Credit: Foxbert, FlickrWe now have an idea of the Walt Disney World Resort’s timeline.
Walt Disney World’s Summer of Six Parks Comes to a Close
As fall approached in Central Florida, Walt Disney World Resort began its own seasonal shift. Guests looking for a splash will now find only Typhoon Lagoon open, as Blizzard Beach wrapped up its summer season on September 7.
This year marked a special milestone: from May 21 through September 7, both Disney water parks welcomed visitors alongside Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It was the first time since the pandemic that all six parks were operating at once, offering guests more ways to enjoy their vacations.
The summer lineup followed a unique back-and-forth. Blizzard Beach commemorated its 30th anniversary in April before closing, while Typhoon Lagoon reopened on May 1. Just weeks later, Blizzard Beach returned, giving families a choice between its frosty slopes and Typhoon Lagoon’s tropical atmosphere.
At Blizzard Beach, favorites like Melt-Away Bay and Tike’s Peak provided fun for all ages, while thrill-seekers could race down Summit Plummet or Toboggan Racers. These water attractions balanced the thrills and adventures found at Walt Disney World’s four theme parks.
Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels, Disney Vacation Club Members, Annual Passholders, and cast members also had an extra perk to look forward to. Announced on Disney Parks Blog in 2024, complimentary water park admission will be included on a guest’s Resort hotel check-in day starting in 2025.
Beyond the water parks, 2025 has already brought big changes across the resort. Frontierland is preparing for its next chapter, DinoLand U.S.A. is evolving into Tropical Americas, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is making room for Monstropolis. Guests also said goodbye to the Muppets—for now.
Meanwhile, competition in Central Florida is as lively as ever. On May 22, just one day after Blizzard Beach reopened, Universal Orlando Resort welcomed visitors to its new Epic Universe theme park.
Blizzard Beach Closes–Will It Reopen?
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park closed on September 8, ending the six-park streak. There is currently no scheduled reopening date for the park, nor a closing date for Typhoon Lagoon. However, new information has come to light, hinting at what the timeline could look like.
Earlier this week, Disney announced the 2026 dates for its Moonlight Magic events. Catering to Disney Vacation Club members, Moonlight Magic offers guests a chance to experience the theme parks late at night without regular guests, meaning shorter wait times and a more relaxed atmosphere.
“Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic events—a favorite Membership Magic benefit—are back! Experience a night full of excitement at these no-charge events offering exclusive after-hours access,” the Disney Vacation Club website wrote. “Enjoy select attractions, shorter-than-usual wait times, Character greetings, entertainment, and delectable delights!”
The 2026 dates are as follows:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: January 20
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: April 22; July 20
- EPCOT: February 12; September 10
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: June 25; August 4; August 20
By including Typhoon Lagoon in the Moonlight Magic 2026 lineup, Disney World has quietly confirmed that it will be open to guests between June and August 2026, at least. This then raises the question of whether Blizzard Beach will reopen at all next year. It could still take over the winter season, of course, but then guests should be aware that it will likely close again sometime before June 25, when Typhoon Lagoon’s first Moonlight Magic event takes place.
What to Expect for Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to remain open through November 29, according to Walt Disney World’s official park calendar. However, with Orlando’s first big season-changing front typically arriving later in October—Click Orlando noted October 19 as the usual marker—extended closures like those seen in late 2024 and early 2025 may return.
Last year, Blizzard Beach experienced repeated weather-related shutdowns during the cooler months, including multiple consecutive days. Should those patterns repeat, guests may find Typhoon Lagoon’s famed wave pool closed at times this season. While the park is expected to continue operations into 2026, many guests are already looking ahead to when Blizzard Beach will once again join the lineup–if it does.
How do you feel about this possible Disney park timeline? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!