EPIC UNIVERSE: Tickets, Hotels & Planning Tips

In this week’s Beyond the Castle edition, I’m back with PART TWO of my Epic Universe coverage! Last week, we explored all the incredible lands and attractions coming to Universal’s groundbreaking new theme park. This week, I’m breaking down EVERYTHING you need to know about tickets, hotels, and planning strategies to make your Epic Universe experience truly… well, EPIC!

Opening day (May 22, 2025) is just over a month away, and tickets are SELLING FAST! Here’s all the info you need to start planning your visit.

TICKET OPTIONS & PRICES

Universal has rolled out several ticket options for Epic Universe, and it can be a bit confusing to navigate. Let me break it down for you!

Epic Universe Opens May 22
Universal Orlando

Single-Day Tickets

Great news! Single-day tickets to Epic Universe are NOW AVAILABLE for everyone! Initially, Universal only offered them to Annual Passholders, but as of March 2025, they’ve opened single-day sales to the general public.

Single-Day Ticket Pricing:

    • Starting at $139 for adults and $134 for children for dates in June 2025
    • Prices vary by date (just like Disney’s dynamic pricing)
    • Peak times and weekends will cost more
    • Opening day (May 22) tickets are currently $156 plus tax

For Annual Passholders, single-day tickets range from $121-$173 depending on the date you visit.

Multi-Day Ticket Options

If you’re planning to experience more of Universal Orlando, these multi-day options include Epic Universe:

2-Day Option:

    • One day at Epic Universe + one day at Universal Studios Florida and/or Islands of Adventure
    • Starting around $156.50 per day

3-Day Option:

    • One day at Epic Universe + two days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
    • Starting around $117 per day for adults ($351 total)
    • Florida residents can access the same package starting at $117 per day ($351 total)

4-Day Option:

    • One day at Epic Universe + three days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
    • Pricing varies by date

5-Day Option:

    • One day at Epic Universe + four days at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and optional Volcano Bay
    • Pricing varies by date

Express Pass & VIP Options

Want to skip the lines? Epic Universe Express Passes are now available!

Epic Universe. Battle at the Ministry.
Battle at the Ministry                                                                                 Concept Art: Universal Orland Resort

Express Pass:

      • Starting at $130 per person (in addition to park admission)
      • Grants one-time entry into eligible attractions
      • Unlike at other Universal parks, Express Pass is NOT included with stays at premium Universal hotels

VIP Experience:

      • Starting at $300 per person (in addition to park admission)
      • Includes a four-hour guided tour with Express line access

Annual Pass Considerations

If you’re a current Universal Orlando Annual Passholder, your existing pass will NOT include Epic Universe. Passholders need to purchase separate single-day tickets to visit the new park. I suspect that eventually there will be a version of the Universal Orlando Annual Pass that includes a specific number of days each year for Epic Universe; however, it will likely be some time before such an option is available. And, in all likelihood, such a pass will come at a premium price. Most likely, based on the response to early previews of Epic Universe, the park will be extremely popular for potentially years to come. Universal may not feel the need to make any accommodation for Annual Passholders until demand levels off.

Epic Universe. Isle of Berk.
Concept Art: Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Resort Guests: PREVIEW TICKET Opportunity for Epic Universe!

BREAKING NEWS: Universal Helios Grand Hotel was originally slated to open on May 2, 2025, the same day as Epic Universe’s opening day. However, that has changed. Universal Helios Grand Hotel is now opening on April 16, 2025. Reservations are available to be booked immediately.

Even better, there will be a select number of Epic Universe PREVIEW TICKETS available for purchase for guests staying at ANY Universal Hotel every day from April 16 through May 21. This will give you EXCLUSIVE access to experience Epic Universe BEFORE it opens to the public!

Rooms will go FAST for this special preview, so message me now to lock in your stay before this epic sneak peek disappears!
Epic Universe ticket information, Hotel updates and planning tips. Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Concept Art: Universal Orlando Resort

There is of course no guarantee that you’d be able to obtain an Epic Universe PREVIEW TICKET. They are very limited and subject to availability each day. You’ll visit guest services at your resort to see if any tickets remain available, and you COULD be disappointed. But imagine if you’re able to be one of the very limited early guests? How AMAZING would that be?

