Walt Disney World Resort is once again closing an entire park.
Disney’s largest theme park resort spans a whopping four theme parks and two water parks – although it’s up for debate if that statement still rings true in a post-COVID world.
Disney World’s Shifting Water Park Operations
While there was a time when guests could enjoy both Blizzard Beach’s snow-covered ski resort aesthetic and Typhoon Lagoon’s tropical, storm-ravaged paradise, Disney World has slimmed down its water park empire since reopening after lockdown.
Both parks were once open simultaneously for much of the year, giving guests two distinct aquatic experiences. However, in recent years, Disney has operated them on a rotating schedule rather than keeping both open at the same time.
While this approach helps with maintenance and staffing, it limits guest options, especially during peak seasons. Fans hoping to experience both parks on a single trip face serious disappointment, sparking speculation over whether Disney will ever return to keeping both water parks open year-round.
Blizzard Beach Closure Announced
Judging by Disney’s latest announcement, that won’t happen any time soon.
Disney Parks Blog has confirmed that Typhoon Lagoon will reopen on May 1, meaning Blizzard Beach is set to shutter after its last day of operations on April 30.
Before that day comes, Blizzard Beach – home to the likes of Summit Plummet, Teamboat Springs, and Slush Gusher – is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary through April. The celebrations come complete with a DJ near the Polar Pub, dance parties, interactions with Mickey and Minnie in their winter attire, and snowman bowling and character-themed tubes in Cross Country Creek.
It’s likely due to this upcoming anniversary that Disney is keeping the water park open later than usual. In 2024, Blizzard Beach shuttered for the spring and summer in March. Worth noting is that this year has also seen Blizzard Beach close a significant amount due to cool temperatures, making its extended operations a blessing for anyone who hasn’t had a chance to visit the park so far this season.
Should Disney stick to a similar schedule for its reopening, we could see Blizzard Beach reopen in November. Whether or not that date is affected by the park’s late closure this year remains to be seen.
In the meantime, we still have two months of snowy fun to go (and that’s not something you hear often in Central Florida).
What’s your favorite Disney water park?
