Disney World just dropped the dates for the annual water park switcheroo and the timing is honestly pretty interesting. Typhoon Lagoon shuts down on February 14, 2026 which happens to be Valentine’s Day, and Blizzard Beach reopens literally the next day on February 15.
Nothing says romance like closing a water park, right?
The announcement came buried in Disney’s blog post about bringing back the Water Park Seasonal Pass for $89 (adults) and $83 (kids). The pass is valid through May 9 with blackout dates during spring break, but the real news is the swap schedule that affects everyone’s February vacation plans.
One Out, One In
Disney rotates its two water parks throughout the year so one can get maintenance while the other stays open. It’s a system they’ve used forever, but the exact dates matter if you’re planning a trip.
Typhoon Lagoon closes February 14. If you’re visiting that weekend hoping to ride the waves at North America’s largest wave pool or check out Miss Tilly shooting water from the top of Mount Mayday, you’re out of luck. The park will be closed for refurbishment.
Blizzard Beach opens February 15. So if you’re staying through the weekend, you can still hit a water park. Just pivot to the ski resort theme instead of the tropical storm vibe.
The one-day gap is classic Disney efficiency. Close one, open the other, keep at least one water park running at all times. Smart business, slightly annoying for guests with specific park preferences.
The Seasonal Pass Situation
Disney’s promoting this Water Park Seasonal Pass for $89 adults, $83 kids, valid through May 9. You get unlimited visits to whichever park is currently open, which means Typhoon Lagoon until February 14, then Blizzard Beach after that.
Perks include 20 percent off cabana rentals at both parks, but only as a walk-up deal when you arrive. Can’t book it ahead. The cabanas are called Polar Patios at Blizzard Beach and Beachcomber Shacks at Typhoon Lagoon, in case you care about names.
You also get one free round of mini golf at either Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens before 4 PM. One round total for the entire season, so don’t waste it.
Spring break blackout dates run March 28 through April 5, which is when Disney knows they’ll sell out anyway.
Why February
The February swap timing makes operational sense even if it’s inconvenient for Valentine’s Day weekend visitors. Water park attendance drops in winter, so closing Typhoon Lagoon mid-February impacts fewer guests than closing it in July.
Plus Blizzard Beach’s whole vibe is winter ski resort gone tropical, so reopening it in February feels thematically appropriate even though Florida is already warming up.
Disney needs these extended closures to do serious maintenance. Water slides need resurfacing, filtration systems need overhauls, wave pools need equipment servicing. You can’t do that work while thousands of people are using the facilities daily.
The rotation lets them keep one park open year-round while properly maintaining both properties. Otherwise everything would eventually fall apart.
Fun History Nobody Asked For
Typhoon Lagoon’s iconic centerpiece is Miss Tilly, that cartoon shrimp boat stuck on top of Mount Mayday that shoots a 50-foot water geyser every half hour. Lead designer Chris Runco said his very first sketch included the boat-on-mountain idea and Disney executives immediately approved it with zero notes. Executive Producer Randy Bright took one look and said “This is it!”
Sometimes the first idea is the best idea.
Before Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, Disney’s original water park was River Country at Fort Wilderness. It operated from 1976 to 2001 with a natural swimming hole aesthetic using filtered lake water. Eventually closed because guest expectations evolved and the newer themed water parks were more popular. River Country sat abandoned for years before Disney finally demolished it.
The Real Talk
If you’re visiting Disney World around Valentine’s Day weekend next year, just know Typhoon Lagoon won’t be an option. Blizzard Beach opens the next day, so you’re not completely out of water park options, but if you specifically wanted that wave pool or had your heart set on the tropical theme, tough luck.
Both parks are solid. Typhoon Lagoon has the wave pool and tropical vibes. Blizzard Beach has Summit Plummet and the ski lodge aesthetic. Most people will be happy with either one, but super fans definitely have preferences.
The seasonal pass is a decent deal if you’re local or visiting multiple times before May. For one-time visitors, just buy a single-day ticket and call it good. No point paying $89 for unlimited access if you’re only going once.
Bottom line: check which park is open during your travel dates and plan accordingly. Don’t show up expecting Typhoon Lagoon on February 15 because it’ll be closed and you’ll be mad.
