Walt Disney World Resort lodge visitors can get pleasure from free admission to one of many water parks, Hurricane Lagoon or Blizzard Seashore, on their check-in day. This can be a new for 2025 on-site perk that’s difficult to maximise, so we’re breaking down the professionals & cons and methods to get essentially the most mileage out of it and keep away from the colossal crowds which have descended on the WDW water parks because the climate has warmed up.
Let’s begin with the fundamentals of the brand new Walt Disney World resort visitor profit. That is new free water park perk is included on the primary day of all on-site stays: room-only reservations, trip packages, and many others–even money-saving Disney Trip Membership level leases are eligible! As long as you’re staying in a Disney-owned resort and all visitors are on the reservation, you’re good to go. There’s no catch.
For these already waiting for 2026 trip packages at Walt Disney World, we’re anticipating this perk to make a return. It stays to be seen whether or not it’s modified, as this yr’s strategy is arguably unsustainable. So that they both want each Blizzard Seashore and Hurricane Lagoon open by spring break or to start out the perk later, have blockout dates, and many others. To that time, there are a number of issues with this free water park day perk.
The primary is that the climate is just too chilly for water parks for a number of months of the yr. Except you’re the sporting shorts-in-the-snow sort, water parks could be disagreeable through the vacation season and winter. In reality, they usually shut utterly on numerous days from November by March. That was particularly widespread this winter, because it appeared like Blizzard Seashore was closed as a result of climate as a lot because it’s been open.
Extra just lately, the difficulty has been overcrowding. Because of this, there’s been affirmation from Walt Disney World that each Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore WILL function concurrently in Summer time 2025. That is one thing that hasn’t occurred since 2019 and it virtually didn’t occur this yr, both. When Hurricane Lagoon’s reopening was initially introduced, so too was Blizzard Seashore’s closure. It wasn’t till about one-month later that Walt Disney World modified course.
The explanation for Walt Disney World’s about-face and opening each Blizzard Seashore and Hurricane Lagoon is fairly easy and simple: crowds. After a gradual begin to the yr, Blizzard Seashore has been completely slammed because the begin of spring break. Attendance has been so excessive that the water park has had capability closures on a minimum of a handful of events, the car parking zone has stuffed up and so they’ve resorted to overflow throughout the road, and the bus scenario has been suboptimal. To place it mildly.
The explanation Walt Disney World didn’t initially intend to function each water parks each summer time is a little more sophisticated, however for our functions, there’s one related consideration: staffing. Discovering certified lifeguards and filling different positions isn’t straightforward, and Walt Disney World is now scrambling to do precisely that earlier than the most well liked months of the yr arrive.
Consequently, we’re involved about crowds at Hurricane Lagoon and/or Blizzard Seashore from now by August. Whereas having each open concurrently will definitely assist, there’s nonetheless the probability that they’ll be understaffed. And as we’ve seen through the brutal warmth and humidity of the previous couple of summers, demand could be actually excessive for the water parks when the climate is correct.
Even with pent-up demand having exhausted itself, this new perk will drive attendance greater through the summer time months. We’re already seeing that by spring break. Though these peak season dates are busier than summer time as a complete, water park demand can also be pushed by climate–and that’ll be worse from June by August. That is exactly why Prolonged Night Hours are busiest those self same months, no matter daytime crowd ranges.
The brand new water park perk goes to exacerbate crowd ranges at Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore this summer time. To what diploma is unknown, but when spring break is a sneak peek, most likely by lots! Particularly as soon as longer hours and better warmth create a higher incentive to make use of it upon arrival.
To that time, the water parks frequently shut at 5 or 6 pm outdoors of the summer time season. This makes utilizing the free water park perk on arrival day very difficult! Except you’re taking a redeye or early morning flight, there’s an honest probability that you simply received’t have a ton of time for the water parks on check-in day.
Even for those who land in Orlando by midday, it might take 90-120 minutes to get to your resort, drop off your baggage, then switch over to Hurricane Lagoon or Blizzard Seashore. Maybe longer for those who depend on Mears Join. One factor first-timers underestimate is transportation instances at Walt Disney World–even when issues are working easily (as is commonly the case now, minus Mears), getting round can take lots longer than you count on. So there’s an opportunity you land round midday, and realistically aren’t at Blizzard Seashore or Hurricane Lagoon till after 3 pm.
At what level are you higher off simply going the straightforward route and hanging out by your resort pool, chilling on the lounge, and ready till your room is prepared? I’d argue it’s at that time. The lodge pool clearly isn’t as sturdy as a water park, however that is the extra laid-back possibility, and taking the trail of least resistance to decompress on arrival day–earlier than the commando park days start–might be the smarter strategy. You don’t wish to get burnt out too early.
Regardless of our issues about crowds, we’re going to suggest making the most of the free water park perk for visitors visiting between June and August 2025.
If previous precedent is indicative, Hurricane Lagoon shall be open till 8 pm beginning in mid-to-late June, and proceed with these hours till mid-August. Our hope is that, as a result of free water parks perk, these added hours begin earlier and finish later within the season. Memorial Day to Labor Day for 10 am to eight pm hours at Hurricane Lagoon could be incredible.
Our favourite time to go to the water parks is the final 3 hours they’re open. That is one of the best time of day because the solar begins to get decrease within the sky, so the pavement isn’t fairly as scorching. Three hours or so earlier than closing can also be when the early-arrivers begin getting their fill of enjoyable within the solar and head for the exits.
The water parks have a really comparable dynamic to Animal Kingdom (too dangerous they’re not providing free arrival day tickets there!), which has a mass exodus in mid-afternoon. This most likely received’t be as true in 2025, as most visitors utilizing the free perk will essentially be arriving lengthy after park opening.
However, individuals are inclined to overestimate simply how a lot time they wish to spend at a water park, and find yourself heading for the exits early. Against this, far fewer arrive late. That leaves the tip of the day as a good time to go to. (Once more, this could sound similar to Animal Kingdom!)
The water parks have altering areas, so you possibly can arrive in avenue garments and alter into swimwear. You may also change again into regular apparel previous to leaving. From Blizzard Seashore, take into account a go to to close by Animal Kingdom Lodge or Coronado Springs Resort for dinner. Sanaa, Jiko, Boma, Three Bridges, and Toledo are all glorious eating places which are incessantly missed. Should you’re doing Hurricane Lagoon, head to Disney Springs for dinner and dessert.
Should you’d choose to the do the water parks earlier within the day, there’s another choice–one in every of our favourite choices–a cut up keep.
Since we’ve obtained some questions on cut up keep eligibility, we will affirm that cut up stays are eligible for this free water park perk. It’s not simply the day you arrive into Orlando or Walt Disney World. It’s the primary day of any on-site resort reservation that routinely triggers the water park perk. So for those who’re doing a collection of 1-night stays for no matter purpose, you’ve that many potential water park days.