NEW HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Three brand new hotels are opening as part of the Epic Universe expansion.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel

Epic Universe. Universal Helios Grand Hotel

This is the crown jewel of the Epic Universe hotel collection:

      • Located INSIDE the theme park with its own dedicated entrance
      • Mediterranean-themed with 500 rooms
      • Features sweeping views of Celestial Park
      • Rooftop bar and lounge
      • Resort-style pool, hot tub, and poolside bar
      • Signature restaurant: Florida Taverna
      • Starting at approximately $352 per night, varying by date

The concept art and early preview pictures we’ve seen are stunningly beautiful! This resort is truly gorgeous, and is the first Universal resort that has seriously tempted me out of my Disney bubble.😉

Lush landscaping, lots of flowing water and striking views of Epic Universe from many vantage points–Universal Helios Grand Hotel appears to be a unique deluxe property.

Epic Universe. Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel Guestrooms

 

 

 

 

And perhaps most intriguing? Universal Helios Grand Hotel features 35 suites themed to “How to train your dragon”. How cute are these rooms?!?

Epic Universe. Universal Helios Grand Hotel. How to Train Your Dragon Kids Suites.
How to Train Your Dragon Kids Suites, Universal Helios Grand Hotel

 

Universal Stella Nova Resort

Already open! This cosmic-themed hotel features:

      • 750 rooms themed around stars and galaxies
      • Resort-style pool
      • Poolside bar and grill
      • Quick-service dining hall
      • Walking path to Epic Universe
      • Starting price point is lower than Helios Grand Hotel
Stella Nova Guest Rooms

Universal Terra Luna Resort

Now open with:

      • 750+ rooms themed around planets and outer space
      • Interactive planet projection in the lobby
      • Outdoor pool
      • Poolside bar and grill
      • Several dining options
      • Similar price point to Stella Nova
Epic Universe. Terra Luna Resort
Terra Luna Guest Rooms

MY TOP EPIC UNIVERSE PLANNING TIPS

1. When to Visit

      • Avoid Opening Week if Possible: Expect MASSIVE crowds May 22-31
      • Weekdays in June: Potentially lower crowds before summer vacation season fully kicks in
      • September/October: After summer rush but before holiday season

2. Ticket Strategy

      • Book Multi-Day if Possible: One day simply won’t be enough to experience everything
      • Consider Express Pass: Given the expected crowds, Express Pass might be worth the investment despite the high price
      • Book Early: Tickets for popular dates will sell out

3. Park Strategy

Remember, Epic Universe uses a hub-and-spoke design, which means:

      • You’ll need to return to Celestial Park to move between lands
      • This creates more walking than at traditional parks
      • Plan your day by grouping attractions in each land
Epic Universe opens May 22
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

4. Attraction Priorities

Based on similar attractions at other parks, here’s my prediction for longest wait times:

Highest Priority (Ride First or Get Express Pass):

      • Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
      • Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
      • Mine-Cart Madness
      • Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
      • Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
Epic Universe Opens May 22!
Concept Art: Universal Orlando

Medium Priority:

      • Stardust Racers
      • Dragon Racer’s Rally
      • Yoshi’s Adventure
      • Fyre Drill

Lower Priority:

      • Constellation Carousel
      • Shows and walkthroughs

5. Early Park Admission

Starting May 23, 2025, Early Park Admission will be available at Epic Universe, granting access to:

      • Super Nintendo World
      • Stardust Racers

Epic Universe. Super Nintendo World.

This perk is typically available to Universal hotel guests and select pass holders.

6. Where to Stay

      • For Ultimate Convenience: Universal Helios Grand Hotel ($$$$)
      • For Value & Still Close: Universal Stella Nova or Terra Luna Resorts ($$$)
      • Budget-Friendly Option: Stay at an off-site partner hotel with shuttle service ($$)
Epic Universe. Stella Nova and Terra Luna Resorts
Concept Art: Stella Nova and Terra Luna Resorts

Is It Worth Adding To Your Disney Trip?

As a Disney-focused travel planner, I know many of you are wondering if you should add Epic Universe to your next Walt Disney World vacation. Here’s my take:

YES if:

      • You’re planning a trip of 7+ days
      • You love immersive themed experiences
      • You’re a fan of Harry Potter, Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, or classic horror
      • You enjoy thrill rides

MAYBE NOT if:

      • You only have 4-5 days total (stick to Disney)
      • You’re traveling with very young children
      • You’re on a tight budget
Epic Universe. Isle of Berk.
Concept Art

My Recommendations

If you’re planning to visit Epic Universe in 2025, I strongly recommend:

    1. Book your hotel NOW (especially if you want to stay at Helios Grand)
    2. Purchase tickets in advance
    3. Consider a 2-day Epic Universe ticket if your schedule allows and IF Universal allows.
    4. Add Express Pass if it’s within your budget
    5. Plan for a rest day after your Epic Universe visit – this park is going to be HUGE!

