholders, and cast members, you can enjoy this benefit on check-in day for your Disney Resort hotel stay, too!”
With limited water park access, increased spring break traffic, and the popularity of this upcoming perk, Blizzard Beach’s capacity struggles were almost inevitable. The question remains–will Disney adjust its plans to better accommodate the crowds moving forward?
How do you feel about this restricted access at Disney World? Let us know in the comments down below!