You would even get actually strategic by artificially making a cut up keep by making a number of reservations on the similar resort. In fact, there are pitfalls to this–it’s possible you’ll find yourself having to vary rooms slightly than the stays being linked and being steady. We most likely wouldn’t suggest the substitute cut up keep for that purpose, however that’s as much as you.
Assuming you’ve a pleasant lodge for the primary half of your journey or have simply had whirlwind days within the parks, you may wish to chill out within the morning. And that’s completely nice! The beauty of this water park day being free is that you simply shouldn’t really feel the strain to be there from opening till shut (a feat only a few individuals handle, anyway).
Nonetheless, one factor to think about for those who’re doing a cut up keep is the aforementioned crowds. If the water parks proceed to be this busy when each parks are open, and it’s disproportionately as a result of free arrival day perk, it’d behoove you to rope drop your water park of selection as an alternative of ready till the tip of the day.
The overwhelming majority of visitors utilizing the perk shall be arriving within the afternoon, so you may gain advantage from beating these crowds. Transportation or parking shall be simpler, so too will snagging a spot within the shade, and features shall be shorter. I nonetheless personally choose late afternoon and night within the water parks, however I’m not so positive that sentiment will maintain true in Summer time 2025. This freebie has thrown a monkey wrench into issues and altered attendance and (particularly) arrival time dynamics.
Regardless, the purpose is that there’s actually no purpose to pay for water park admission in 2025 at Walt Disney World for those who’re an on-site visitor. Hopefully, Disney itself acknowledges this and makes the perk simpler to make use of in 2026. It’d be good if the perk simply provided precise worth to all visitors with out having to leap by hoops to hack it.
A variety of readers have requested us about cut up stays, whether or not they’re definitely worth the effort, and methods to leverage them strategically. We reply all of these questions and share far more than you most likely wish to know in Do a Cut up Keep at Walt Disney World Resort Accommodations. Amongst different issues, that covers what we predict works and doesn’t, a number of cut up keep situations, and extra.
I don’t wish to rehash all of that since (hopefully!) you’ve already learn that publish in your planning course of. In case not, I’ll make a condensed model of our “pitch” for cut up stays. First, resorts assist set the tone of the journey and altering motels can thus change the vibe. You may journey to each the tropics and the Pacific Northwest throughout your Walt Disney World trip with stays at Caribbean Seashore or the Poly and Wilderness Lodge.
Second, cut up stays can allow you to stretch your trip finances and splurge on a resort you won’t be capable of afford (or justify) for the total journey. You would begin at Pop Century for 4 nights, ending with 2 on the Polynesian–checking it off your bucket checklist within the course of. (I’m already fairly optimistic our go-to cut up keep goes to be Pop Century to the Magic Kingdom space DVC resorts for the following few years.)
Our third and fourth factors are strategic extensions of this–timing that keep proper on the Poly opens the door to Prolonged Night Hours not simply as soon as however doubtlessly twice. Likewise, the Poly is handy to Magic Kingdom and Pop Century is right for attending to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Nice for Early Entry or noon breaks, and for doing a part of your keep in a Worth Resort in order to not bust your finances!
This water park day provides a possibility for a brand new riff on one in every of our favourite cut up keep choices, which is a Membership Degree keep paired with pool days. That’s nonetheless utterly attainable right here, even when the lodge pool is much extra handy to the lounge than a water park. It really works as a result of you possibly can nonetheless check-in early, do a giant breakfast on the lounge, head to the water park, after which return and proceed utilizing the lounge.
You’re eligible to make use of the concierge lounge and the entire perks that include staying Membership Degree on each your check-in and take a look at days, that means that one evening basically lets you entry that lounge over the course of two days. Doing Membership Degree for an evening or two, arriving early and leaving late provides you essentially the most bang on your buck, and is an efficient option to get a style of the Membership Degree life with out breaking the financial institution.
This may seem to be lots of transfers (and presumably is relying upon the way you pack/unpack), however we like placing a Membership Degree ‘break’ for leisure and rejuvenation between parks days. For our favourite concierge lounges and suggestions, see our Information to Membership Degree at Walt Disney World.
In the end, I hope that this helps you profit from this on-site water park perk and methods to use cut up stays strategically to reap the benefits of that “freebie” when staying at Walt Disney World in Summer time 2025. In case you possibly can’t inform, we love cut up stays.
There’s one thing actually particular about sleeping within the rustic seclusion of Wilderness Lodge for an evening, after which flipping a change to the isles of the Poly the following. Or going easy with All Star Sports activities to avoid wasting up for a splurge at Coronado Springs’ Chronos Membership. There are countless permutations for cut up stays, and we’ve completed a lot of them over our years as Walt Disney World followers and resort fans.
We’re additionally wanting ahead to this free water park day largely as a result of we all know it’s going to introduce a ton of lifelong Walt Disney World followers (and even informal visitors–however we’re extra within the lifers) for the very first time. And in so doing, it’s going to create a ton of instantaneous followers for Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore.
I’ve gushed about it through the years, imploring Walt Disney World followers to provide the water parks an opportunity, as they’re criminally underrated. Blizzard Seashore is a grasp class in thematic juxtapositions, mixing water park with ski resort to nice impact. It really works insanely properly, and is a thematic exemplar–top-of-the-line at Walt Disney World.
On the floor, Hurricane Lagoon looks as if a reasonably “protected” idea for a water park. It’s laid again and appears identical to it has common tropical design. However when you get past the floor, there’s wealthy theming all through Hurricane Lagoon, and the Imagineered setting has the added components on high exhibiting how the massive storm decimated the resort.
We can not overstate simply how good each are as water theme parks. We’ve made visits to the water parks that didn’t contain ever stepping into the water. And we’re not alone in doing that. Each water parks even have nice senses of place, and it’s nice to simply be there. Should you’re the kind who enjoys wandering World Showcase to benefit from the wealthy design and sense of place, I’m betting the water parks would even be proper up your alley. Don’t underestimate them!
This is much and away the most important purpose why I feel the water parks are a must-do for Walt Disney World followers. They provide cohesive design and are the one two parks at Walt Disney World that keep full thematic integrity so lengthy after opening. Whereas I really like each, I give the sting to Hurricane Lagoon. Don’t let the truth that these are water parks discourage you—even for those who don’t care about water slides or the rest, Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore is a superb place to waste a morning…or an “arrival” afternoon…at Walt Disney World!
Lastly, we all know cut up stays could be complicated, intimidating, and so forth. If you need extra thorough steerage or help navigating the ‘cut up keep’ planning waters, we’d extremely suggest contacting an Approved Disney Trip Planner. These journey brokers are free-to-use as long as they deal with your reserving, and so they can provide customized planning that takes into consideration your priorities and preferences. No Disney planning recommendation is one-size-fits-all, and that features our methods for cut up stays!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about motels on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a novel take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the pieces you’ll want to know!
