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After Christmas Rush, Disney World Could Lock Gates to Theme Park

As Walt Disney World Resort moves beyond the peak holiday period, the focus is shifting to a mix of long-range planning and short-term variables that could influence guest experiences in the weeks ahead. While Disney has rolled out updates tied to its water parks for the upcoming year, changing weather patterns may play an unexpected role as Central Florida approaches the New Year.

Disney recently confirmed that the Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass will return for the 2025–2026 season, offering guests repeat access to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach through May 9, 2026. The pass is designed as a lower-cost alternative to purchasing single-day tickets and includes just one blockout period, scheduled from March 28 through April 5, 2026. Pricing begins at $89 for adults and $83 for children.

A man goes down the slide at Blizzard Beach
Credit: Disney

In addition to standard water park admission, the Seasonal Pass includes several added benefits. Guests can receive a 20% discount on same-day cabana rentals at both water parks, including Polar Patios at Blizzard Beach and Beachcomber Shacks at Typhoon Lagoon.

These discounts are available on a walk-up basis only and are subject to availability. Passholders also receive one complimentary round of mini golf, valid before 4 p.m. at either Winter Summerland Miniature Golf or Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf. This benefit can be redeemed at any point during the pass’s validity period.

Disney also outlined its seasonal water park schedule as part of the announcement. Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to close for the season on February 14, 2026. Blizzard Beach is set to reopen the following day on February 15, continuing Disney’s rotating approach to water park operations. The Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass is now available for purchase through Walt Disney World’s Special Offers page, with options to buy online, by phone, or in person.

Overview of Typhoon Lagoon, a Disney World park in Orlando, Florida.
Credit: Disney

Although Typhoon Lagoon’s February closure is confirmed, Disney may have already hinted at when the park could reopen. The resort has maintained a one-open, one-closed model for much of the year, though that approach has shown flexibility. During the summer of 2025, Disney reopened both water parks at the same time, marking the first instance of dual operation since 2019.

While water park plans appear set, weather conditions remain less predictable. According to Click Orlando, Central Florida is expected to shift from the warm, dry conditions experienced during Christmas week to a cooler and windier pattern toward the end of December.

“While the immediate Christmas period will be warm and dry, models show the potential for a surge of polar and Arctic air to push south towards the end of December,” the outlet reports.

Olaf and Snowgies at Blizzard Beach
Credit: Disney

Similar conditions last year led to multiple closures at Blizzard Beach, often occurring on consecutive days. In recent weeks, Typhoon Lagoon has also closed due to weather, including during Thanksgiving weekend.

“Right now, confidence is slowly growing surrounding the possibility of a cold front around Dec. 29 – 31,” the report adds, noting the chance of below-average temperatures and rainfall. Some uncertainty remains regarding the timing and strength of the system.

At this time, Disney has not announced any plans to close its theme parks, though guests are encouraged to check operating hours for updates.

How do you feel about the potential New Year disruption? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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