Major Change Coming to Disney World as Orlando Airport Issues Urgent Update

Spring Break 2025 is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel seasons yet, and Disney World is making adjustments to accommodate the influx of guests.

Disney World Extends Park Hours Amid Massive Spring Break Crowds

With multiple reports indicating that more than 7 million visitors will pass through Orlando International Airport between February 22 and April 6, Walt Disney World Resort is bracing for larger-than-normal crowds. In response, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park has extended its operating hours to give guests more opportunities to cool off and enjoy their time at the park.

To help manage the anticipated surge in visitors, Disney’s Blizzard Beach will remain open an hour later each day from March 23 through March 29, 2025. The new operating hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, an extension from the previously scheduled 5:00 PM closing time. This change provides an extra hour of fun for guests looking to make the most of their visit to Disney World’s winter-themed water park.

This move aligns with Disney’s ongoing efforts to enhance the guest experience during peak travel seasons. While an additional hour may not seem like a major change, it allows thousands of visitors more time to enjoy Blizzard Beach’s thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools before closing time.

Why the Extended Hours Matter for Guests

With record-breaking crowds expected during the spring break season, Disney World guests should prepare for longer wait times, increased foot traffic, and higher demand for attractions, dining, and Genie+ reservations. The extended hours at Blizzard Beach offer a strategic advantage, giving guests another entertainment option to escape the overwhelming crowds at the four main theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Families staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel in 2025 will especially benefit from this update. As part of Disney’s recent perks, guests checking into a Disney Resort hotel receive complimentary water park admission on their arrival day, allowing them to take full advantage of the extended hours at Blizzard Beach without additional cost. This makes Blizzard Beach an even more appealing option for those arriving early and looking to enjoy a more relaxed, crowd-free experience before diving into the theme parks.

The decision to extend water park hours isn’t just about convenience—it’s a sign of how Disney World is adapting to rising attendance levels and the evolving guest experience. Spring Break brings families, students, and international travelers, all eager to experience the magic of Disney, which results in higher-than-usual wait times for attractions and dining.

How This Impacts the Overall Disney World Experience

Some key factors to consider:

• Increased Park Crowds: Longer lines at Magic Kingdom’s headliner rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Tron Lightcycle / Run are expected.
• Dining Reservations Fill Quickly: With more guests in the parks, securing Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) will be more competitive.
• Extended Park Hours Likely to Follow: Disney has a history of adjusting hours at all four theme parks during peak seasons. More updates could be on the way.

With Blizzard Beach offering an extended schedule, guests have a prime opportunity to enjoy some much-needed relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the main parks. Those who plan strategically can take advantage of this extra hour to maximize their time, whether by arriving early to snag prime lounge chair spots or staying later to ride the Summit Plummet one last time.

Tips for Enjoying WDW During Spring Break 2025

If you’re planning a Disney World trip during peak Spring Break season, consider these tips to make your experience smoother:

1. Utilize Early Entry & Extended Evening Hours – Resort guests get early access to the parks before the general public.
2. Plan Water Park Days Strategically – Visit Blizzard Beach on high-crowd days when theme parks may feel overwhelming.
3. Book Dining & Genie+ in Advance – Secure reservations as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
4. Stay Hydrated & Dress Comfortably – Florida heat and crowds can be exhausting, so prepare accordingly.
5. Take Advantage of Resort Perks – Complimentary water park admission for resort guests is a valuable benefit.

Final Thoughts: Will More Disney World Parks Extend Hours?

The extension of Blizzard Beach’s hours could signal more adjustments across Disney World as the resort prepares for a record-breaking Spring Break. Historically, when Disney sees higher-than-expected crowd levels, they adjust park hours and entertainment schedules accordingly. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Hollywood Studios extend operating hours in the coming weeks.

For now, visitors should expect larger crowds and longer waits but can use the extended Blizzard Beach hours to their advantage. Whether you’re looking to escape the theme park madness or just enjoy more time splashing in the sun, this change is a welcomed update for Spring Break travelers.

Are you heading to Disney World this Spring Break? Be sure to stay updated on park hours, reservation availability, and crowd forecasts to make the most of your trip.

Source: Spectrum News 13

Let us know in the comments if you plan to visit Blizzard Beach during its extended hours!