Your Ideas
Have you ever completed a cut up keep at Walt Disney World? Planning on doing one (or a number of) in 2025 to reap the benefits of the free water park day? Should you’ve completed cut up stays up to now, are there any lodge combos you notably like? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
Walt Disney World Resort lodge visitors can get pleasure from free admission to one of many water parks, Hurricane Lagoon or Blizzard Seashore, on their check-in day. This can be a new for 2025 on-site perk that’s difficult to maximise, so we’re breaking down the professionals & cons and methods to get essentially the most mileage out of it and keep away from the colossal crowds which have descended on the WDW water parks because the climate has warmed up.
Let’s begin with the fundamentals of the brand new Walt Disney World resort visitor profit. That is new free water park perk is included on the primary day of all on-site stays: room-only reservations, trip packages, and many others–even money-saving Disney Trip Membership level leases are eligible! As long as you’re staying in a Disney-owned resort and all visitors are on the reservation, you’re good to go. There’s no catch.
For these already waiting for 2026 trip packages at Walt Disney World, we’re anticipating this perk to make a return. It stays to be seen whether or not it’s modified, as this yr’s strategy is arguably unsustainable. So that they both want each Blizzard Seashore and Hurricane Lagoon open by spring break or to start out the perk later, have blockout dates, and many others. To that time, there are a number of issues with this free water park day perk.
The primary is that the climate is just too chilly for water parks for a number of months of the yr. Except you’re the sporting shorts-in-the-snow sort, water parks could be disagreeable through the vacation season and winter. In reality, they usually shut utterly on numerous days from November by March. That was particularly widespread this winter, because it appeared like Blizzard Seashore was closed as a result of climate as a lot because it’s been open.
Extra just lately, the difficulty has been overcrowding. Because of this, there’s been affirmation from Walt Disney World that each Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore WILL function concurrently in Summer time 2025. That is one thing that hasn’t occurred since 2019 and it virtually didn’t occur this yr, both. When Hurricane Lagoon’s reopening was initially introduced, so too was Blizzard Seashore’s closure. It wasn’t till about one-month later that Walt Disney World modified course.
The explanation for Walt Disney World’s about-face and opening each Blizzard Seashore and Hurricane Lagoon is fairly easy and simple: crowds. After a gradual begin to the yr, Blizzard Seashore has been completely slammed because the begin of spring break. Attendance has been so excessive that the water park has had capability closures on a minimum of a handful of events, the car parking zone has stuffed up and so they’ve resorted to overflow throughout the road, and the bus scenario has been suboptimal. To place it mildly.
The explanation Walt Disney World didn’t initially intend to function each water parks each summer time is a little more sophisticated, however for our functions, there’s one related consideration: staffing. Discovering certified lifeguards and filling different positions isn’t straightforward, and Walt Disney World is now scrambling to do precisely that earlier than the most well liked months of the yr arrive.
Consequently, we’re involved about crowds at Hurricane Lagoon and/or Blizzard Seashore from now by August. Whereas having each open concurrently will definitely assist, there’s nonetheless the probability that they’ll be understaffed. And as we’ve seen through the brutal warmth and humidity of the previous couple of summers, demand could be actually excessive for the water parks when the climate is correct.
Even with pent-up demand having exhausted itself, this new perk will drive attendance greater through the summer time months. We’re already seeing that by spring break. Though these peak season dates are busier than summer time as a complete, water park demand can also be pushed by climate–and that’ll be worse from June by August. That is exactly why Prolonged Night Hours are busiest those self same months, no matter daytime crowd ranges.
The brand new water park perk goes to exacerbate crowd ranges at Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore this summer time. To what diploma is unknown, but when spring break is a sneak peek, most likely by lots! Particularly as soon as longer hours and better warmth create a higher incentive to make use of it upon arrival.
To that time, the water parks frequently shut at 5 or 6 pm outdoors of the summer time season. This makes utilizing the free water park perk on arrival day very difficult! Except you’re taking a redeye or early morning flight, there’s an honest probability that you simply received’t have a ton of time for the water parks on check-in day.
Even for those who land in Orlando by midday, it might take 90-120 minutes to get to your resort, drop off your baggage, then switch over to Hurricane Lagoon or Blizzard Seashore. Maybe longer for those who depend on Mears Join. One factor first-timers underestimate is transportation instances at Walt Disney World–even when issues are working easily (as is commonly the case now, minus Mears), getting round can take lots longer than you count on. So there’s an opportunity you land round midday, and realistically aren’t at Blizzard Seashore or Hurricane Lagoon till after 3 pm.
At what level are you higher off simply going the straightforward route and hanging out by your resort pool, chilling on the lounge, and ready till your room is prepared? I’d argue it’s at that time. The lodge pool clearly isn’t as sturdy as a water park, however that is the extra laid-back possibility, and taking the trail of least resistance to decompress on arrival day–earlier than the commando park days start–might be the smarter strategy. You don’t wish to get burnt out too early.
Regardless of our issues about crowds, we’re going to suggest making the most of the free water park perk for visitors visiting between June and August 2025.
If previous precedent is indicative, Hurricane Lagoon shall be open till 8 pm beginning in mid-to-late June, and proceed with these hours till mid-August. Our hope is that, as a result of free water parks perk, these added hours begin earlier and finish later within the season. Memorial Day to Labor Day for 10 am to eight pm hours at Hurricane Lagoon could be incredible.
Our favourite time to go to the water parks is the final 3 hours they’re open. That is one of the best time of day because the solar begins to get decrease within the sky, so the pavement isn’t fairly as scorching. Three hours or so earlier than closing can also be when the early-arrivers begin getting their fill of enjoyable within the solar and head for the exits.
The water parks have a really comparable dynamic to Animal Kingdom (too dangerous they’re not providing free arrival day tickets there!), which has a mass exodus in mid-afternoon. This most likely received’t be as true in 2025, as most visitors utilizing the free perk will essentially be arriving lengthy after park opening.
However, individuals are inclined to overestimate simply how a lot time they wish to spend at a water park, and find yourself heading for the exits early. Against this, far fewer arrive late. That leaves the tip of the day as a good time to go to. (Once more, this could sound similar to Animal Kingdom!)
The water parks have altering areas, so you possibly can arrive in avenue garments and alter into swimwear. You may also change again into regular apparel previous to leaving. From Blizzard Seashore, take into account a go to to close by Animal Kingdom Lodge or Coronado Springs Resort for dinner. Sanaa, Jiko, Boma, Three Bridges, and Toledo are all glorious eating places which are incessantly missed. Should you’re doing Hurricane Lagoon, head to Disney Springs for dinner and dessert.
Should you’d choose to the do the water parks earlier within the day, there’s another choice–one in every of our favourite choices–a cut up keep.
Since we’ve obtained some questions on cut up keep eligibility, we will affirm that cut up stays are eligible for this free water park perk. It’s not simply the day you arrive into Orlando or Walt Disney World. It’s the primary day of any on-site resort reservation that routinely triggers the water park perk. So for those who’re doing a collection of 1-night stays for no matter purpose, you’ve that many potential water park days.
