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Walt Disney World Resort has reopened one theme park after closing another indefinitely.
Since opening in 1971 with just Magic Kingdom, Disney World has grown into a vast entertainment complex that includes EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each park offers unique themes, making Disney World a major tourist destination that continually expands its attractions.
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Responding to a demand for water attractions, Disney introduced River Country in 1976, styled after an old-fashioned swimming hole. Its success led to the opening of Typhoon Lagoon in 1989, featuring wave pools and tropical theming, and Blizzard Beach in 1995, with its winter-themed slides and attractions.
River Country eventually closed permanently in 2001, while the remaining water parks operated on alternating schedules following the COVID-19 pandemic. As one reopens to the public, the other closes for a lengthy refurbishment period—presumably so Disney can cut operating costs.
Credit: Disney
This operational shift means only one water park is open at any given time, cutting down on Disney’s water-based offerings.
Typhoon Lagoon had been open since March 2024 but, as of yesterday, has now officially closed in favor of Blizzard Beach, where visitors can enjoy fan favorites like Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher, and Teamboat Springs for the first time in 233 days.
While guests lose access to attractions like Crush ‘n’ Gusher, Mayday Falls, and Gang Plank Falls, Blizzard Beach’s slides offer a worthy alternative–even the cooler weather gives you less opportunity to enjoy them.
Credit: Disney
The park’s reopening in late 2024 comes with a perk for Disney World hotel guests, who will be granted free entry to Blizzard Beach (and, when it reopens, Typhoon Lagoon) on their check-in day starting January 2025.
Should this year see as many weather-induced closures as 2023 and 2024, there won’t be quite as many opportunities to enjoy Blizzard Beach compared to its tropical oasis-themed counterpart. Theoretically, if Disney follows a similar schedule, the latter will reopen in March 2025.
Recently, fans have been speculating that Blizzard Beach could face a permanent closure. While both water parks are celebrated gems in Disney’s Central Florida portfolio, Blizzard Beach is often viewed as the lesser attraction, making it a prime candidate for closure if Disney opts to consolidate its offerings and focus on just one water park experience.
Do you prefer Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach?
