Updated August 2026 · 6 min read
Two different water parks
Walt Disney World operates two separate water parks with distinct theming: Blizzard Beach, built around a melting-ski-resort concept complete with snow-capped structures, and Typhoon Lagoon, themed around a storm-wrecked tropical setting with one of the larger wave pools in the Orlando area. Both offer slides, a lazy river, and a mix of family and thrill-oriented water attractions — the choice between them usually comes down to which theme appeals more and which is operating on your travel dates, since Disney periodically closes one for seasonal refurbishment.
Ticketing — these aren't automatically included
Water park admission is separate from your theme park ticket
Unlike theme park hopping between Disney's four main parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon require their own separate admission or a specific add-on to certain ticket types — they are not automatically included with a standard base ticket or even most Park Hopper tickets. Check current inclusion options on DisneyWorld.com, since this is one of the details most likely to vary by ticket type and season. See our Disney World tickets guide for how the base ticket system works.
When adding a water park day is worth it
A water park day works well as a change of pace on longer Disney trips, particularly in the heat of summer, and as a lower-walking, lower-queuing alternative to another full theme park day. It's less essential on shorter trips (three days or fewer) where every day carries more weight toward seeing the four main parks. Families who've already done Disney's main parks on a previous trip often prioritise a water park day on a return visit specifically because it wasn't the priority the first time.
- Are Disney's water parks open year-round?
- They're generally seasonal or partially seasonal, with one sometimes closed for refurbishment at a given time — check current operating status for your travel dates before planning a day around a specific one.
- Which is better for young children, Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon?
- Both have areas designed for younger kids alongside their more thrill-oriented slides — the choice usually comes down to theming preference rather than one being meaningfully more toddler-friendly than the other.