Credit: rickpilot_2000, FlickrThe Walt Disney World Resort will say goodbye to the theme park at the end of business on February 14, 2026.
Disney World has confirmed a seasonal closure that’s set to reshape how visitors experience its water parks this spring. Starting mid-February, the well-loved Blizzard Beach water park will reopen after months of off-season maintenance while its counterpart, Typhoon Lagoon, goes offline in its entirety for its own annual refurbishment cycle.
This alternating schedule is part of Disney World’s long-established approach to water park operations, intended to keep at least one facility open year-round, but it means that for a significant stretch between mid-February and May, Blizzard Beach will be the only water park available at Walt Disney World.
For guests planning trips around specific water park experiences, particularly families and those visiting during the historically busy spring break period, the timing underscores the importance of checking operating calendars well in advance.
It’s worth noting that Typhoon Lagoon has already seen sporadic weather-related closures in recent weeks as unpredictable winter conditions have swept through Central Florida, reminding even long-time visitors that Florida’s cooler months can still impact outdoor facilities.
Once summer arrives and peak attendance returns, Disney plans to have both water parks running in tandem, giving guests the full slate of aquatic options that families expect at the height of the season. Walt Disney World Resort has confirmed that Typhoon Lagoon will reopen on May 12 and that Blizzard Beach will remain open to guests.
It was only last year that Disney brought this pre-COVID operation back, as all six Disney World theme parks had not been open together since 2019. Interestingly, Disney Experiences opted to action this bold move just one day before the opening of the Universal Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort.
Not only will both parks be open to all guests, but Disney is bringing back a popular perk.
“Guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel between May 26 and September 8, 2026, can enjoy free admission to one of the Walt Disney World water parks on their check-in day,” Disney Parks Blog wrote at the start of the year. So, even as prices rise across all facets of Disney World, free admission perks like these could offset some of the frustration caused by the increasing cost of a Disney vacation.
For those whose itineraries hinge on water park fun, adjusting dates or embracing Blizzard Beach as the sole option during this transitional period will be key to making the most of a Disney World vacation.
How do you feel about the water parks no longer being open at the same time year-round? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!