Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has always been one of those places that feels like a mini vacation inside your vacation. Even though you’re still at Walt Disney World, the palm trees, bright buildings, and laid-back island theme make it feel like you’re somewhere far away from the crowds and chaos of the parks.
That’s why this new announcement is catching a lot of guests off guard.
Disney has confirmed that the Fuentes del Morro Water Play Area, one of the resort’s most popular kid-friendly splash spaces, will be closing for refurbishment beginning February 9. The closure is expected to last through early March 2026, and while Disney is calling it routine maintenance, families staying at Caribbean Beach during that time might feel like they’re losing one of the resort’s biggest perks.
At first glance, a splash pad closure might not sound like a major disruption. After all, Disney has refurbishments going on all the time. But Caribbean Beach isn’t just any resort. It’s one of the most family-focused Moderate resorts on property, and its pool area is a big reason why so many guests choose it over other options.
Parents with young children often plan their afternoons around that splash pad. It’s the perfect spot for kids to cool off, burn energy, and have fun without the stress of deeper pool water. It’s also the kind of amenity that can save a vacation day. Instead of dragging tired kids back into the parks, families can head back to the resort, relax, and still feel like they’re doing something fun.
Disney has stated that the main pool will remain open, which is definitely better than a full closure. But the reality is that a splash pad is often the highlight for younger kids. Losing it changes the whole pool experience, even if the rest of the area is technically still operating.
There’s also the issue of atmosphere. Disney has warned that guests may see or hear maintenance work during daytime hours, which means the resort may not feel as peaceful as guests were expecting. Caribbean Beach is known for its calm vibe, and even small construction noise can make the resort feel less like a tropical escape and more like a project site.
And honestly, this is the type of thing that frustrates Disney fans the most. It’s not that refurbishments exist—most people understand that Disney has to maintain its resorts. The frustration comes from the timing. February is a popular travel month now, and many families specifically plan trips then because the weather is usually great and the crowds aren’t as brutal as summer.
So when guests arrive expecting the full resort experience and find out a major feature is closed, it can feel like Disney is taking away part of what they paid for.
For families staying at Caribbean Beach between February 9 and early March, this isn’t necessarily a trip-ruiner. But it’s definitely something to know ahead of time, especially if you planned a resort day or were counting on that splash pad as part of your downtime strategy.
Because at Disney World, the little things matter. And when one of those little things disappears, it can change the entire vibe of your stay.