I’m personally planning my first Epic Universe visit for later this summer, and I cannot WAIT to share all the details with you! Stay tuned for my full review once the park opens.

Who’s planning to visit Epic Universe this year? Drop a comment below!

 

 

 

EPCOT, Les Chefs de Paris, Cocktails in France
If you’d like assistance with planning your Universal Orlando Resort vacation, or even a Disney/Universal hybrid vacation, I’m your girl! Email me today for a free, no obligation quote.

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Merchandise Preview

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary: The Happiest Merchandise on Earth Is Coming!

Ok, last week when we posted about all the celebrations planned for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, I know I said that we should expect lots of additional merchandise to come over the coming year. Guys, I didn’t expect a drop this quickly of this magnitude!!! Disneyland’s team released a staggering amount of new 70th Anniversary merchandise we can look forward to. And yet, somehow, I suspect this is just the tip of the iceberg!

If you’ve been following my Disney adventures, you know I’m a total sucker for limited-edition merchandise, and this celebration is going to be AMAZING! Starting May 16, 2025, and running all the way through summer 2026, Disneyland Resort will be hosting its 70th anniversary bash where we can all “celebrate happy” while honoring SEVEN DECADES of Disney magic!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary merchandise
Image: Disney Parks

Let’s Break Down These AMAZING Collections!

The Celebration Collection

This collection is so much fun! It features that classic Disney Parks style we know and love, but with fun colors and new character art inspired by iconic Disneyland attractions. There’s something for everyone – kids of ALL ages.

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Merchandise
Image: Disney Parks

The COOLEST part? They’re debuting new bubble wands with interchangeable character hats! Each character head brings different light and sound effects to life! I’m definitely grabbing one (or five) of these!

And my fellow Disney fashionistas will be thrilled – they’ve got Loungefly and Dooney & Bourke collaborations coming too! My credit card is already sweating!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary merchandise
Image: Disney Parks

The Castle Collection

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you might have noticed that I have a bit of an obsession with the castles. Now, Cinderella Castle is my first love (I’m thinking we all imprint on our very first Disney castle, right?) but I still have a deep love for Sleeping Beauty Castle.  If you’re as castle-obsessed as I am, I’m guessing you are going to FLIP for the Castle Collection!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Merchandise
Image: Disney Parks
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Merchandise
Image: Disney Parks

 

This collection is “fit for royalty” with gorgeous pixie-dust-filled apparel and accessories. There’s even going to be special 70th Anniversary jewelry by Rebecca Hook! I can’t resist–I am feeling the pull of this collection already!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary merchandise
Image: Disney Parks

The Vault Collection

For my vintage Disney lovers (you know who you are!), the Vault Collection is going to be your JAM! It celebrates the early eras of Disneyland with nostalgically designed merchandise coming in different “chapters” throughout the celebration.

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Merchandise
Image: Disney Parks

The first chapter is the “Replica Chapter” with retro-inspired goodies, followed by the “Mickey Mouse & Maps Chapter” dedicated to those beloved Disneyland park maps we all love to collect! I’m getting major collector vibes here!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary merchandise
Image: Disney Parks
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Merchandise
Image: Disney Parks

Walt Disney Nostalgia Collection

This one hits me right in the feels! The Walt Disney Nostalgia Collection honors the man who started it all, featuring famous Walt Disney quotes and celebrating Disneyland’s heritage. Some items even look like things you might have found on Walt’s desk! How special is THAT?!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Merchandise
Image: Disney Parks

 

 

 

 

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary MerchandiseImage: Disney Parks

But Wait, There’s MORE!

There’s going to be AMAZING jewelry and accessories from Citizen, Pandora, and Bulova! Check out these gorgeous items. There’s a gold-plated Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Collectible Pocket Watch and those super cute Pandora charms featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Disneyland logo, and Tinker Bell!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary merchandise
Image: Disney Parks

The COOLEST Interactive Experience!

Okay, this might be my favorite part! Disneyland is introducing the “Key to Disneyland” – an interactive experience where you can “unlock the magic” within each of Disneyland Park’s nine lands! With the Key to Disneyland, you’ll go on an adventure and visit special 70th Anniversary lock stations in each land. When you activate all the special 70th Anniversary lock stations in each land, your key reveals 1 of 9 hidden commemorative keepsake pins inside!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Merchandise
Image: Disney Parks

The BEST part? The key saves your progress, so you can unlock lands at your own pace throughout the celebration! Perfect for those of us who like to take our time and soak in all the Disney magic!

