Credit: DisneyAs Walt Disney World continues moving into a busy 2026 season, guests are being forced to adjust their vacation plans in ways that many people won’t realize until they arrive.
While major construction projects and attraction closures tend to dominate the headlines, some of Disney’s most impactful changes happen quietly—through operational shifts that completely reshape how guests plan their trips. One of the most important examples right now involves Disney’s water parks.
As of February 15, 2026, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is officially closed for its seasonal refurbishment, and Disney’s Blizzard Beach has reopened. That means Walt Disney World is currently operating with only one water park option available for guests.
Typhoon Lagoon Closure Now Impacts 2026 Trip Planning
Disney’s water parks typically operate on a rotating schedule, at least for a portion of the year. Instead of running both parks year-round, Disney alternates seasonal refurbishments to ensure that at least one water park remains available while the other undergoes repairs, updates, and routine maintenance.
That strategy is exactly what is happening now.
Over the last year, Disney finally began operating both parks at the same time for a portion of the year. That will continue in 2026.
Typhoon Lagoon has closed for its annual seasonal refurbishment, and Blizzard Beach is now the only operating Disney water park for the next several months. For guests arriving in late winter and early spring, this means water park plans that once included multiple options have now been narrowed down to just one.
This matters because many families treat the water parks as a major part of their vacation experience, especially when trying to build in a slower, more relaxing day between theme park visits.
For guests who specifically prefer Typhoon Lagoon’s tropical theming, wave pool, and signature attractions, the closure eliminates that option entirely until later in the year.
Important Clarification: Disney’s Free Water Park Admission Is NOT Active Yet
One of the biggest sources of confusion right now involves Disney’s popular resort perk: free water park admission on check-in day.
Disney has announced that guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels will receive free admission to a water park on their arrival day, but that benefit is only available for trips between May 26 and September 8, 2026.
That means that as of February 15, this perk is not currently in effect.
So while many guests may assume the closure is immediately impacting that free check-in day admission benefit, the reality is more nuanced. Right now, guests visiting Disney World in February, March, and April are not receiving free check-in day water park admission as part of that summer promotion.
However, the water park closure is still changing check-in day planning in a major way, even without the perk.
Why This Still Changes Check-In Day Plans for Many Guests
Even though Disney’s free water park check-in day benefit does not begin until May 26, a huge number of guests still use water parks on their arrival day anyway.
This is especially common for families who arrive early in the morning, drop their luggage at the resort, and want something fun to do before their room is ready. It is also common for guests who want to avoid jumping straight into a crowded theme park on Day One.
A water park is often seen as the perfect arrival-day activity because it feels low-pressure. Guests don’t need dining reservations, Lightning Lane return times, or a rigid schedule. They can show up, relax, and still feel like their vacation has officially started.
But with Typhoon Lagoon closed, those arrival-day plans now have to revolve around Blizzard Beach.
In other words, even without the free admission promotion, the closure has created a new reality for early 2026 guests: if you want a Disney water park day during your check-in window, Blizzard Beach is the only choice.
Typhoon Lagoon Will Remain Closed Until May 12
Disney has confirmed that Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to reopen on May 12, 2026.
That date is important because it means the closure will affect guests traveling throughout late winter, spring break season, and the early part of May. For many families, those months represent some of the most popular travel windows of the year.
Instead, all water park demand will be directed toward Blizzard Beach, which could lead to heavier crowds than many guests expect—particularly during spring break weeks.
Once Typhoon Lagoon reopens on May 12, both water parks are scheduled to operate simultaneously for the summer season.
Both Water Parks Will Be Open When the Free Perk Begins
Another key detail guests need to understand is that when Disney’s free water park admission perk begins on May 26, the closure issue will no longer apply.
By that point, Typhoon Lagoon will already be open again, meaning guests using the free check-in day water park admission benefit will once again have two options.
That is important because it means Disney’s summer promotion is not limiting resort guests to Blizzard Beach.
Instead, the real impact of Typhoon Lagoon’s closure is happening right now, during the spring travel window, when guests have fewer choices and are often less prepared for seasonal water park schedules.
This also means guests visiting in June, July, and August should not expect the “one water park only” issue to continue.
The restriction is temporary, but it is still significant for anyone traveling before May 12.
Blizzard Beach Becomes the Default Water Park for Spring 2026
For the next several months, Blizzard Beach will essentially become the default water park experience for Walt Disney World.
Blizzard Beach is themed as a ski resort that melted, transforming into a water park filled with slides, pools, and splash areas. It is also home to Summit Plummet, one of the most well-known thrill slides in any major theme park resort.
The park offers a mix of intense attractions and family-friendly areas, making it a workable replacement for Typhoon Lagoon for many visitors.
Blizzard Beach also includes kid-focused areas such as Tike’s Peak, which features Frozen-themed elements designed for younger guests.
For families who have never visited Blizzard Beach, this could be an unexpected opportunity to experience a park they may have skipped in the past. But for guests who specifically planned around Typhoon Lagoon, the closure may require a major itinerary shift.
Why Guests Should Treat This Like a “New Check-In Rule”
Even though Disney has not officially labeled this as a new check-in policy, the operational impact is real.
Guests arriving at Walt Disney World often plan their first day carefully. Check-in day is usually the day where travelers are balancing flight schedules, luggage drop-offs, early resort arrivals, and unpredictable timing.
Many families plan arrival day as a “half day,” and water parks often fit perfectly into that plan.
But now, guests who were hoping to start their trip with Typhoon Lagoon will need to rethink everything. That includes transportation plans, dining expectations, and even what items they pack into their carry-on bags.
If you are arriving in the spring and want to include a water park on Day One, you will need to plan around Blizzard Beach’s location, hours, and availability.
Will this affect your upcoming Disney stay? Let us know in the comments below!