You would even get actually strategic by artificially making a cut up keep by making a number of reservations on the similar resort. In fact, there are pitfalls to this–it’s possible you’ll find yourself having to vary rooms slightly than the stays being linked and being steady. We most likely wouldn’t suggest the substitute cut up keep for that purpose, however that’s as much as you.
Assuming you’ve a pleasant lodge for the primary half of your journey or have simply had whirlwind days within the parks, you may wish to chill out within the morning. And that’s completely nice! The beauty of this water park day being free is that you simply shouldn’t really feel the strain to be there from opening till shut (a feat only a few individuals handle, anyway).
Nonetheless, one factor to think about for those who’re doing a cut up keep is the aforementioned crowds. If the water parks proceed to be this busy when each parks are open, and it’s disproportionately as a result of free arrival day perk, it’d behoove you to rope drop your water park of selection as an alternative of ready till the tip of the day.
The overwhelming majority of visitors utilizing the perk shall be arriving within the afternoon, so you may gain advantage from beating these crowds. Transportation or parking shall be simpler, so too will snagging a spot within the shade, and features shall be shorter. I nonetheless personally choose late afternoon and night within the water parks, however I’m not so positive that sentiment will maintain true in Summer time 2025. This freebie has thrown a monkey wrench into issues and altered attendance and (particularly) arrival time dynamics.
Regardless, the purpose is that there’s actually no purpose to pay for water park admission in 2025 at Walt Disney World for those who’re an on-site visitor. Hopefully, Disney itself acknowledges this and makes the perk simpler to make use of in 2026. It’d be good if the perk simply provided precise worth to all visitors with out having to leap by hoops to hack it.
A variety of readers have requested us about cut up stays, whether or not they’re definitely worth the effort, and methods to leverage them strategically. We reply all of these questions and share far more than you most likely wish to know in Do a Cut up Keep at Walt Disney World Resort Accommodations. Amongst different issues, that covers what we predict works and doesn’t, a number of cut up keep situations, and extra.
I don’t wish to rehash all of that since (hopefully!) you’ve already learn that publish in your planning course of. In case not, I’ll make a condensed model of our “pitch” for cut up stays. First, resorts assist set the tone of the journey and altering motels can thus change the vibe. You may journey to each the tropics and the Pacific Northwest throughout your Walt Disney World trip with stays at Caribbean Seashore or the Poly and Wilderness Lodge.
Second, cut up stays can allow you to stretch your trip finances and splurge on a resort you won’t be capable of afford (or justify) for the total journey. You would begin at Pop Century for 4 nights, ending with 2 on the Polynesian–checking it off your bucket checklist within the course of. (I’m already fairly optimistic our go-to cut up keep goes to be Pop Century to the Magic Kingdom space DVC resorts for the following few years.)
Our third and fourth factors are strategic extensions of this–timing that keep proper on the Poly opens the door to Prolonged Night Hours not simply as soon as however doubtlessly twice. Likewise, the Poly is handy to Magic Kingdom and Pop Century is right for attending to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Nice for Early Entry or noon breaks, and for doing a part of your keep in a Worth Resort in order to not bust your finances!
This water park day provides a possibility for a brand new riff on one in every of our favourite cut up keep choices, which is a Membership Degree keep paired with pool days. That’s nonetheless utterly attainable right here, even when the lodge pool is much extra handy to the lounge than a water park. It really works as a result of you possibly can nonetheless check-in early, do a giant breakfast on the lounge, head to the water park, after which return and proceed utilizing the lounge.
You’re eligible to make use of the concierge lounge and the entire perks that include staying Membership Degree on each your check-in and take a look at days, that means that one evening basically lets you entry that lounge over the course of two days. Doing Membership Degree for an evening or two, arriving early and leaving late provides you essentially the most bang on your buck, and is an efficient option to get a style of the Membership Degree life with out breaking the financial institution.
This may seem to be lots of transfers (and presumably is relying upon the way you pack/unpack), however we like placing a Membership Degree ‘break’ for leisure and rejuvenation between parks days. For our favourite concierge lounges and suggestions, see our Information to Membership Degree at Walt Disney World.
In the end, I hope that this helps you profit from this on-site water park perk and methods to use cut up stays strategically to reap the benefits of that “freebie” when staying at Walt Disney World in Summer time 2025. In case you possibly can’t inform, we love cut up stays.
There’s one thing actually particular about sleeping within the rustic seclusion of Wilderness Lodge for an evening, after which flipping a change to the isles of the Poly the following. Or going easy with All Star Sports activities to avoid wasting up for a splurge at Coronado Springs’ Chronos Membership. There are countless permutations for cut up stays, and we’ve completed a lot of them over our years as Walt Disney World followers and resort fans.
We’re additionally wanting ahead to this free water park day largely as a result of we all know it’s going to introduce a ton of lifelong Walt Disney World followers (and even informal visitors–however we’re extra within the lifers) for the very first time. And in so doing, it’s going to create a ton of instantaneous followers for Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore.
I’ve gushed about it through the years, imploring Walt Disney World followers to provide the water parks an opportunity, as they’re criminally underrated. Blizzard Seashore is a grasp class in thematic juxtapositions, mixing water park with ski resort to nice impact. It really works insanely properly, and is a thematic exemplar–top-of-the-line at Walt Disney World.
On the floor, Hurricane Lagoon looks as if a reasonably “protected” idea for a water park. It’s laid again and appears identical to it has common tropical design. However when you get past the floor, there’s wealthy theming all through Hurricane Lagoon, and the Imagineered setting has the added components on high exhibiting how the massive storm decimated the resort.
We can not overstate simply how good each are as water theme parks. We’ve made visits to the water parks that didn’t contain ever stepping into the water. And we’re not alone in doing that. Each water parks even have nice senses of place, and it’s nice to simply be there. Should you’re the kind who enjoys wandering World Showcase to benefit from the wealthy design and sense of place, I’m betting the water parks would even be proper up your alley. Don’t underestimate them!
This is much and away the most important purpose why I feel the water parks are a must-do for Walt Disney World followers. They provide cohesive design and are the one two parks at Walt Disney World that keep full thematic integrity so lengthy after opening. Whereas I really like each, I give the sting to Hurricane Lagoon. Don’t let the truth that these are water parks discourage you—even for those who don’t care about water slides or the rest, Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore is a superb place to waste a morning…or an “arrival” afternoon…at Walt Disney World!
Lastly, we all know cut up stays could be complicated, intimidating, and so forth. If you need extra thorough steerage or help navigating the ‘cut up keep’ planning waters, we’d extremely suggest contacting an Approved Disney Trip Planner. These journey brokers are free-to-use as long as they deal with your reserving, and so they can provide customized planning that takes into consideration your priorities and preferences. No Disney planning recommendation is one-size-fits-all, and that features our methods for cut up stays!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about motels on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a novel take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the pieces you’ll want to know!
