Disney Water Parks: Blizzard Beach vs Typhoon Lagoon

Walt Disney World operates two Disney water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Both parks offer slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, family attractions, and areas for younger children.

However, they have different themes and major attractions. Their operating calendars can also change throughout the year.

In 2026, both water parks operate during the summer season. However, Typhoon Lagoon will temporarily close starting September 9.

During that closure, Disney directs visitors to Blizzard Beach. A reopening date for Typhoon Lagoon has not yet been announced.

Therefore, check the official calendar before choosing a park or purchasing admission.

Blizzard Beach vs Typhoon Lagoon

The best choice depends on your group’s interests.

Blizzard Beach focuses more heavily on high-speed slides. Meanwhile, Typhoon Lagoon is known for its tropical setting and large wave pool.

Feature	Blizzard Beach	Typhoon Lagoon
Theme	A melting ski resort	A tropical village affected by a storm
Major thrill attraction	Summit Plummet	Crush ’n’ Gusher
Wave pool	Melt-Away Bay	Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool
Lazy river	Cross Country Creek	Castaway Creek
Younger-child area	Tike’s Peak	Ketchakiddee Creek
Strongest match	Thrill-focused groups	Families and wave-pool fans

Both parks can work for families.

Therefore, attraction preferences and operating dates should guide the decision.

Which Disney water park is open in 2026?

Both Disney water parks are scheduled to operate during the summer of 2026.

However, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will temporarily close starting September 9, 2026.

Disney encourages guests to visit Blizzard Beach during that period.

Typhoon Lagoon closure

The closure begins on September 9.

Disney has not confirmed a reopening date.

Therefore, do not build a late-2026 itinerary around Typhoon Lagoon until a reopening appears on the official calendar.

Blizzard Beach operation

Blizzard Beach is expected to remain available during the Typhoon Lagoon closure.

However, water parks remain subject to seasonal maintenance, capacity restrictions, weather closures, and operational changes.

Always review the park hours shortly before visiting.

Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach uses the theme of a ski resort melting in the Florida sun.

The park combines major body slides with family raft rides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

Summit Plummet

Summit Plummet is Blizzard Beach’s signature thrill attraction.

It features a steep body-slide descent from the top of Mount Gushmore.

Guests must be at least 48 inches tall.

Slush Gusher

Slush Gusher is another high-speed body slide.

It also requires a minimum height of 48 inches.

Teamboat Springs

Teamboat Springs is a family raft attraction.

Each raft can accommodate up to five guests.

It has no published minimum height requirement. However, guests must follow all boarding and safety instructions.

Melt-Away Bay

Melt-Away Bay is Blizzard Beach’s wave pool.

It offers a more relaxed experience than the park’s major body slides.

There is no minimum height requirement. However, children should remain supervised.

Tike’s Peak

Tike’s Peak is designed for younger children.

It includes small slides, water play features, and shallow areas.

There is no minimum height requirement.

Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon uses the theme of a tropical resort affected by a powerful storm.

Its major experiences include a surf pool, a water coaster, family raft rides, and a lazy river.

Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool

The Surf Pool is the park’s signature attraction.

It produces large waves at selected times throughout the day.

Guests should follow posted safety instructions. Less confident swimmers may prefer to remain in shallower areas.

Crush ’n’ Gusher

Crush ’n’ Gusher is a raft-based water coaster.

Guests travel through slides with uphill and downhill sections.

The minimum height is 48 inches.

Humunga Kowabunga

Humunga Kowabunga includes three enclosed body slides.

The attraction sends guests down a steep, dark descent.

The minimum height is 48 inches.

Castaway Creek

Castaway Creek is Typhoon Lagoon’s lazy river.

It circles much of the park and has no minimum height requirement.

However, children must remain supervised.

Ketchakiddee Creek

Ketchakiddee Creek is designed for younger children.

It includes shallow pools, small slides, and interactive water features.

There is no published minimum height requirement.

Which park is better for thrill seekers?

Blizzard Beach is usually the stronger choice for guests focused on major drops.

Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher both require a 48-inch minimum height.

The park also includes Downhill Double Dipper, which has the same minimum requirement.

However, Typhoon Lagoon still offers significant thrills through Crush ’n’ Gusher and Humunga Kowabunga.

Therefore, thrill seekers can enjoy either park.

Which park is better for families?

