Credit: rickpilot_2000, FlickrWhile Disney World guests have been navigating a wave of closures and updates across the parks, the resort is making sure summer still shines—literally. Disney just confirmed that H2O Glow After Hours is officially returning to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
Let’s be honest—there’s been a bit of a downer for water park fans this year. With only one of Disney’s two water parks open at a time, Blizzard Beach is once again stepping aside. The fan-favorite frosty park will officially close its gates at the end of the day on April 30, 2025. But Disney didn’t just quietly let the snow melt. Instead, they’ve set the stage for summer fun to roll in strong with a glowing announcement.
The 2025 season of H2O Glow After Hours will kick off on May 23 and run on select nights all the way through September 13. That’s the longest run for this event since it first debuted—and it’s bringing more splash, more snacks, and more nighttime magic than ever before.
These after-hours parties transform Typhoon Lagoon into an electric beach bash that lives up to its name. Hosted by Partysaurus Rex (yes, the inflatable version of Rex from Toy Story), the experience is packed with glowing lights, upbeat music, and some seriously fun surprises for the whole family.
So, what makes this after-hours party so special? For starters, it’s a limited-capacity, separately ticketed event—meaning shorter wait times on all your favorite slides and attractions. The Surf Pool, Castaway Creek, and raft rides become your personal playground without the massive crowds.
Guests are treated to complimentary snacks throughout the night, including classic Disney treats like Mickey bars, popcorn, and select fountain beverages. And this year, there are some exciting new menu items debuting, including Chicken and Mickey-shaped Waffle Sliders from Leaning Palms and a Glow-versized Loaded Baked Potato from Typhoon Tilly’s.
More food and drink options are expected to be announced soon, so those who like to snack while they splash will have even more to look forward to.
Disney is also making the event more wallet-friendly this year, especially for families. Tickets for children are priced at just $42.50—a full 50% off the adult price of $85. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can score even bigger savings, making this one of the most accessible Disney After Hours events available.
Tickets go on sale April 1 for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and April 4 for the general public. If you’re planning a summer trip to Walt Disney World and want to add something a little different to your itinerary, this may be the glow-up you didn’t know you needed.
While fans will certainly miss the snowy charm of Blizzard Beach and its 30th-anniversary festivities (which began on April 1), the switch to Typhoon Lagoon has become a seasonal tradition at this point. The two water parks have operated on an alternating schedule ever since the pandemic, never open at the same time.
To make the transition feel less like a loss and more like a celebration, Disney is using the return of H2O Glow After Hours as a way to keep the fun going. And based on how popular the event has become over the last few years, it’s likely to be a hot-ticket item again this summer.
The shift from wintry snowmen and character-themed tubes at Blizzard Beach to tropical vibes and glowing neon decor at Typhoon Lagoon is a pretty big pivot—but one that offers a whole different kind of magic.
What really sells H2O Glow After Hours is the vibe. It’s not just about riding slides at night (though that’s always fun). It’s the whole package: live DJs spinning music poolside, Disney characters popping up for meet-and-greets in summer party outfits, and the ambiance that turns the water park into a neon dreamscape.
Families can enjoy a less intense pace than the daytime park grind, while adults get the chance to unwind without feeling rushed. And for anyone who thinks Disney’s water parks are just a daytime thing—this event proves otherwise.
While Blizzard Beach’s seasonal closure is always a bit of a bummer, Disney’s timing couldn’t be better. Kicking off H2O Glow After Hours just three weeks later ensures that the water park fun continues, just with a new theme and some extra glow.
So if your summer plans include a trip to Walt Disney World, don’t overlook Typhoon Lagoon. The regular water park hours are a blast—but these late-night parties take things to a whole new level.
With the event officially running from May 23 through September 13, 2025, and tickets available starting April 1 and April 4 (depending on eligibility), now’s the time to start planning. Whether you’re all about the slides, the snacks, or just soaking in that nighttime Disney energy, H2O Glow After Hours is ready to light up your summer.