Your Ideas
Have you ever completed a cut up keep at Walt Disney World? Planning on doing one (or a number of) in 2025 to reap the benefits of the free water park day? Should you’ve completed cut up stays up to now, are there any lodge combos you notably like? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
Walt Disney World Resort lodge visitors can get pleasure from free admission to one of many water parks, Hurricane Lagoon or Blizzard Seashore, on their check-in day. This can be a new for 2025 on-site perk that’s difficult to maximise, so we’re breaking down the professionals & cons and methods to get essentially the most mileage out of it and keep away from the colossal crowds which have descended on the WDW water parks because the climate has warmed up.
Let’s begin with the fundamentals of the brand new Walt Disney World resort visitor profit. That is new free water park perk is included on the primary day of all on-site stays: room-only reservations, trip packages, and many others–even money-saving Disney Trip Membership level leases are eligible! As long as you’re staying in a Disney-owned resort and all visitors are on the reservation, you’re good to go. There’s no catch.
For these already waiting for 2026 trip packages at Walt Disney World, we’re anticipating this perk to make a return. It stays to be seen whether or not it’s modified, as this yr’s strategy is arguably unsustainable. So that they both want each Blizzard Seashore and Hurricane Lagoon open by spring break or to start out the perk later, have blockout dates, and many others. To that time, there are a number of issues with this free water park day perk.
The primary is that the climate is just too chilly for water parks for a number of months of the yr. Except you’re the sporting shorts-in-the-snow sort, water parks could be disagreeable through the vacation season and winter. In reality, they usually shut utterly on numerous days from November by March. That was particularly widespread this winter, because it appeared like Blizzard Seashore was closed as a result of climate as a lot because it’s been open.
Extra just lately, the difficulty has been overcrowding. Because of this, there’s been affirmation from Walt Disney World that each Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore WILL function concurrently in Summer time 2025. That is one thing that hasn’t occurred since 2019 and it virtually didn’t occur this yr, both. When Hurricane Lagoon’s reopening was initially introduced, so too was Blizzard Seashore’s closure. It wasn’t till about one-month later that Walt Disney World modified course.
The explanation for Walt Disney World’s about-face and opening each Blizzard Seashore and Hurricane Lagoon is fairly easy and simple: crowds. After a gradual begin to the yr, Blizzard Seashore has been completely slammed because the begin of spring break. Attendance has been so excessive that the water park has had capability closures on a minimum of a handful of events, the car parking zone has stuffed up and so they’ve resorted to overflow throughout the road, and the bus scenario has been suboptimal. To place it mildly.
The explanation Walt Disney World didn’t initially intend to function each water parks each summer time is a little more sophisticated, however for our functions, there’s one related consideration: staffing. Discovering certified lifeguards and filling different positions isn’t straightforward, and Walt Disney World is now scrambling to do precisely that earlier than the most well liked months of the yr arrive.
Consequently, we’re involved about crowds at Hurricane Lagoon and/or Blizzard Seashore from now by August. Whereas having each open concurrently will definitely assist, there’s nonetheless the probability that they’ll be understaffed. And as we’ve seen through the brutal warmth and humidity of the previous couple of summers, demand could be actually excessive for the water parks when the climate is correct.
Even with pent-up demand having exhausted itself, this new perk will drive attendance greater through the summer time months. We’re already seeing that by spring break. Though these peak season dates are busier than summer time as a complete, water park demand can also be pushed by climate–and that’ll be worse from June by August. That is exactly why Prolonged Night Hours are busiest those self same months, no matter daytime crowd ranges.
The brand new water park perk goes to exacerbate crowd ranges at Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore this summer time. To what diploma is unknown, but when spring break is a sneak peek, most likely by lots! Particularly as soon as longer hours and better warmth create a higher incentive to make use of it upon arrival.
To that time, the water parks frequently shut at 5 or 6 pm outdoors of the summer time season. This makes utilizing the free water park perk on arrival day very difficult! Except you’re taking a redeye or early morning flight, there’s an honest probability that you simply received’t have a ton of time for the water parks on check-in day.
Even for those who land in Orlando by midday, it might take 90-120 minutes to get to your resort, drop off your baggage, then switch over to Hurricane Lagoon or Blizzard Seashore. Maybe longer for those who depend on Mears Join. One factor first-timers underestimate is transportation instances at Walt Disney World–even when issues are working easily (as is commonly the case now, minus Mears), getting round can take lots longer than you count on. So there’s an opportunity you land round midday, and realistically aren’t at Blizzard Seashore or Hurricane Lagoon till after 3 pm.
At what level are you higher off simply going the straightforward route and hanging out by your resort pool, chilling on the lounge, and ready till your room is prepared? I’d argue it’s at that time. The lodge pool clearly isn’t as sturdy as a water park, however that is the extra laid-back possibility, and taking the trail of least resistance to decompress on arrival day–earlier than the commando park days start–might be the smarter strategy. You don’t wish to get burnt out too early.
Regardless of our issues about crowds, we’re going to suggest making the most of the free water park perk for visitors visiting between June and August 2025.
If previous precedent is indicative, Hurricane Lagoon shall be open till 8 pm beginning in mid-to-late June, and proceed with these hours till mid-August. Our hope is that, as a result of free water parks perk, these added hours begin earlier and finish later within the season. Memorial Day to Labor Day for 10 am to eight pm hours at Hurricane Lagoon could be incredible.
Our favourite time to go to the water parks is the final 3 hours they’re open. That is one of the best time of day because the solar begins to get decrease within the sky, so the pavement isn’t fairly as scorching. Three hours or so earlier than closing can also be when the early-arrivers begin getting their fill of enjoyable within the solar and head for the exits.
The water parks have a really comparable dynamic to Animal Kingdom (too dangerous they’re not providing free arrival day tickets there!), which has a mass exodus in mid-afternoon. This most likely received’t be as true in 2025, as most visitors utilizing the free perk will essentially be arriving lengthy after park opening.
However, individuals are inclined to overestimate simply how a lot time they wish to spend at a water park, and find yourself heading for the exits early. Against this, far fewer arrive late. That leaves the tip of the day as a good time to go to. (Once more, this could sound similar to Animal Kingdom!)
The water parks have altering areas, so you possibly can arrive in avenue garments and alter into swimwear. You may also change again into regular apparel previous to leaving. From Blizzard Seashore, take into account a go to to close by Animal Kingdom Lodge or Coronado Springs Resort for dinner. Sanaa, Jiko, Boma, Three Bridges, and Toledo are all glorious eating places which are incessantly missed. Should you’re doing Hurricane Lagoon, head to Disney Springs for dinner and dessert.
Should you’d choose to the do the water parks earlier within the day, there’s another choice–one in every of our favourite choices–a cut up keep.
Since we’ve obtained some questions on cut up keep eligibility, we will affirm that cut up stays are eligible for this free water park perk. It’s not simply the day you arrive into Orlando or Walt Disney World. It’s the primary day of any on-site resort reservation that routinely triggers the water park perk. So for those who’re doing a collection of 1-night stays for no matter purpose, you’ve that many potential water park days.
