If you are taking advantage of the FREE Disney hotel perk, you will want to keep these things in mind.
Blizzard Beach
In 2025 (and now also in 2026), Disney hotel guests get a free ticket to one of the water parks on the day they check in. This is a great deal because it is FREE and this summer, both water parks will be open together! It’s been a long time since we’ve seen both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach open at the same time, but from May 21 to September 7, 2025, they will both be open. But, before you grab your bathing suit and sunscreen, there are some things you should know.
1. Extra Costs
While your ticket is free, you’ll need to buy food and drinks while there. Trust us, there are some great snacks to be found here. You might also need to purchase other items ahead of time like bathing suit, sunscreen, water shoes, etc. Thse are things to keep in mind when you are planning to use this perk.
Praline Sundae
2. Disney Transportation Issues
If you are taking transportation from Disney hotel to travel to the water parks, you’ll likely have to transfer buses. While there are a few hotels with direct buses, most of them you will have to take one bus somewhere else and then grab another bus to head to your final destination. For example, you might head to Disney Springs for Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Blizzard Beach.
Disney Bus
3. Full Capacity
The water parks can hit capacity and we have actually seen this happen. If it does you might need to pivot on your plans. This summer while both water parks are open, it is less likely to happen, but we won’t be surprised if it does.
Blizzard Beach
4. Weather
With summer approaching, that means that daily storms is right around the corner. The summer storms could close down parts of the water park. While it is far away, when it gets into colder months, the water parks can close. If the parks due close due to weather, the ticket cannot be transferred to another date.
Rain in Magic Kingdom
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Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach — Disney World Water Parks Showdown
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We went to Blizzard Beach this past Saturday around 11:30 a.m. The parking lot was completely full and we were told we would need to park at Animal Kingdom and transfer over as there was no spots available. We ended up returning to our hotel and using the pool there. I love the benefit of the ticket for the water park on day of arrival for Disney hotel guests, but until both parks are open, this may be a regular issue. A full parking lot also doesn’t indicate how many people have bussed there as they do not have transportation. As much as I love the water parks, how enjoyable would it really be when it is this crowded?