Walt Disney World has been rolling out plenty of updates heading into 2026, but not every major change comes with a big announcement. Some of the most disruptive shifts happen quietly, and guests don’t always realize what’s changed until they’re already on property trying to start their vacation.
That’s exactly what’s happening right now with Disney’s water parks.
As of February 15, 2026, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is officially closed for seasonal refurbishment, while Blizzard Beach has reopened. Disney has long rotated its water parks this way, but the timing is creating a real check-in day planning issue for resort guests who build their arrival day around water park time.
Why This Feels Like a Check-In Change
Many Disney resort guests don’t treat check-in day like a normal vacation day. It’s often the day you arrive early, drop your bags, and try to squeeze in something fun before your room is ready.
For a lot of families, that “something fun” is a water park.
Even if guests aren’t using a special ticket offer, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are popular choices on arrival day because they’re lower stress than a theme park. There’s no pressure to race from ride to ride, and it feels like a relaxing way to kick off a Disney trip.
But now, that tradition has been forced to change.
With Typhoon Lagoon closed, guests who planned to spend check-in day there now have to adjust their itinerary around Blizzard Beach instead.
The Free Water Park Perk Isn’t Active Yet
One important detail is that Disney’s free water park admission perk for resort guests is not currently active.
Disney’s offer applies to 2026 trips from May 26 through September 8. That means guests visiting right now are not receiving free water park admission as part of that promotion.
However, the closure still matters because guests still plan water parks into their arrival day schedule, even without the free perk.
When Typhoon Lagoon Will Reopen
Disney has announced that Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to reopen on May 12, 2026. That means Blizzard Beach will be the only operating water park for the rest of winter and the entire spring travel season.
This also includes spring break, when crowds can spike quickly. With only one water park available, Blizzard Beach could see heavier demand than guests are used to.
What Guests Should Do Now
If you’re staying at a Disney resort in the coming weeks, you’ll want to plan your check-in day carefully. Double-check Blizzard Beach hours, be prepared for weather-related closures, and pack swimsuits in a bag you can access easily.
For now, guests should treat Blizzard Beach as the default water park for early 2026. If Typhoon Lagoon is a must-do, the only solution is planning your trip for after May 12.
It’s a simple operational shift, but it’s already changing how Disney vacations begin this year.