You would even get actually strategic by artificially making a cut up keep by making a number of reservations on the similar resort. In fact, there are pitfalls to this–it’s possible you’ll find yourself having to vary rooms slightly than the stays being linked and being steady. We most likely wouldn’t suggest the substitute cut up keep for that purpose, however that’s as much as you.
Assuming you’ve a pleasant lodge for the primary half of your journey or have simply had whirlwind days within the parks, you may wish to chill out within the morning. And that’s completely nice! The beauty of this water park day being free is that you simply shouldn’t really feel the strain to be there from opening till shut (a feat only a few individuals handle, anyway).
Nonetheless, one factor to think about for those who’re doing a cut up keep is the aforementioned crowds. If the water parks proceed to be this busy when each parks are open, and it’s disproportionately as a result of free arrival day perk, it’d behoove you to rope drop your water park of selection as an alternative of ready till the tip of the day.
The overwhelming majority of visitors utilizing the perk shall be arriving within the afternoon, so you may gain advantage from beating these crowds. Transportation or parking shall be simpler, so too will snagging a spot within the shade, and features shall be shorter. I nonetheless personally choose late afternoon and night within the water parks, however I’m not so positive that sentiment will maintain true in Summer time 2025. This freebie has thrown a monkey wrench into issues and altered attendance and (particularly) arrival time dynamics.
Regardless, the purpose is that there’s actually no purpose to pay for water park admission in 2025 at Walt Disney World for those who’re an on-site visitor. Hopefully, Disney itself acknowledges this and makes the perk simpler to make use of in 2026. It’d be good if the perk simply provided precise worth to all visitors with out having to leap by hoops to hack it.
A variety of readers have requested us about cut up stays, whether or not they’re definitely worth the effort, and methods to leverage them strategically. We reply all of these questions and share far more than you most likely wish to know in Do a Cut up Keep at Walt Disney World Resort Accommodations. Amongst different issues, that covers what we predict works and doesn’t, a number of cut up keep situations, and extra.
I don’t wish to rehash all of that since (hopefully!) you’ve already learn that publish in your planning course of. In case not, I’ll make a condensed model of our “pitch” for cut up stays. First, resorts assist set the tone of the journey and altering motels can thus change the vibe. You may journey to each the tropics and the Pacific Northwest throughout your Walt Disney World trip with stays at Caribbean Seashore or the Poly and Wilderness Lodge.
Second, cut up stays can allow you to stretch your trip finances and splurge on a resort you won’t be capable of afford (or justify) for the total journey. You would begin at Pop Century for 4 nights, ending with 2 on the Polynesian–checking it off your bucket checklist within the course of. (I’m already fairly optimistic our go-to cut up keep goes to be Pop Century to the Magic Kingdom space DVC resorts for the following few years.)
Our third and fourth factors are strategic extensions of this–timing that keep proper on the Poly opens the door to Prolonged Night Hours not simply as soon as however doubtlessly twice. Likewise, the Poly is handy to Magic Kingdom and Pop Century is right for attending to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Nice for Early Entry or noon breaks, and for doing a part of your keep in a Worth Resort in order to not bust your finances!
This water park day provides a possibility for a brand new riff on one in every of our favourite cut up keep choices, which is a Membership Degree keep paired with pool days. That’s nonetheless utterly attainable right here, even when the lodge pool is much extra handy to the lounge than a water park. It really works as a result of you possibly can nonetheless check-in early, do a giant breakfast on the lounge, head to the water park, after which return and proceed utilizing the lounge.
You’re eligible to make use of the concierge lounge and the entire perks that include staying Membership Degree on each your check-in and take a look at days, that means that one evening basically lets you entry that lounge over the course of two days. Doing Membership Degree for an evening or two, arriving early and leaving late provides you essentially the most bang on your buck, and is an efficient option to get a style of the Membership Degree life with out breaking the financial institution.
This may seem to be lots of transfers (and presumably is relying upon the way you pack/unpack), however we like placing a Membership Degree ‘break’ for leisure and rejuvenation between parks days. For our favourite concierge lounges and suggestions, see our Information to Membership Degree at Walt Disney World.
In the end, I hope that this helps you profit from this on-site water park perk and methods to use cut up stays strategically to reap the benefits of that “freebie” when staying at Walt Disney World in Summer time 2025. In case you possibly can’t inform, we love cut up stays.
There’s one thing actually particular about sleeping within the rustic seclusion of Wilderness Lodge for an evening, after which flipping a change to the isles of the Poly the following. Or going easy with All Star Sports activities to avoid wasting up for a splurge at Coronado Springs’ Chronos Membership. There are countless permutations for cut up stays, and we’ve completed a lot of them over our years as Walt Disney World followers and resort fans.
We’re additionally wanting ahead to this free water park day largely as a result of we all know it’s going to introduce a ton of lifelong Walt Disney World followers (and even informal visitors–however we’re extra within the lifers) for the very first time. And in so doing, it’s going to create a ton of instantaneous followers for Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore.
I’ve gushed about it through the years, imploring Walt Disney World followers to provide the water parks an opportunity, as they’re criminally underrated. Blizzard Seashore is a grasp class in thematic juxtapositions, mixing water park with ski resort to nice impact. It really works insanely properly, and is a thematic exemplar–top-of-the-line at Walt Disney World.
On the floor, Hurricane Lagoon looks as if a reasonably “protected” idea for a water park. It’s laid again and appears identical to it has common tropical design. However when you get past the floor, there’s wealthy theming all through Hurricane Lagoon, and the Imagineered setting has the added components on high exhibiting how the massive storm decimated the resort.
We can not overstate simply how good each are as water theme parks. We’ve made visits to the water parks that didn’t contain ever stepping into the water. And we’re not alone in doing that. Each water parks even have nice senses of place, and it’s nice to simply be there. Should you’re the kind who enjoys wandering World Showcase to benefit from the wealthy design and sense of place, I’m betting the water parks would even be proper up your alley. Don’t underestimate them!
This is much and away the most important purpose why I feel the water parks are a must-do for Walt Disney World followers. They provide cohesive design and are the one two parks at Walt Disney World that keep full thematic integrity so lengthy after opening. Whereas I really like each, I give the sting to Hurricane Lagoon. Don’t let the truth that these are water parks discourage you—even for those who don’t care about water slides or the rest, Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore is a superb place to waste a morning…or an “arrival” afternoon…at Walt Disney World!
Lastly, we all know cut up stays could be complicated, intimidating, and so forth. If you need extra thorough steerage or help navigating the ‘cut up keep’ planning waters, we’d extremely suggest contacting an Approved Disney Trip Planner. These journey brokers are free-to-use as long as they deal with your reserving, and so they can provide customized planning that takes into consideration your priorities and preferences. No Disney planning recommendation is one-size-fits-all, and that features our methods for cut up stays!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about motels on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a novel take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the pieces you’ll want to know!
