Disney World Quietly Unlocks Major Summer Perk as Both Water Parks Open Together for First Time
Free Entry? Maybe
The Florida heat might be intense, but Disney World (WDW) just made it a whole lot cooler—and not just in the literal sense. This summer, WDW quietly made a move that hasn’t happened in years. For the first time since 2019, both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are open at the same time.
For longtime Disney fans, this is more than just a scheduling update—it’s a nostalgic nod to the days before the pandemic, when double water park access was a seasonal highlight. But why now? And what’s the catch?
Turns out, Disney’s latest move isn’t just about fun in the sun—it’s packed with surprising perks that could reshape how families experience their vacations.
Disney World: Two Water Parks, One Legendary Summer
Blizzard Beach is celebrating a major milestone—its 30th anniversary. The ski resort-themed water park opened in 1995 and remains one of Disney’s most creatively themed offerings, complete with chairlift rides and slushy-style thrill slides.
On the other side of the resort, Typhoon Lagoon delivers tropical paradise vibes with one of the largest wave pools in North America, not to mention fan-favorite attractions like the Crush ’n’ Gusher water coaster.
Usually, only one water park operates at a time, rotating seasonally. But this summer, the Cool Kid Summer campaign has brought them both back online—creating a rare opportunity for guests to enjoy a true double dose of Disney water park magic.
And if that wasn’t enough of a draw, Disney has quietly dropped a new perk that’s making early check-ins more exciting than ever.
Free Park Access on Check-In Day? Yes, Really.
In a move that’s already catching guests by surprise, Disney resort guests now receive complimentary admission to a water park on the day they check in.
Disney Water Park Guests Now Get Complimentary Towels!
Disney Water Park Guests Now Get Complimentary Towels! https://t.co/lkCXJPDo0L #BlizzardBeach #TypoonLagoon #WaltDisneyWorld #WaterParks
— MickeyBlog.com (@MickeyBlog_) May 28, 2025
That means instead of sitting around waiting for a room or heading to Disney Springs, families can head straight to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon and dive into their vacation—literally.
This new check-in day perk hasn’t been heavily publicized, but those who’ve noticed it are already taking advantage. It’s a smart play by Disney, as it encourages earlier guest arrivals and offers value right from the start.
And there’s one more refreshing perk you’ll find once you get through the gates.
Towels? Covered.
Forget packing bulky beach towels or shelling out extra money at the gift shop. Disney has now added complimentary towel service at both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
Yes, you read that right—free towels for all guests.
Signage at the front of each water park now alerts visitors to this new amenity, which has been welcomed with open arms by those who didn’t want to lug around wet towels or pack extra luggage.
It’s a small touch, but one that makes a big difference—especially for those using their check-in day to visit the parks for just a few hours.
What This Means for the Future of Disney Water Parks
Disney rarely does something without a long-term vision behind it. Opening both water parks at once, while rolling out free perks, may point to a renewed focus on guest experience amid rising costs and increased competition in Central Florida.
Universal Orlando has its own water park, Volcano Bay, which has been operating at full capacity for years. By offering more value at Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, Disney is signaling it’s ready to compete—not just in attractions, but in convenience.
Additionally, the choice to align these changes with Blizzard Beach’s 30th anniversary suggests Disney might be preparing for more long-term upgrades or year-round offerings. Could we see both parks operate side-by-side more often? It’s possible.
Make a Splash While You Can at Disney World
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World this summer, it might be worth building in some time to cool off at one—or both—of the water parks. With both open for the first time in years, and extra perks like free admission on check-in day and complimentary towels, there’s never been a better time to dive in.
But as any seasoned Disney guest knows, these offerings can change quickly. So, if you’re ready to celebrate Cool Kid Summer the Disney way, now’s the time to pack your swimwear and enjoy the splashy side of magic before the season changes again.