For My Fellow Collectors…

They’re also releasing the Disneyland Resort 70th Medallion Collection with TWO-SIDED medallions featuring park icons, attractions, characters and more. There will be 70 new designs throughout the celebration! My collector friends, start saving NOW! We don’t have pricing on these yet, but I’m guessing these won’t be $1!

How to Get Your Hands on These Treasures!

If you’re as impatient as I am, you can start shopping NOW with select items from the Countdown Collection available at Disneyland Resort retail locations like Elias and Co., The Emporium, and World of Disney!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary merchandise
Image: Disney Parks

Can’t make it to California? (I feel your pain!) Don’t worry – select merchandise will be available later this year on DisneyStore.com! I’ll be sure to post updates when they drop online!

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Merchandise Bonanza Bottom Line!

It’s important to remember: to enter the parks, you’ll need BOTH a theme park reservation AND a valid ticket for the same park on the same date! Park reservations are limited and can fill up fast, so if you’re planning to visit during the 70th celebration, book EARLY!

Want help planning your magical Disneyland 70th Anniversary trip? That’s what I’m here for! Drop me a message, and let’s make those Disneyland dreams come true! ✨

Who else is excited for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary merchandise? What items are on YOUR must-have list? Let me know in the comments below!

 

 

 

runDisney, Princess Half Marathon, Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Are you ready to plan your next Magical vacation? I’d love to help! email Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a free, no obligation quote today!

H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

GET READY TO GLOW! H2O After Hours Returns to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon This Summer! 

I’m really happy to report that H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is BACK this summer. I’m a big fan of Disney After Hours events in general, but H2O Glow After Hours is one of my favorites.

H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will be lighting up select summer nights from May 23rd through September 13th, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share all the glowing details with you! (yes, I’m cheesy. I admit it!). Enjoy all of the water park FUN without the searing SUN. (Told you I was cheesy.)

Both Disney World Water Parks Open This Summer 2025. H2O Glow After Hours at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Photo: Disney Parks

Tickets On Sale April 4

Listen up, my Disney planning pals! Tickets go on sale April 4! If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel (and if you’re not, we should talk about that!), you can snag your tickets starting April 1st. General public tickets will be available beginning April 4th. Last year, several nights of H2O Glow After Hours did sell out, so if this fits into your summer plans, I HIGHLY recommend buying your tickets SOON. (Email me and I can take care of this for you.)

And here’s the BEST NEWS for families – kids’ tickets are only $42.50 this year, which is HALF the adult price of $85! Plus, my fellow Annual Passholders and DVC members get even more savings! If you are a Typhoon Lagoon (or water parks in general), this is seriously one of the best values at Disney right now!

Why You’ll LOVE H2O Glow After Hours💙

Let me tell you why this event is a non-negotiable part of our summer Disney trips:

      1. Partysaurus Rex from Toy Story will be your host for the evening, along with some of his friends! All the kids I saw went CRAZY for these character interactions last year!
      2. The wait times are SO much shorter compared to daytime hours. We rode Humunga Kowabunga three times in a row last summer – that NEVER happens during regular hours!
      3. You’ll avoid that intense Florida summer heat while still enjoying all the splashy fun! AND extra benefit: you’ll avoid all those killer UV rays that are so strong during the day!
      4. FREE SNACKS! Yes, you read that right – complimentary Mickey bars, popcorn, and select beverages are included with your ticket! I admit it, Disney. You had me at “free Mickey bar”. It works EVERY TIME.
Disney Free Dining Disney Magic Kingdom Disney Mickey Bars Disney Family Vacation
Photo: Disney Parks

New Delicious Treats!

This year they’re adding even MORE yummy treats! So far, we’ve learned there will be new Chicken and Mickey-shaped Waffle Sliders at Leaning Palms. Also, I’m hearing there’s a Glow-versized Loaded Baked Potato at Typhoon Tilly’s that sounds incredible! I’ll update you all with the full menu as soon as Disney shares it.

Dance the Night Away!

Who DOESN’T love a Disney Dance Party?? The combination of pulsating music, dazzling lights, and Disney characters makes for the most magical atmosphere at the H2O Glow After Hours DJ Dancing Parties. You might even get to dance with Partysaurus Rex!