Your Ideas
Have you ever completed a cut up keep at Walt Disney World? Planning on doing one (or a number of) in 2025 to reap the benefits of the free water park day? Should you’ve completed cut up stays up to now, are there any lodge combos you notably like? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
Walt Disney World Resort lodge visitors can get pleasure from free admission to one of many water parks, Hurricane Lagoon or Blizzard Seashore, on their check-in day. This can be a new for 2025 on-site perk that’s difficult to maximise, so we’re breaking down the professionals & cons and methods to get essentially the most mileage out of it and keep away from the colossal crowds which have descended on the WDW water parks because the climate has warmed up.
Let’s begin with the fundamentals of the brand new Walt Disney World resort visitor profit. That is new free water park perk is included on the primary day of all on-site stays: room-only reservations, trip packages, and many others–even money-saving Disney Trip Membership level leases are eligible! As long as you’re staying in a Disney-owned resort and all visitors are on the reservation, you’re good to go. There’s no catch.
For these already waiting for 2026 trip packages at Walt Disney World, we’re anticipating this perk to make a return. It stays to be seen whether or not it’s modified, as this yr’s strategy is arguably unsustainable. So that they both want each Blizzard Seashore and Hurricane Lagoon open by spring break or to start out the perk later, have blockout dates, and many others. To that time, there are a number of issues with this free water park day perk.
The primary is that the climate is just too chilly for water parks for a number of months of the yr. Except you’re the sporting shorts-in-the-snow sort, water parks could be disagreeable through the vacation season and winter. In reality, they usually shut utterly on numerous days from November by March. That was particularly widespread this winter, because it appeared like Blizzard Seashore was closed as a result of climate as a lot because it’s been open.
Extra just lately, the difficulty has been overcrowding. Because of this, there’s been affirmation from Walt Disney World that each Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore WILL function concurrently in Summer time 2025. That is one thing that hasn’t occurred since 2019 and it virtually didn’t occur this yr, both. When Hurricane Lagoon’s reopening was initially introduced, so too was Blizzard Seashore’s closure. It wasn’t till about one-month later that Walt Disney World modified course.
The explanation for Walt Disney World’s about-face and opening each Blizzard Seashore and Hurricane Lagoon is fairly easy and simple: crowds. After a gradual begin to the yr, Blizzard Seashore has been completely slammed because the begin of spring break. Attendance has been so excessive that the water park has had capability closures on a minimum of a handful of events, the car parking zone has stuffed up and so they’ve resorted to overflow throughout the road, and the bus scenario has been suboptimal. To place it mildly.
The explanation Walt Disney World didn’t initially intend to function each water parks each summer time is a little more sophisticated, however for our functions, there’s one related consideration: staffing. Discovering certified lifeguards and filling different positions isn’t straightforward, and Walt Disney World is now scrambling to do precisely that earlier than the most well liked months of the yr arrive.
Consequently, we’re involved about crowds at Hurricane Lagoon and/or Blizzard Seashore from now by August. Whereas having each open concurrently will definitely assist, there’s nonetheless the probability that they’ll be understaffed. And as we’ve seen through the brutal warmth and humidity of the previous couple of summers, demand could be actually excessive for the water parks when the climate is correct.
Even with pent-up demand having exhausted itself, this new perk will drive attendance greater through the summer time months. We’re already seeing that by spring break. Though these peak season dates are busier than summer time as a complete, water park demand can also be pushed by climate–and that’ll be worse from June by August. That is exactly why Prolonged Night Hours are busiest those self same months, no matter daytime crowd ranges.
The brand new water park perk goes to exacerbate crowd ranges at Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore this summer time. To what diploma is unknown, but when spring break is a sneak peek, most likely by lots! Particularly as soon as longer hours and better warmth create a higher incentive to make use of it upon arrival.
To that time, the water parks frequently shut at 5 or 6 pm outdoors of the summer time season. This makes utilizing the free water park perk on arrival day very difficult! Except you’re taking a redeye or early morning flight, there’s an honest probability that you simply received’t have a ton of time for the water parks on check-in day.
Even for those who land in Orlando by midday, it might take 90-120 minutes to get to your resort, drop off your baggage, then switch over to Hurricane Lagoon or Blizzard Seashore. Maybe longer for those who depend on Mears Join. One factor first-timers underestimate is transportation instances at Walt Disney World–even when issues are working easily (as is commonly the case now, minus Mears), getting round can take lots longer than you count on. So there’s an opportunity you land round midday, and realistically aren’t at Blizzard Seashore or Hurricane Lagoon till after 3 pm.
At what level are you higher off simply going the straightforward route and hanging out by your resort pool, chilling on the lounge, and ready till your room is prepared? I’d argue it’s at that time. The lodge pool clearly isn’t as sturdy as a water park, however that is the extra laid-back possibility, and taking the trail of least resistance to decompress on arrival day–earlier than the commando park days start–might be the smarter strategy. You don’t wish to get burnt out too early.
Regardless of our issues about crowds, we’re going to suggest making the most of the free water park perk for visitors visiting between June and August 2025.
If previous precedent is indicative, Hurricane Lagoon shall be open till 8 pm beginning in mid-to-late June, and proceed with these hours till mid-August. Our hope is that, as a result of free water parks perk, these added hours begin earlier and finish later within the season. Memorial Day to Labor Day for 10 am to eight pm hours at Hurricane Lagoon could be incredible.
Our favourite time to go to the water parks is the final 3 hours they’re open. That is one of the best time of day because the solar begins to get decrease within the sky, so the pavement isn’t fairly as scorching. Three hours or so earlier than closing can also be when the early-arrivers begin getting their fill of enjoyable within the solar and head for the exits.
The water parks have a really comparable dynamic to Animal Kingdom (too dangerous they’re not providing free arrival day tickets there!), which has a mass exodus in mid-afternoon. This most likely received’t be as true in 2025, as most visitors utilizing the free perk will essentially be arriving lengthy after park opening.
However, individuals are inclined to overestimate simply how a lot time they wish to spend at a water park, and find yourself heading for the exits early. Against this, far fewer arrive late. That leaves the tip of the day as a good time to go to. (Once more, this could sound similar to Animal Kingdom!)
The water parks have altering areas, so you possibly can arrive in avenue garments and alter into swimwear. You may also change again into regular apparel previous to leaving. From Blizzard Seashore, take into account a go to to close by Animal Kingdom Lodge or Coronado Springs Resort for dinner. Sanaa, Jiko, Boma, Three Bridges, and Toledo are all glorious eating places which are incessantly missed. Should you’re doing Hurricane Lagoon, head to Disney Springs for dinner and dessert.
Should you’d choose to the do the water parks earlier within the day, there’s another choice–one in every of our favourite choices–a cut up keep.
Since we’ve obtained some questions on cut up keep eligibility, we will affirm that cut up stays are eligible for this free water park perk. It’s not simply the day you arrive into Orlando or Walt Disney World. It’s the primary day of any on-site resort reservation that routinely triggers the water park perk. So for those who’re doing a collection of 1-night stays for no matter purpose, you’ve that many potential water park days.
