Disney Guests Warn of Burned Feet, Peeling Skin at Water Park During Extreme Heat Advisory

It’s hot, and not in the fun Florida-summer way. Guests heading to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon this week may want to think twice before ditching their flip-flops at the locker station. As temperatures climb into the high 90s with heat indexes soaring past 110°F, multiple families are now warning others of a surprising and painful oversight: walking barefoot on the pavement.

One Reddit user issued a blunt warning after a recent visit, sharing that their family used Disney’s complimentary water park admission included on the day of check-in for resort guests—a popular perk for those looking to cool off. But the experience took a painful turn.

“It was super fun,” the guest wrote, “but please be sure to pack water shoes of some sort because the pavement was so hot we all burnt our feet horribly! So burnt that it was hard to walk our whole trip and the skin is peeling.”

The post has drawn widespread attention from fellow Disney visitors, especially those who’ve experienced similar issues.

Disney’s Free Water Park Perk: A Popular But Risky Relief from the Heat

For guests staying at Disney resorts, complimentary water park access on the day of check-in has long been a welcomed bonus. Especially during high crowd seasons, heading straight to Typhoon Lagoon can be a great way to kick off a vacation and beat the heat—at least, in theory.

But in the middle of a severe and prolonged heatwave like the one currently impacting Central Florida, even walking from the lazy river to a lounge chair can be hazardous.

What Guests Are Saying

Several commenters on the thread shared that they too were caught off guard by the surface temperatures at the water park:

• “I dressed everyone in flip-flops and we stuffed them in our locker when we arrived… we all took like 8 steps and then turned around and went back for them.”

• “Last summer I bought water shoes for my boyfriend… he said ‘I’m not wearing those.’ Three minutes later, he went back to go get them.”

Others commented on seeing children and adults walking barefoot between attractions and being shocked at how hot the walkways were.

Some even said the experience changed the way they pack for every trip going forward: “This is how I started wearing Crocs.”

Heat Risk Is No Joke This Week

The warnings come as Central Florida remains under a significant heat advisory. According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, a “Major to Extreme HeatRisk” alert is in effect through at least Friday, with real-feel temperatures expected to climb between 106°F and 112°F during peak afternoon hours.

• Forecasted highs: 99°F Monday through Wednesday

• Heat index values: Up to 112°F

• Heat advisory active: 12 PM to 7 PM (July 28)

These conditions not only pose risks to vulnerable populations like children and older adults—but as these guests are now reporting—also increase the danger of heat-related injuries like burns on exposed skin, including the soles of your feet.

Tips for Staying Safe at Disney’s Water Parks This Week

If you’re planning to take advantage of Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach during your stay, be sure to bring the following:

• Water shoes or non-slip sandals: Wear them between attractions and even in line for slides.

• Lightweight towels or mats: Use them under your feet while waiting near wave pools or in dry zones.

• Extra sunscreen: Heat-damaged feet aren’t the only risk—sunburn is a serious concern this week.

• Stay hydrated and take shade breaks: Heat illness can come on fast in these conditions.

Disney Has Not Issued a Specific Warning About Hot Pavement

As of now, Disney does not appear to have issued any formal warning about the condition of pavement in the water parks, but guests are taking matters into their own hands by alerting others through community threads, blogs, and forums.

While many visitors love the immersive design of Typhoon Lagoon, which is meant to replicate a tropical beach setting, that same theming may contribute to guests underestimating just how hot concrete can get under the blazing Florida sun.

Bottom Line

If you’re heading to Walt Disney World this week and planning a splash day at Typhoon Lagoon, take these guest warnings seriously. Flip-flops, Crocs, or water shoes may not be the most glamorous accessory, but they could make the difference between a relaxing float and a trip-ruining burn.