H2O Glow After Hours at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
H2O Glow After Hours Dance Party! Photo: Disney Parks

The GLOWING Bottom Line

If you’re planning a summer Disney trip and your budget allows for it, I HIGHLY recommend adding H2O Glow After Hours to your itinerary. It’s one of the more reasonably priced After Hours events (that’s kind of relative, I realize). It’s also the perfect way to cool off after a hot park day, and the nighttime vibes make it feel like a completely different experience from a regular water park visit!

Have you experienced H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon before? Are you adding it to your wish list for this summer? Drop me a comment below – I’d love to hear about your plans or answer any questions!

 

 

 

 

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent

Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com 

 

P.S. – If you’re more interested in visiting Walt Disney World’s water parks during the day, click here to learn about all the fun heading your way this summer!

Both Disney World Water Parks Open This Summer!

SPLASHY NEWS! Typhoon Lagoon AND Blizzard Beach will BOTH be open this summer!

Disney is really going ALL-IN on the water parks this year! Both Disney Water Parks will be open from May 21 through September 7 this year. For the first time since 2019 in fact, ALL SIX Walt Disney World parks will be open at the same time! Yes, you read that right – both Blizzard Beach AND Typhoon Lagoon water parks will be open all summer!

Both Disney World water parks open this summer 2025, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon
Photo: Disney Parks

The Coolest Summer Ever Just Got Better!

I don’t know about you, but my family has been counting down the days until summer vacation, and this announcement just made our planning SO much more exciting! With the tropical paradise of Typhoon Lagoon AND the winter wonderland of Blizzard Beach both available, we’ll definitely need to add an extra water park day to our itinerary! Since 2019, every time Typhoon Lagoon opened for its “season”, that meant Blizzard Beach was closed. When it was time for Blizzard Beach to open, Typhoon Lagoon would close.

Both Disney World Water Parks Open this summer 2025, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon
Blizzard Beach. Photo: Disney Parks

Both water parks are TONS of fun, but they each have different strengths. As a fan of BOTH parks, I prefer to have a choice between the two. If I’m in a “spend all day in the lazy river” kind of mood, or really want to embrace the “Florida” of it all, I want to go to Typhoon Lagoon. If I’m more in a daring, adventurous mood, or really want the WINTER theming, I’m probably going to lean more towards Blizzard Beach. For YEARS, Disney has made that choice for me. There was no choice, basically. If you wanted to visit a Disney water park, you had one choice–whichever park was actually open during your visit.

Both Disney World Water Parks open this summer 2025. Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon.
Photo: Disney Parks

But THIS year, Disney is giving us back our choices. This summer, BOTH Disney water parks will be open for the whole season.

Quick note: Blizzard Beach (which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month) will need a little “refresh” time and will temporarily close from May 1-20 before reopening for the summer season.

FREE Water Park Access for Resort Guests!

Disney already brought the water parks to our attention when they announced late last year that ALL Disney guests staying on property in 2025 would get FREE water park admission on their arrival day! I love this perk, and think it’s a great way for guests that have never experienced a Disney water park to check them out. It was always hard to justify the water park ticket price if you weren’t planning on spending a whole day at the water park, and it was always a little tough to trade off a theme park day for a water park day–especially when you were planning ahead and not completely sure of the weather.

Both Disney World water parks are open this summer 2025. Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon
Photo: Disney Parks

But now, you can visit a Disney water park on the day you arrive for most of the day (if you arrive early) or just a few hours (if you arrive a little later) and it doesn’t cost you ANYTHING extra. Which is NOT something I find myself saying very often about Disney!

This is such a fantastic way to kick off your vacation, especially if you arrive early in the day and want to make the most of your first day before hitting the theme parks tomorrow! It also makes that “your room is not ready until 4 pm (or sometimes later!)” challenge SO much less impactful. You can drop your luggage at Bell Services, grab your “water park go bag” and go have FUN at the water park. (and let’s face it: this aspect of customer DISsatisfaction with check-in was a big motivator in Disney deciding to offer this new perk this year!).

Nighttime Water Park Fun at H2O Glow!

For my night owls who want to splash under the stars, H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon is BACK from May 23 through September 13 on select nights! We absolutely LOVED this event last year – think reduced wait times, complimentary snacks, and Toy Story character encounters amid glowing, colorful lights!

