Disney World Begins Orlando Theme Park Shutdown
Alright, so if you’re planning a Disney World trip anytime between now and May and you had your heart set on hitting up Typhoon Lagoon, I’ve got some news you’re probably not going to love.

Typhoon Lagoon closed on February 14, 2026, and it’s not reopening until May 12. That’s almost three full months where Blizzard Beach is the only water park operating at Walt Disney World. And if you’re thinking “wait, doesn’t Disney have two water parks specifically so there’s always options?” you’re not wrong to be confused, but here’s the deal with how Disney actually runs these things.
Disney’s been doing this alternating closure thing for years now where one water park closes for “seasonal refurbishment” while the other one stays open, then they switch.

It’s supposed to let them do maintenance and keep everything running smoothly without closing both parks at the same time. In theory, it makes sense. In practice, it means that if you show up during the wrong months, you get exactly one water park choice whether you like it or not. And right now, through mid-May, that choice is Blizzard Beach. Period. No Typhoon Lagoon wave pool, no Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster, no tropical storm theming. Just the ski resort-themed park with Summit Plummet and a bunch of Frozen characters hanging out in the kids’ area. Which is cool if that’s your vibe, but not so cool if you specifically wanted the other one and didn’t realize it would be closed for your entire vacation.
When Everything Opens Back Up

Here’s the timeline you actually need to know:
Right now through May 11: Only Blizzard Beach is open. Typhoon Lagoon is completely closed.
Starting May 12: Both water parks open and stay open together through the whole summer.
So if you’re visiting before May 12, you’re stuck with Blizzard Beach as your only option. If you’re visiting May 12 or later, congratulations, you get both water parks to choose from like the old days.
And actually, Disney just brought back having both parks open at the same time last year. From 2020 through early 2025, they only ran one water park at a time even during summer because of COVID and then just general cost-cutting afterward. It wasn’t until 2025 that they finally went back to opening both together during peak season. Interestingly, they announced this return to dual operations literally one day before Universal opened Epic Universe, which feels like Disney trying to remind everyone “hey, we’ve got stuff too!”
Spring Break Is Going to Be Interesting

Here’s where this gets potentially annoying for a lot of families. Spring break season (basically all of March and early April) is a HUGE time for Disney World visits. Tons of families plan their entire year around taking the kids to Disney during spring break because it’s one of the few times everyone can go together.
But this year? All those spring break families get funneled into one water park. Blizzard Beach is going to be handling 100% of Disney’s water park crowds during one of the busiest vacation periods of the year. That could mean longer lines, more crowded pools, harder-to-find chairs, the whole deal.
And let’s be real, Florida weather in February and March can still be kinda unpredictable. Typhoon Lagoon already had to close multiple times in the past few weeks because of cold weather. So you’re dealing with a situation where the one water park that IS open might not even be that appealing on cooler days, and you don’t have a backup option.
The Blizzard Beach Seasonal Pass Situation
Disney’s trying to sweeten the deal a bit by offering a Blizzard Beach Seasonal Pass that’s actually not terrible value if you’re going to be visiting multiple times or doing a longer trip.
Here’s what you get:
- Price: $89 for adults, $83 for kids ages 3-9
- Valid: February 15 through May 9, 2026
- Perks: 20% off cabana rentals (walk-up only), one free round of mini golf at Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens (before 4 p.m.)
- Blockout dates: March 28 through April 5 (right in the middle of spring break, naturally)
So if you’re planning a two-week Disney vacation in March or you’re a local who can hit up Blizzard Beach multiple times before May, this pass could save you money compared to buying daily admission each time. The cabana discount is nice if you’re willing to risk not getting one since it’s only available as a walk-up, not a reservation.
But those blockout dates during the peak spring break week? That’s Disney saying “we know it’s going to be absolutely slammed and we don’t want pass holders taking up capacity when we can charge full price.” Fair enough from a business perspective, but it does limit when you can actually use the thing.
What’s Actually at Blizzard Beach

If you’ve never been or it’s been a while, here’s what you’re working with at Blizzard Beach since it’s your only choice right now:
Summit Plummet: The big one. One of the tallest and fastest water slides in the world. You basically free-fall down this thing. Not for the faint of heart.
Teamboat Springs: Family raft ride that’s actually really fun and doesn’t require you to be an adrenaline junkie.
Tike’s Peak: The little kids’ area that’s Frozen-themed with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf stuff. Your toddlers will love it.
Ski Patrol Training Camp: Obstacle course-type stuff for older kids and teens.
Cross Country Creek: Lazy river that goes around the whole park. Perfect for when you need a break from the chaos.
The whole park is themed like a ski resort in Florida that got covered in snow and then melted, which is admittedly a pretty creative concept. There’s fake snow, ski lift chairs, the whole winter sports aesthetic in the middle of Orlando. It’s weird but it works.
Oh, and they just added Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strips to the menu at Lottawatta Lodge, which you can get at other Disney locations but hey, now you can get them while wearing a swimsuit too.
Summer Perks Are Coming
If you’re planning a trip for late May or later, you’re in better shape. Both water parks will be open starting May 12, so you actually get to choose between them like a normal person.
Plus, Disney’s bringing back a perk for hotel guests. If you’re staying at a Disney resort between May 26 and September 8, you get free admission to one water park on your check-in day. It’s not free admission for your whole stay (that would be too generous), just the day you check in. But still, free is free, and if you’re arriving early with time to kill before your room is ready, hitting up a water park for free is a pretty decent way to start your vacation.
What You Should Actually Do
If you’re visiting before May 12: Accept that Blizzard Beach is your only option. Check the weather forecast before you go because Central Florida can still get chilly in February and March, and there’s nothing worse than showing up to a water park when it’s 60 degrees and windy.
If you really want Typhoon Lagoon specifically: Push your trip to May 12 or later when it reopens. Or just come back another time because three months is a long closure.
If you’re doing a longer trip or multiple visits: That seasonal pass might actually be worth it, especially with the cabana discount and mini golf round. Just watch out for those spring break blockout dates.
If you’re visiting during summer: You’re golden. Both parks will be open, you get to choose, and hotel guests get that free check-in day admission.
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard
Seriously, the number of people who show up to Disney World not knowing which water park is actually open is wild. Don’t be that family who planned your whole day around Typhoon Lagoon only to discover it’s been closed for weeks. Check Disney’s website or the My Disney Experience app before you go so you know what’s actually available.
And honestly, even though it’s annoying that you only get one water park option for three months, Blizzard Beach is still pretty great. Summit Plummet alone is worth experiencing if you’ve never done it. Just manage your expectations about crowds during spring break because everyone else visiting Disney World is going to be there too.
Are you team Typhoon Lagoon or team Blizzard Beach? Let us know in the comments which one you prefer and whether this closure is messing up your spring Disney plans. And if this saved you from a disappointing surprise when you show up in March expecting Typhoon Lagoon to be open, share it with your Disney group chat so nobody else makes that mistake!



