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Credit: Inside the MagicA new month and another change at the Walt Disney World Resort.
With a destination as large and sprawling as the Walt Disney World Resort, it’s not uncommon that changes and closures take place frequently throughout the year. Right now, multiple developments are happening resort-wide, including the major retheming of Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland.
Disney may currently be refurbishing a number of attractions and areas on Walt Disney World property–think Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Kali River Rapids–but rumor has it that the popular Central Florida destination is gearing up to start developing a fifth theme park gate.
Bob Iger recently announced a $60 billion investment into the experiences branch of The Walt Disney Company, namely parks and cruises, and this, teamed with the fact that Universal Orlando Resort is debuting Epic Universe next year, has seen fans call out for more investment into Disney World. There are still plans for new lands to debut at the current parks–Disney’s Animal Kingdom will soon replace DinoLand, U.S.A., with the Tropical Americas, for example.
Even years on since the theme park industry, like many others, shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, Disney World is still not at maximum capacity. Out of the Disney resort’s six theme park offerings, only five have ever been open at the same time. Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park are all presently open, with Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park closed since last November.
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But that will all change come March 17 when Blizzard Beach shutters once again for refurbishment. At the same time, Typhoon Lagoon will reopen after five months away, as has been the pattern for the last few years. It is hard to tell if Disney will ever have both parks open simultaneously. Considering the aggressive cost-cutting measures Iger installed upon his return as Chief Executive Officer of the Mouse House, it seems unlikely that Disney World will feature two open water parks at any one time.
The official Walt Disney World Resort website has Blizzard Beach open through March 16, with Typhoon Lagoon welcoming guests once again on March 17. No longer will guests be able to enjoy the likes of Summit Plummet, Tike’s Peak, and Runoff Rapids. Instead, they can enjoy the iconic surf pool and the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water slide over at the Typhoon Lagoon Disney park.
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The Disney water parks are popular with guests looking for water-based activities or time away from the hustle and bustle (and the Genie+) of the four main theme parks. That said, oftentimes, especially during the winter season, Disney’s water parks are at risk of closure due to low temperatures, heavy rain, or inclement weather.
Just this year, as the Sunshine State faces a record-breaking winter season, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park has been closed on multiple occasions, usually over busy weekend periods, and the cold-weather closures will likely continue, according to recent reports. From potent cold fronts to dense cloud cover, Florida has faced an unusual winter period, with lasting effects that could impact the upcoming 2024 hurricane season.
Are you disappointed that this Disney World park will be closing once again? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!