Disney Announces Major Change Following Theme Park Closure

The Walt Disney World Resort will gain a significant new entertainment addition this summer.

The Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in Orlando, Central Florida, are some of the most visited in the world. Boasting four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—as well as two water theme parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park—the sprawling resort captivates millions year after year.

In 2025, though, some are opting to skip their visit to the parks due to the overwhelming list of closures and refurbishments happening resort-wide. From the closure of the Grand Avenue to make way for Monstropolis in Hollywood Studios, to the creative overhauls at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom (the former bringing the Cars and the villains, while the latter sees Encanto and Indiana Jones arrive), a big evolution is afoot at the Mouse House’s largest theme park destination.

While updates are happening every day, Disney World must continue to operate and entertain the guests that pay big bucks to visit the resort. Some will prioritize the big e-ticket attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT or the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom, with others choosing a shopping trip at Disney Springs or a refreshing break at the water parks.

When it comes to Disney World’s water parks, the resort currently only has one in operation: Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Ever since the pandemic closures, Disney has operated an alternating system between Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, with the latter opening during the summer months.

Just recently, Disney confirmed that Typhoon Lagoon would once again be reopening this summer, albeit later than planned. The later opening of the fan-favorite water park is due to the 30th anniversary celebration of Blizzard Beach. Commencing April 1, the event will feature exclusive experiences for those visiting.

“Just imagine a high-energy DJ spinning some toe-tapping tunes on the deck near the Polar Pub,” Disney Parks Blog wrote. “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.”

Blizzard Beach’s anniversary will be short-lived, though, as it will close at the end of April, with Typhoon Lagoon reopening on May 1. To cushion the blow of losing Blizzard Beach at Disney World, Typhoon Lagoon will be bringing back the popular H2O nighttime event on select nights this summer.

The Disney Water Parks accounts on Instagram made the announcement:

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

 

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Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is a hard-ticketed event lasting three hours at the water theme park. Guests will encounter numerous exclusive activities, including complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn and select beverages; lower wait times on favorite attractions like Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, Castaway Creek, raft rides and waterslides; DJ dance parties, and exclusive character interactions.

There is no confirmation on when the H2O Glow After Hours parties will begin, but it will surely ease the blow for those mourning the closure of Blizzard Beach. Disney’s Blizzard Beach is scheduled to close at end of day April 30, directly ahead of Typhoon Lagoon’s opening on May 1.

How do you feel about the closure of Blizzard Beach and the opening of Typhoon Lagoon? Do you think both parks should be open together? Let us know in the comments down below!