Walt Disney World Resort is preparing for a notable operational shift, confirming that one of its water parks will temporarily close as part of its annual refurbishment cycle. The update means guests visiting in late winter and early spring will see a different lineup than they might expect during peak summer months.
Disney has announced that Blizzard Beach will reopen in mid-February following its seasonal maintenance period. At the same time, Typhoon Lagoon will close on February 15 for its own refurbishment, leaving Blizzard Beach as the only operating water park at Walt Disney World from mid-February through early May.
This rotating schedule is nothing new for Central Florida locals or longtime Disney guests. The resort has historically alternated closures between its two water parks to ensure at least one remains available throughout the year. Still, the change can significantly impact vacation planning, especially for families visiting during spring break who may have hoped to choose between both destinations.
Guests planning trips in March and April will want to pay close attention to park calendars before finalizing their itineraries. With Blizzard Beach serving as the sole water park during this window, capacity and availability could become more limited during high-demand weeks.
Typhoon Lagoon has already experienced intermittent weather-related closures this winter as cooler temperatures and fluctuating conditions moved through Central Florida. Even seasoned visitors sometimes forget that Florida’s winter months can affect outdoor attractions, particularly water-based experiences.
The good news for summer travelers is that this single-park period will not last. Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed that Typhoon Lagoon is set to reopen on May 12, and Blizzard Beach will remain open at that time. When summer crowds arrive, both water parks will once again operate simultaneously, restoring the full range of aquatic offerings.
This return to dual water park operations only resumed last year. Prior to that, all six Walt Disney World theme parks had not operated together since 2019. In a strategic move that caught the attention of theme park fans, Disney Experiences reinstated the full lineup just one day before Universal Epic Universe opened at Universal Orlando Resort.
In addition to reopening both water parks for the busy season, Disney is also reviving a guest-favorite benefit for select visitors.
“Guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel between May 26 and September 8, 2026, can enjoy free admission to one of the Walt Disney World water parks on their check-in day,” Disney Parks Blog wrote at the start of the year.
With ticket prices and vacation packages continuing to rise, complimentary offerings like this may provide some relief for families budgeting carefully for their trips.
For now, guests visiting between mid-February and early May will need to plan around Blizzard Beach as their only water park option. Whether that means adjusting expectations or simply embracing the snow-capped slides and lazy river for a full day of fun, preparation will be essential.
How do you feel about the water parks no longer being open at the same time year-round? Let us know in the comments down below!
