Disney World Park Closing Indefinitely in Florida Next Week, Operations Ceased

The Walt Disney World Resort will not be the same next week as one park closes indefinitely in Florida.

From the thrills of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT to the timeless appeal of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom (which is changing forever very soon!), and from Hollywood Studios’ Tower of Terror to Pandora–The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there is no shortage of experiences. Still, closures, construction, and evolving offerings have created a year of transition resort-wide.

That transformation includes major refurbishments: Frontierland is preparing for a new chapter at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom’s former DinoLand U.S.A. is under reimagining, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios has more closures ahead to make way for Monstropolis. Even long-time favorites such as It’s Tough to Be a Bug! have exited permanently, making 2025 a year of both farewells and fresh beginnings.

Beyond the four parks, water park operations have also added to this season’s challenges. Since the pandemic, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon have operated on a rotating schedule, with only one available to guests at a time.

Blizzard Beach was open at the start of the year, while Typhoon Lagoon eventually returned on May 1, 2025. That reopening came just after Blizzard Beach celebrated its 30th anniversary in April, and closed indefinitely at the end of the month.

The water parks have always been a standout part of the Disney World vacation experience, allowing guests to step away from the bustle of the more traditional theme parks and into a more laid-back, less frantic park atmosphere. This year, Disney welcomed guests for free to the parks, softening the blow of continued price increases across the resort.

That perk was first revealed by Disney Parks Blog in February 2024, announcing that starting in 2025, Disney Resort hotel guests can enjoy admission to either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on their check-in day. As the blog explained:

“Disney Resort hotel guests arriving in 2025 can enjoy admission to one of our water parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, on their check-in day, included in their stay,” Disney Parks Blog wrote in 2024.

“The fun can start on day one at a Disney water park when you stay in the Disney Resorts Collection! And, yes, to all the Disney Vacation Club Members, Annual Passholders, and cast members, you can enjoy this benefit on check-in day for your Disney Resort hotel stay, too!”

Guests had even more choices on May 21, 2025, as Blizzard Beach reopened after its short refurbishment, joining Typhoon Lagoon to welcome visitors at the same time.

From May 21 through September 7, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach will welcome visitors, offering the choice of a tropical hideaway or a frosty retreat. It was the first time since 2019 that all six destinations would be open simultaneously.

This milestone came during a season of growth for Orlando’s theme parks. On May 22, just one day after Disney’s six-park summer began, Universal Orlando Resort debuted its long-anticipated third gate, Universal Epic Universe. The park had been in development for years and had hosted previews for team members, passholders, and hotel guests before its official grand opening to the public.

Epic Universe was expected to reshape the vacation landscape in Central Florida, but Disney leaders saw the timing as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

Speaking at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference (via Variety), Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared his perspective: “We’re always on the offensive… We’re constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each of our theme parks. If something is built new in central Florida, like Epic Universe, that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.”

With both water parks running alongside Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the summer promised an array of experiences for guests looking to explore every corner of Walt Disney World Resort.

But everything has to come to an end.

As stated in its announcement, the six-park summer will officially end on September 7, meaning that next week, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will close indefinitely. Guests will no longer be able to enjoy Walt Disney World Resort as a completely open destination.

The decision may irk some due to the fact that ticket admission is on the rise, and there are no discounts for non-accessible theme parks. That said, after six years of sporadic openings and closings, guests are probably more than used to this method of operation.

Enjoy Summit Plummet, Toboggan Racers, Melt-Away Bay, and Tike’s Peak for the last time this week. Come September 8, Blizzard Beach will cease to operate.

How do you feel about the Walt Disney World Resort shutting down its Blizzard Beach theme park next week? Is it the right decision for the upcoming holiday crowds? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!