Disney World is making quite a few changes these days.
Cinderella Castle in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
From completely overhauling Genie+ to planning expansions for the theme parks, we’re basically floating in a SEA of Disney news and wondering how all of it is going to affect our next vacation…and yours! And along those lines, Disney announced a new hotel guest perk a while back, and we think it’s going to cause some CHAOS.
Back in February 2024, Disney World announced that in 2025, those staying at Disney Resorts (including DVC properties) will get a FREE park ticket to the water parks on their arrival day. You’ll be able to use this perk at either Blizzard Beach Water Park or Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and only on your check-in day.
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
As it currently stands, this benefit is only available for those with check-in dates from January 1st to December 31st, 2025. Usage of the benefit is subject to availability and all visitors hoping to get into the water parks with complimentary admission MUST be listed on the hotel reservation. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that since the pandemic, the water parks have been operating on an alternating schedule, with only one open at a time. So you may just have one water park choice available during your vacation.
Blizzard Beach Water Park
So what’s the problem with this perk? It seems like a pretty good deal, right? Well, it actually IS a pretty good deal, but we have to think for a bit about the logistics of it. And that’s where things start to get chaotic.
Wilderness Lodge
Since you can only access this perk on your check-in day, we can foresee a lot of people arriving at their Disney World hotel earlier to take advantage. After all, you’ll want to get as much time in the water park as possible! But unfortunately, this means that your hotel room likely won’t be ready when you arrive.
Grand Floridian Resort
So you make it to the hotel, luggage and kids in tow, ready to take on the water park — what do you do? Well, you’ll probably have to drag your bags into your hotel lobby’s bathroom so that you and your family can change into your water park attire before dropping your stuff off with bell services. And you likely won’t be the only ones! Every other family checking in that day who wanted to take advantage of the water park perk will be there with you, chaotically getting ready in the hotel lobby bathroom.
BoardWalk
Getting ready for a water park isn’t exactly a speedy task, considering you’ll probably need swimwear, clothes on top, sunscreen, sandals, hats, sunglasses, water bottles, and any other water park necessities, it might be a BEAR to unpack before you’re able to check into your room. Thankfully, beach towels at the water parks are complimentary for those staying at Disney World Resorts. (There’s a $2 fee for everyone else.)
Castaway Creek Lazy River
Ultimately, we’re expecting a lot of people running around in the lobby area, getting ready for the water parks before dropping their luggage off to be picked up later. If you’re planning on taking advantage of this perk in the future, it will likely affect how you pack for your vacation — bring those water park essentials in your carry-on bag!
Surf Pool at Typhoon Lagoon
We’ll make sure to keep you updated on this perk and any others that Disney introduces in the future. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest news and updates!
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sorry but im a NO on this “Perk”…by time flight lands ….get to hotel ( SINCE they did away with Magic Express)) with bus taxi uber whoever…..then as u say get water bags ,,,change….get to waater park…..Forget about it…..WHY dont they be NICE an give a free perk of one of the parks !!!!! now that would be easy…..u could go dressed as is an spend day there or even night……Mark me Negative…….
Will this also be a perk for those staying at Shades of Green?
I’m REALLY looking forward to this perk. We’ve regularly done a water park on our arrival date anyway. Now, we’ll be doing it for free. Fantastic idea!
This is actually a great perk for us, since we drive to WDW. We can leave our stuff in the car and head right over to the water park. My husband and I aren’t water park people, so it’s not something we normally do or would want to pay for. But I know my teens will love it and I’m happy to sit pool side and enjoy some food & a good book while they do their thing!
This is a dumb idea. Theres gotta be a method behind the madness.But what? So the water parks are not open that long, so you gotta rush. Plus, we get the cheapest flight . Sometimes the late flights are cheapest. So now what? Pay more for early flight so we can get a ticket? I like to do things at my own pace. I hate being timed and rushed. It should be for anytime during your stay.
No thanks, early am flight, then to the hotel, grocery delivery, unpack.
Nope.
What happens if there is only one water park opened and it gets filled with guests while other people arriving on their flights haven’t arrived at their hotel yet? Will they be told, sorry no room at the water park. Your perk isn’t going to happen. Don’t know if this could happen, but Disney better be prepared for upset guests!
Being handicapped with a scooter, are the water parks set up for handicapped people? How do you take your scooter in the sand? Do I have to rent a special scooter for the water park ? I am DVC & Annual Pass holder will I get a BIG discount?
Hi Grace! There is a paved pathway all around the water park for you to bring the scooter. You will not be able to drive it on the sand, however. I would advise reaching out to a travel agent to see what kind of discounts you can get. We recommend Small World Travel.