Both Disney World Water Parks Open This Summer 2025. Typhoon Lagoon H2O Glow
H2O Glow at Typhoon Lagoon. Photo: Disney Parks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For all my runDisney friends participating in this year’s Springtime Surprise there is a H2O Glow night during race weekend! What better way to wind down AND celebrate your race than to pay in the water at Typhoon Lagoon? It wasn’t warm enough to enjoy an event like this during the Princess Half Marathon weekend this year, but I’m so envious of all of you racing in Springtime Surprise that can enjoy this event!

The best part? Kids’ tickets are just $42.50 this year (half the adult price of $85)! Plus, my fellow Annual Passholders and DVC members, you’ll get additional special savings too!

Tickets went on sale TODAY (April 4)! Note: This event did sell out several nights last summer, so if this is something you and your family or friends want to enjoy, buy those tickets SOON. (I’m happy to help, just send me an email.)

Both Disney World Water Parks open this summer 2025. Typhoon Lagoon H2O Glow!
Typhoon Lagoon H2O Glow! Photo: Disney Parks

Tips to Maximize your Splashy Fun on Arrival Day!

When planning to include visiting a Disney water park on your arrival day, there are a few things I recommend to make sure you get the most enjoyment out of this great FREE perk.

Both Disney World Water Parks Open This Summer 2025. Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach Summit Plummet. Photo: Disney Parks

Review Your Travel Party – and Make Updates If Needed
Make sure that everyone in your travel party is listed on your reservation. This FREE water park visit on arrival day is ONLY available to registered resort guests, so make sure you didn’t leave anyone off the reservation!

Double Check the Water Park Calendar(s) and Hours
Check the park calendar and operating hours before your check-in day so you can plan your water park visit. And remember, if you’re visiting this summer, BOTH Disney World water parks will be open, so you’ll need to decide WHICH park you want to visit.

Also, this water park benefit is only on the day of check-in, and is valid for admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, whichever is open. If both parks are open, you get to choose.

Both Disney World Water Parks Open This Summer 2025. Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach
Photo: Disney Parks

Check the Weather Forecast
Even Disney can’t control Mother Nature. (Are you surprised?!? I was!) Depending on the weather, it IS possible that the water parks will close in inclement weather. Be sure to check the weather before heading off to visit Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach.

Please keep in mind:

  • Full-day closures will be reflected on the park calendar at least one day in advance.
  • Temporary, day-of closures may occur—sometimes with very little advance notice. Those will not be reflected on the park calendar. Hint: Disney does NOT like lightning. The park will likely stay open if it rains. But bring on the lightning? You’re probably heading back to your resort!

Pack a Small “GO” Bag for the Water Park
I always recommend my clients have a water park (or pool) GO bag ready when they travel to Disney–especially in the summer. That’s even MORE important in 2025 since you can visit a water park for FREE on your arrival day. You’ll be heading to the water park before your Resort room will be ready (in most cases), so you won’t want to have to dig through your suitcase to find your bathing suits and sunscreen. Both water parks have changing areas with showers, so you can put on your swimsuits once you arrive at the water park.

When packing a water park (or pool) GO bag, you may want to include:

      • Swimsuits
      • Sunscreen
      • Sunglasses
      • Flip-flops or water shoes
      • A change of clothing

Be sure to follow the water park dress code policy—and leave prohibited items at home.

Other things to know:

      • Complimentary life jackets are available in the water park for all water park Guests—so you can leave yours at home.
      • Disney Resort hotel Guests can enjoy complimentary towel rentals from Singapore Sal’s and High ‘N Dry Rentals. Be sure to use your Key to the World card, MagicBand, MagicBand+ or Disney MagicMobile service to receive this benefit.

The Splash-tastic Bottom Line

If you’re planning a summer Disney trip, I highly recommend adding at least one water park day to your itinerary. Especially if you live in the northern half of the United States, Canada or most of Europe–that Florida summer heat and humidity can be really challenging!  And of course, nothing is more fun on a glorious summer day than floating on a lazy river,  zipping down Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach or catching a wave in Typhoon Lagoon’s surf pool! And if you can make that water park visit FREE because you are staying on Disney property and arriving early enough in the day to spend most of the day at a water park?? BONUS!!!

Both Disney World Water Parks open this summer! Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach Wave Pool.                                                                                                        Photo: Disney Parks

Have you been to both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach? Which is your family’s favorite? Why do you love your favorite water park? Does anyone else remember River Country? Please comment below, I’m very curious about which water parks everyone prefers and why!

Until next time, keep making magical memories!

 

 

 

 

runDisney, Princess Half Marathon, Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Are you ready to plan your next Magical vacation? I’d love to help! email Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a free, no obligation quote today!