Summer is wrapping up at Walt Disney World Resort, and with it comes the end of a special moment in park history. For the first time since 2019, guests were able to visit all six Disney parks at once, from the four traditional theme parks to both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water theme parks. That unique combination will soon come to a close as Blizzard Beach begins its seasonal closure on September 8.
Blizzard Beach had reopened May 21, only a few weeks after celebrating its 30th anniversary in April. Its return meant both water parks operated side by side throughout the peak travel season, a rare departure from the usual rotation where only one is open at a time. Typhoon Lagoon had already resumed operations May 1, giving Disney fans the choice of tropical waves or snowy slopes throughout the summer.
During this window, resort guests and Disney Vacation Club Members were treated to a little extra magic. Announced by Disney Parks Blog in 2024, a new perk grants complimentary water park admission on a Resort hotel guest’s check-in day beginning in 2025. Cast members and Annual Passholders were also included in the benefit.
The water parks bring a different pace to Walt Disney World. Families can float in Melt-Away Bay or climb Tike’s Peak, while thrill-seekers can plunge down Summit Plummet before heading over to Space Mountain or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. For decades, they’ve complemented the energy of Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom with sun, waves, and slides.
This summer’s six-park experience coincided with another milestone in Central Florida. On May 22, Universal Orlando Resort opened its much-anticipated Epic Universe, just one day after Disney completed its water park lineup.
Meanwhile, 2025 has marked a period of transformation across Walt Disney World Resort. Frontierland is preparing for its next chapter, Animal Kingdom is reshaping DinoLand U.S.A. into Tropical Americas, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is creating space for Monstropolis. Guests have also seen the temporary departure of the Muppets as the park evolves.
Even with all these changes, one thing has stayed consistent: the rotation of Disney’s water parks. Since the pandemic, only one park has been open at a time, and while the six-park summer was embraced by guests, Blizzard Beach’s closure shows that the alternating schedule is continuing.
As September 7 marks the final day to experience Blizzard Beach before its pause, attractions like Toboggan Racers, Summit Plummet, and Melt-Away Bay will soon take a seasonal break. Typhoon Lagoon will carry on as the sole water park through the fall.
Do you think the timing is right for Blizzard Beach to step aside ahead of the holiday season? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