You would even get actually strategic by artificially making a cut up keep by making a number of reservations on the similar resort. In fact, there are pitfalls to this–it’s possible you’ll find yourself having to vary rooms slightly than the stays being linked and being steady. We most likely wouldn’t suggest the substitute cut up keep for that purpose, however that’s as much as you.
Assuming you’ve a pleasant lodge for the primary half of your journey or have simply had whirlwind days within the parks, you may wish to chill out within the morning. And that’s completely nice! The beauty of this water park day being free is that you simply shouldn’t really feel the strain to be there from opening till shut (a feat only a few individuals handle, anyway).
Nonetheless, one factor to think about for those who’re doing a cut up keep is the aforementioned crowds. If the water parks proceed to be this busy when each parks are open, and it’s disproportionately as a result of free arrival day perk, it’d behoove you to rope drop your water park of selection as an alternative of ready till the tip of the day.
The overwhelming majority of visitors utilizing the perk shall be arriving within the afternoon, so you may gain advantage from beating these crowds. Transportation or parking shall be simpler, so too will snagging a spot within the shade, and features shall be shorter. I nonetheless personally choose late afternoon and night within the water parks, however I’m not so positive that sentiment will maintain true in Summer time 2025. This freebie has thrown a monkey wrench into issues and altered attendance and (particularly) arrival time dynamics.
Regardless, the purpose is that there’s actually no purpose to pay for water park admission in 2025 at Walt Disney World for those who’re an on-site visitor. Hopefully, Disney itself acknowledges this and makes the perk simpler to make use of in 2026. It’d be good if the perk simply provided precise worth to all visitors with out having to leap by hoops to hack it.
A variety of readers have requested us about cut up stays, whether or not they’re definitely worth the effort, and methods to leverage them strategically. We reply all of these questions and share far more than you most likely wish to know in Do a Cut up Keep at Walt Disney World Resort Accommodations. Amongst different issues, that covers what we predict works and doesn’t, a number of cut up keep situations, and extra.
I don’t wish to rehash all of that since (hopefully!) you’ve already learn that publish in your planning course of. In case not, I’ll make a condensed model of our “pitch” for cut up stays. First, resorts assist set the tone of the journey and altering motels can thus change the vibe. You may journey to each the tropics and the Pacific Northwest throughout your Walt Disney World trip with stays at Caribbean Seashore or the Poly and Wilderness Lodge.
Second, cut up stays can allow you to stretch your trip finances and splurge on a resort you won’t be capable of afford (or justify) for the total journey. You would begin at Pop Century for 4 nights, ending with 2 on the Polynesian–checking it off your bucket checklist within the course of. (I’m already fairly optimistic our go-to cut up keep goes to be Pop Century to the Magic Kingdom space DVC resorts for the following few years.)
Our third and fourth factors are strategic extensions of this–timing that keep proper on the Poly opens the door to Prolonged Night Hours not simply as soon as however doubtlessly twice. Likewise, the Poly is handy to Magic Kingdom and Pop Century is right for attending to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Nice for Early Entry or noon breaks, and for doing a part of your keep in a Worth Resort in order to not bust your finances!
This water park day provides a possibility for a brand new riff on one in every of our favourite cut up keep choices, which is a Membership Degree keep paired with pool days. That’s nonetheless utterly attainable right here, even when the lodge pool is much extra handy to the lounge than a water park. It really works as a result of you possibly can nonetheless check-in early, do a giant breakfast on the lounge, head to the water park, after which return and proceed utilizing the lounge.
You’re eligible to make use of the concierge lounge and the entire perks that include staying Membership Degree on each your check-in and take a look at days, that means that one evening basically lets you entry that lounge over the course of two days. Doing Membership Degree for an evening or two, arriving early and leaving late provides you essentially the most bang on your buck, and is an efficient option to get a style of the Membership Degree life with out breaking the financial institution.
This may seem to be lots of transfers (and presumably is relying upon the way you pack/unpack), however we like placing a Membership Degree ‘break’ for leisure and rejuvenation between parks days. For our favourite concierge lounges and suggestions, see our Information to Membership Degree at Walt Disney World.
In the end, I hope that this helps you profit from this on-site water park perk and methods to use cut up stays strategically to reap the benefits of that “freebie” when staying at Walt Disney World in Summer time 2025. In case you possibly can’t inform, we love cut up stays.
There’s one thing actually particular about sleeping within the rustic seclusion of Wilderness Lodge for an evening, after which flipping a change to the isles of the Poly the following. Or going easy with All Star Sports activities to avoid wasting up for a splurge at Coronado Springs’ Chronos Membership. There are countless permutations for cut up stays, and we’ve completed a lot of them over our years as Walt Disney World followers and resort fans.
We’re additionally wanting ahead to this free water park day largely as a result of we all know it’s going to introduce a ton of lifelong Walt Disney World followers (and even informal visitors–however we’re extra within the lifers) for the very first time. And in so doing, it’s going to create a ton of instantaneous followers for Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore.
I’ve gushed about it through the years, imploring Walt Disney World followers to provide the water parks an opportunity, as they’re criminally underrated. Blizzard Seashore is a grasp class in thematic juxtapositions, mixing water park with ski resort to nice impact. It really works insanely properly, and is a thematic exemplar–top-of-the-line at Walt Disney World.
On the floor, Hurricane Lagoon looks as if a reasonably “protected” idea for a water park. It’s laid again and appears identical to it has common tropical design. However when you get past the floor, there’s wealthy theming all through Hurricane Lagoon, and the Imagineered setting has the added components on high exhibiting how the massive storm decimated the resort.
We can not overstate simply how good each are as water theme parks. We’ve made visits to the water parks that didn’t contain ever stepping into the water. And we’re not alone in doing that. Each water parks even have nice senses of place, and it’s nice to simply be there. Should you’re the kind who enjoys wandering World Showcase to benefit from the wealthy design and sense of place, I’m betting the water parks would even be proper up your alley. Don’t underestimate them!
This is much and away the most important purpose why I feel the water parks are a must-do for Walt Disney World followers. They provide cohesive design and are the one two parks at Walt Disney World that keep full thematic integrity so lengthy after opening. Whereas I really like each, I give the sting to Hurricane Lagoon. Don’t let the truth that these are water parks discourage you—even for those who don’t care about water slides or the rest, Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore is a superb place to waste a morning…or an “arrival” afternoon…at Walt Disney World!
Lastly, we all know cut up stays could be complicated, intimidating, and so forth. If you need extra thorough steerage or help navigating the ‘cut up keep’ planning waters, we’d extremely suggest contacting an Approved Disney Trip Planner. These journey brokers are free-to-use as long as they deal with your reserving, and so they can provide customized planning that takes into consideration your priorities and preferences. No Disney planning recommendation is one-size-fits-all, and that features our methods for cut up stays!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about motels on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a novel take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the pieces you’ll want to know!
Your Ideas
Have you ever completed a cut up keep at Walt Disney World? Planning on doing one (or a number of) in 2025 to reap the benefits of the free water park day? Should you’ve completed cut up stays up to now, are there any lodge combos you notably like? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