Both parks include family attractions and younger-child areas.

Typhoon Lagoon may appeal to families who prioritize the Surf Pool and tropical setting.

Meanwhile, Blizzard Beach may suit groups that want a stronger mix of thrill slides and family raft attractions.

The best choice depends on:

Children’s heights;
Swimming confidence;
Preferred attraction intensity;
Operating dates;
Weather;
Park hours.

Do not choose only by theme. Review the attraction list for the entire group.

Disney water park ticket options

Standard Disney theme park admission does not include Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.

Visitors need a standalone water park ticket or an eligible theme park ticket add-on.

The main options are:

One-Day Water Park Ticket;
Water Park and Sports option;
Park Hopper Plus option;
Selected promotional offers;
Eligible Disney Resort hotel benefits.

One-Day Water Park Ticket

A One-Day Water Park Ticket provides admission to either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, whichever is open.

A water park reservation is not currently required. However, Disney states that this rule may change.

Disney currently offers two general types:

A standard one-day water park ticket;
A lower-priced ticket with blockout dates.

Prices and blockout dates can change. Therefore, compare the current products before purchasing.

Ticket validity

One-day water park tickets must currently be used within one year of purchase.

The amount paid for an unused ticket may be applied toward a new ticket at the current price.

Always review the terms attached to the specific product.

Water Park and Sports option

The Water Park and Sports option can be added to eligible theme park tickets.

It includes one theme park per day. In addition, guests receive a set number of visits to water parks or selected sports experiences.

The number of Plus visits generally matches the number of theme park days.

For example, a four-day eligible ticket provides four additional visits.

For each visit, guests may choose an eligible experience, such as:

Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, whichever is open;
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex;
Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course;
FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail;
Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf;
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf.

Restrictions and operating schedules apply.

A four-day ticket does not provide four guaranteed water park days. Each admission used at an eligible experience consumes one Plus visit.

Park Hopper Plus

Park Hopper Plus combines two benefits.

First, it allows guests to visit more than one Disney theme park on the same day.

Second, it provides a set number of visits to water parks or eligible sports experiences.

Park Hopper alone does not include water park admission.

Therefore, visitors need Park Hopper Plus when they want both theme park hopping and water park benefits.

Can you visit a theme park and water park on the same day?

Yes, when your ticket includes the appropriate benefits.

For example, a Water Park and Sports ticket can provide one theme park admission and one separate Plus visit on the same date.

Park Hopper Plus can also combine theme parks and an eligible water park visit.

However, each water park entry uses one of the included Plus visits.

Transportation and operating hours should also be considered.

Can you visit both water parks on the same day?

A one-day water park ticket is described as valid for either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach.

However, Disney’s official ticket details do not clearly promise unlimited same-day switching between both water parks.

Therefore, do not plan to visit both parks with one admission unless Disney confirms that benefit for your ticket.

When using a ticket add-on, each water park admission may consume an eligible Plus visit.

Check with Disney or the authorized ticket seller before building a two-water-park itinerary.

2026 Disney Resort water park benefit

Selected Disney Resort hotel guests receive a water park benefit during summer 2026.

Registered guests at eligible Disney Resorts Collection hotels can visit a Disney water park on their check-in day.

The benefit applies to eligible arrivals from May 26 through September 8, 2026.

The benefit:

Applies only on the check-in date;
Cannot be transferred to another day;
Provides access to either open Disney water park;
Is subject to availability and closures;
Does not include separately priced events.

Confirm that the hotel and every guest are eligible before relying on this benefit.

H2O Glow After Hours

H2O Glow After Hours is a separately ticketed event at Typhoon Lagoon.

Regular water park admission does not automatically include it.

Event tickets are date-specific, limited, nontransferable, and nonrefundable.

Weather can also affect attractions and entertainment.

Do not confuse H2O Glow admission with a regular daytime Typhoon Lagoon ticket.

Water park height requirements

Several major slides require guests to be at least 48 inches tall.

Attraction	Park	Minimum height
Summit Plummet	Blizzard Beach	48 inches
Slush Gusher	Blizzard Beach	48 inches
Downhill Double Dipper	Blizzard Beach	48 inches
Crush ’n’ Gusher	Typhoon Lagoon	48 inches
Humunga Kowabunga	Typhoon Lagoon	48 inches
Chairlift	Blizzard Beach	32 inches

Other experiences have no published minimum height.

