This summer, the Walt Disney World Resort is set to welcome back a popular attraction as it continues to evolve amid widespread refurbishments and changes across its theme parks.
Typhoon Lagoon Returns as Blizzard Beach Prepares to Close
Disney has officially confirmed that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will reopen on May 1, following the closure of Disney’s Blizzard Beach at the end of April. While the alternating schedule between the two water parks has been in place since the pandemic, Blizzard Beach is wrapping up its current run with a special 30th-anniversary celebration.
“Just imagine a high-energy DJ spinning some toe-tapping tunes on the deck near the Polar Pub,” Disney Parks Blog shared. “And fun interactions with Mickey and Minnie decked out in their winter attire. There’s even going to be snowman bowling and character-themed tubes for floating down Cross Country Creek.”
Special After-Hours Event Returns to Typhoon Lagoon
To soften the transition, Disney H2O Glow After Hours will return to Typhoon Lagoon on select nights this summer. The Disney Water Parks Instagram account teased the event:
“Let’s glow! Disney H2O Glow After Hours is returning with fun for the whole family on select nights this summer. Stay tuned for more splashing details. #TyphoonLagoon #DisneyWaterParks”
H2O Glow After Hours is a hard-ticketed nighttime event, offering lower wait times, dance parties, character meet-and-greets, and complimentary snacks and beverages such as ice cream novelties, popcorn, and select drinks. While Disney has yet to confirm the exact event dates, it’s expected to provide an exciting after-dark experience for guests looking to extend their time at the water park.
A Time of Change at Walt Disney World
The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, remains one of the most visited destinations in the world, with its four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom—as well as two water parks. However, the resort is currently undergoing major changes, with numerous projects in development that may impact guest visits.
Several areas of the parks are closed or undergoing refurbishment, including Grand Avenue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which is making way for the upcoming Monstropolis-themed area. Magic Kingdom is seeing its own evolution, with plans for Cars and Disney Villains-themed attractions, while Animal Kingdom is set to introduce experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.
Despite these transformations, the resort continues to offer an array of attractions, from Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom. For those looking to take a break from the theme parks, Disney Springs remains a popular shopping and dining destination, and the water parks offer a refreshing way to cool off.
A Rotating Water Park Schedule
Since reopening after pandemic-related closures, Disney has operated an alternating schedule between Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, ensuring that at least one of the two water parks is available at any given time. Blizzard Beach, which has been welcoming guests in recent months, will officially close at the end of the day on April 30 to allow for Typhoon Lagoon’s reopening the next morning.
While some fans may be disappointed by the temporary closure of Blizzard Beach, the return of Typhoon Lagoon and the H2O Glow After Hours event ensures that there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Disney’s signature water park experiences this summer.
What do you think about Disney’s water park rotation? Should both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach operate simultaneously? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
