Why Disney World’s Water Parks Are the Ultimate Summer Escape (and Better Than Ever in 2025!)

If you’ve ever trudged through the thick Florida heat in July with Mickey-shaped sweat stains on your shirt and a churro slowly melting in your hand, then congratulations—you already understand why Disney World’s water parks are such a gift from the theme park gods.

And in even cooler news (pun very much intended), 2025 marks the first time since 2019 that both of Disney’s incredible water parks—Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach—are open at the same time. That’s right! After a few years of alternating closures and makeovers, the splash-tastic duo is finally reunited, and it feels so good.

Oh, and just to make things even splashier: Starting in 2025, Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel can enjoy admission to a Disney water park on their check-in day—included with your stay. So instead of staring at your resort room clock at 3 PM waiting for your luggage to show up, you can be floating down a lazy river with a frozen lemonade in hand before you’ve even unpacked your ears.

So let’s break it all down: What makes Disney’s water parks so special, which one should you hit first, and why should you absolutely not skip them in the summer?

🌴 First Up: Typhoon Lagoon – Tropical Paradise Meets Water Park Wackiness

Legend has it a freak storm swept through a tropical island and left behind a shipwrecked shrimp boat named “Miss Tilly” perched on top of a mountain. Because, of course it did. That’s the vibe at Typhoon Lagoon, and somehow, it works. This park is lush, beachy, and feels like a resort you’d find on a deserted island… if that island had a wave pool the size of a small country.

Entrance to Typhoon Lagoon

Why we love it:

• The Surf Pool. This isn’t your average wave pool that gently splashes you every now and then. Typhoon Lagoon’s Surf Pool sends out six-foot waves every few minutes that’ll knock the sunscreen right off you—in the best way. It’s part surf lesson, part “hang on for dear life,” and it’s amazing.

• Miss Adventure Falls. Disney’s longest family raft ride. You’ll spin, splash, and maybe scream a little—but in the joyful, “I can’t believe this is included in my park day” kind of way.

• Crush ‘n’ Gusher. A water coaster. Yes, like a roller coaster but with water. You ride a two-person raft down high-speed flumes with actual uphill parts. Defies logic. Embraces fun.

• Lazy River goals. Castaway Creek wraps around the park like a cozy hug. Grab a tube and just float… possibly forever. Your kids can ride the big slides while you contemplate whether Dole Whip counts as hydration.

❄️ Next: Blizzard Beach – The Coolest Meltdown You’ll Ever Have

Blizzard Beach is themed like a ski resort that started melting under the Florida sun and decided to become a water park instead. Yes, the backstory is ridiculous—but that’s Disney magic. You’ll find snow-covered (looking) slopes, chair lifts, and more “cool” puns than you ever thought possible.

Entrance to Blizzard Beach

Why it’s a summer essential:

• Summit Plummet. This is not for the faint of heart. It’s a near-vertical drop from the top of “Mount Gushmore,” reaching speeds that feel like you’re defying the laws of physics and common sense. But thrill-seekers? This is your holy grail.

• Teamboat Springs. A family raft ride that’s basically the chill (and slightly wet) cousin of Big Thunder Mountain. It’s bumpy, twisty, and always full of laughs.

• Ski Patrol Training Camp & Tike’s Peak. Got little ones in tow? Blizzard Beach is great for families. There’s a whole section designed for younger kids with slides, splash zones, and interactive play areas. You can chill while they wear themselves out—win-win.

• Chair lift with a view. Hop on the ski lift (yes, for real) and ride it to the top of the park while enjoying sweeping views of the snowy—not snowy—landscape. You might just forget you’re in Central Florida for a second.

  
  

☀️ Why Summer 2025 Is The Time to Dive In

Let’s be honest: Florida in the summer is… moist. Magical, yes, but moist. Which makes the return of both water parks such a game-changer. In the past few years, Disney has only opened one park at a time, rotating between the two for refurbishments. But 2025 is finally the year we get to have it all.

And don’t forget that shiny new perk for resort Guests: complimentary water park admission on your check-in day.This is huge! That first day of your trip—when you're too early to hit your room but too excited to sit still—can now be spent zooming down water slides, lounging with your toes in the sand (real sand, by the way), and sipping a piña colada (virgin or not, you do you).

It’s like getting a bonus park day without the crowds of Magic Kingdom or the hustle of rope drop. Plus, it's way easier to wear a swimsuit all day than plan an entire park outfit. Just saying.

💦 Tips for a Perfect Water Park Day

• Bring water shoes. Seriously. Those walkways get hot, and you will thank yourself.

• Rope drop still matters. If you want to hit the big slides with minimal waits, get there early. But don’t stress too much—these parks are way more laid-back than the four main ones.

• Sunscreen, reapplied often. The sun is no joke, and between the water and the reflection from surfaces, you’ll want to slather up every couple of hours.

• Rent a cabana or umbrella. If you’re planning to stay all day, consider splurging for some shade. It’s like having your own little beach bungalow.

• Let the kids wear themselves out. Honestly, this might be the most underrated perk. Your kids will have so much fun climbing, sliding, and splashing that they’ll fall asleep in 0.3 seconds back at the resort. You're welcome.

🌊 Final Thoughts: Make a Splash in 2025

With both water parks finally open together and Disney giving Guests a water park day for free on arrival, skipping Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach in 2025 is like skipping dessert at ‘Ohana. Just... why?

Whether you’re a thrill-chaser looking to summit plummet or a professional lounger ready to float around all day with a drink in hand, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect way to break up your theme park days with a little less walking and a lot more soaking.

So pack the swimsuits, grab those matching beach towels, and get ready to dive into the most refreshing Disney trip yet. Your future sun-kissed, well-hydrated self will thank you.