Did you know that Disney Resorts Guests arriving in 2025 and summer of 2026 get water park admission on check-in day—at no additional charge? This means that a family of 2 Adults and 2 Children (Ages 3-9) can save approximately $275 on water park tickets. This perk is valid only on the day you arrive and is non-transferable to other days.
What are the Disney Water Parks?
Walt Disney World has two water parks with heated water so you can enjoy them year round. Blizzard Beach is a taste of winter in the summer. It’s a snowy mountain that has melted in the Florida sun and created some water fun. With Mount Gushmore at its center, don’t miss the 120-foot-tall Summit Plummet water slide or Tike’s Peak area just for kids. Blizzard Beach also has the world’s longest family raft ride, Teamboat Springs . You can even take a chairlift from the base of the mountain to the high speed slides. There are even three distinct “slope” colors to help you navigate the park by location (not intensity).
Typhoon Lagoon is a tropical-themed water park that was created after a legendary storm. With the Miss Tilly shrimp boat at is center to signal an eruption from her smokestack. Typhoon Lagoon has water slides, Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster and a giant wave pool. Don’t miss Ketchakiddee Creek, its family-friendly water playground.
Dining at Disney Water Parks
Both water parks have a variety of quick service meals, snacks and mobile ordering options. Most dining locations accept the Disney Dining Plan. Blizzard Beach’s main quick service dining locations is Lottawatta Lodge serving burgers, flatbreads, chicken strips and rice bowls. Don’t miss Mini Donuts by Joffrey’s Coffee. These bite-sized donuts are served with chocolate, raspberry or white chocolate sauces that you won’t be able to stop dipping!
At Typhoon Lagoon Leaning Palms and Typhoon Tilly’s are popular counter service restaurants serving item like burgers, rice bowls and salads. Don’t miss snacks like the Sand Pail Sundae at Happy Landings. This shareable soft serve comes in a miniature sand pail with cookies, fudge, cake, candies, and whipped cream. If you’r looking for an adult beverage you can stop at Let’s Go Slurpin’ for a Captain’s Mai Tai!
Please note that during off-peak times of the year only one of the water parks may be open, so be flexible in your plans to visit either park.
How to Get To the Water Parks
Both parks are accessible by car, ride share or Disney Resort bus transportation. The park hours are typically 10am-6pm, so plan to arrive early on Walt Disney World property on your check-in day. Whether it be an early flight or a pre-night stay at a neighboring hotel, you’ll want to arrive by mid-morning to either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.
How to Use your Water Park Perk
On your check-in day you do not need to stop at your resort. You can go straight to the water park before checking in at the front desk. However, luggage is not allowed. If you have luggage, you will need to store it with Bell Services at your resort before going to a water park. The water park tickets are preloaded into your My Disney Experience account. You can use your MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass, or Key to the World Card for entry. The waterparks hasve complimentary towels and life jackets as well as lockers are available for rent.
A Few Final Pro Tips
Packing smart when you leave home will help you have an enjoyable day at the water park. Don’t forget to have access to a day bag with your swimsuit and sunscreen as well as a change of clothes and a plastic bag for wet items. If you have young children traveling with you don’t forget the swim diapers or floaties! It’s also a good idea to check the weather before heading to the water park. While the water parks generally don’t close for rain, unless there is lightning in the area. If you’re looking for something free to do in the evening after a full day at the water park you can go to Disney Springs to enjoy dinner and entertainment!
Split Stay Hack
If you are arriving late and still want to take advantage of this water park visit perk on arrival day, or if you want to visit more than once, then consider a split stay where you have two reservations and can get water park admission again in the middle of your trip when you check-in to the second reservation! Example: You arrive at Port Orleans Riverside and stay Sunday to Wednesday. You can visit a water park on Sunday (your arrival day at Port Orleans Riverside). If you switch and stay at Wilderness Lodge on Wednesday to Saturday, you can go to a water park AGAIN on Wednesday (your arrival day at Wilderness Lodge). However, keep in mind that you will have a small window of time on Wednesday when you won’t have a room at Port Orleans Riverside or Wilderness Lodge. Bell Services can hold and transfer your luggage for you. Just remember to pack your day bag for the water parks!
Whether you’re sliding (or screaming!) down Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach or floating on the Castaway Creek Lazy River, the Disney Water parks are a great way to start your vacation. The water parks have a lot of variety. Variety in water attractions – from the youngest of age to the bravest of brave. Variety in food and drinks – from snacks to different cuisines to drinks. So, no matter your age or interest a visit to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon will kick-off your vacation with some fun and sun!
I’d love to hear if you have taken advantage of the included water park admission on arrival day. What was your experience like? If you’ve ever visited a Disney water park – what is your favorite water attraction? Click here to connect with Michele via email or to request a free quote.