However, “any height” does not remove supervision or safety requirements.

Measure younger children before the visit. Then, review the complete attraction list for the selected park.

Weather and temporary closures

Disney water parks may close because of lightning, severe weather, maintenance, capacity, or other operational conditions.

Some closures may happen with little advance notice.

Do not assume that a weather closure automatically creates a refund, credit, or rain check.

Disney states that offerings can change or be canceled without notice or liability.

Before leaving your hotel

Check:

The official park calendar;
The local weather forecast;
The My Disney Experience app;
Current attraction closures;
Transportation availability.

Full-day weather closures may appear on the calendar in advance. Temporary same-day closures may not.

What should you bring?

A water park day usually requires more preparation than a regular theme park visit.

Consider bringing:

Swimwear suitable for family environments;
Sunscreen;
Water;
Sandals or water shoes;
Dry clothes;
Waterproof phone protection;
Rain protection;
Identification;
Medication.

Swimwear with exposed metal, sharp pieces, rivets, or unsuitable materials may be restricted on attractions.

Disney also prohibits denim and neoprene wetsuits on Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher.

Are towels and life jackets available?

Complimentary life jackets are available for water park guests.

Disney Resort hotel guests can also receive complimentary towel rentals when using eligible resort identification.

Other visitors should confirm current towel-rental prices and policies.

Availability may change.

Is a standalone ticket or add-on better?

The better option depends on the rest of the trip.

Choose a standalone ticket when:

You only want one water park day;
You do not need Disney theme park admission;
Your existing ticket does not support the add-on;
The add-on provides more visits than you will use.

Consider Water Park and Sports when:

You have a multi-day theme park ticket;
You want several water park or sports visits;
You do not need theme park hopping;
The extra visits fit within the ticket’s validity period.

Consider Park Hopper Plus when:

You want multiple Disney theme parks on the same day;
You also want water park or sports visits;
Your itinerary can realistically use both benefits;
The price difference fits the budget.

Do not choose an add-on only because it includes more features.

Compare the cost with the number of visits your group will actually use.

FAQ

Are Disney water parks included with a regular theme park ticket?

No.

Standard theme park admission does not include Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.

Choose a standalone water park ticket, Water Park and Sports, or Park Hopper Plus.

Which Disney water park is open after September 9, 2026?

Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to close temporarily starting September 9.

Disney directs guests to Blizzard Beach during that period.

However, confirm the calendar before visiting.

Does Park Hopper include Disney water parks?

No.

Park Hopper only provides same-day access to multiple Disney theme parks.

Park Hopper Plus adds the water park and sports benefits.

Can I visit a water park without visiting a theme park?

Yes.

Purchase a standalone One-Day Water Park Ticket.

Do I need a water park reservation?

Disney currently states that reservations are not required.

However, reservation rules are subject to change.

Are water parks included with a Disney Resort stay?

Not automatically throughout the entire year.

Eligible Disney Resort hotel guests receive check-in-day water park admission for arrivals from May 26 through September 8, 2026.

What happens if the water park closes because of weather?

Operations may be delayed or canceled.

A refund, credit, or rain check is not automatically guaranteed.

Ask Guest Relations about the rules attached to your admission.

Is Typhoon Lagoon better than Blizzard Beach?

Neither park is best for every visitor.

Blizzard Beach may appeal more to thrill seekers. Typhoon Lagoon may suit guests who prioritize its wave pool and tropical theme.

Are children under 3 free?

Disney’s standard age rules generally do not require admission for children younger than 3.

However, confirm the terms of the exact ticket purchased.

Can I use unused Plus visits on another vacation?

No.

Plus visits expire according to the validity period of the attached theme park ticket.

Which Disney water park should you choose?

Choose Blizzard Beach for its ski-resort theme and high-speed body slides.

Choose Typhoon Lagoon for its tropical atmosphere, Surf Pool, and water coaster.

However, availability is the first decision.

Typhoon Lagoon temporarily closes starting September 9, 2026. Therefore, Blizzard Beach will be the available Disney water park during that closure period.

Next, compare a standalone ticket with the Water Park and Sports or Park Hopper Plus options.

My Park Tickets offers valid Disney admission at prices below the gate. Compare current options on the Disney World tickets page before booking.

You can also compare other regional parks in our best water parks in Orlando guide, including Aquatica Orlando.