For the first time since 2019, Walt Disney World will operate all six of its parks simultaneously this summer—including both water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. This move, effective from May 21 through September 7, 2025, is already being interpreted as a strategic countermove to Universal Orlando’s forthcoming mega-expansion: Epic Universe.
A Return to Full Capacity—But Why Now?
Since the 2020 park closures and the phased reopenings that followed, Disney has operated its water parks on a rotating basis, never having both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon open at the same time. While staffing and maintenance were the public reasons cited, insiders have long whispered about Disney’s cost-saving measures behind the scenes.
Typhoon Lagoon via Theme Park 101 YouTube
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But with Universal’s Epic Universe scheduled to open in 2025 and dominating the conversation with its high-tech attractions, themed lands, and immersive hotel experiences, Disney appears to be shifting gears. Having all six parks open at once isn’t just about guest experience—it’s a show of force and an attempt to keep people within the Disney bubble.
It’s a declaration that Disney intends to defend its Central Florida crown with every tool in its arsenal, even those that had been collecting dust for years.
A Tale of Two Water Parks
Guests will be able to choose between
- Typhoon Lagoon, which opens May 1 and stays operational throughout the summer. It’s known for its tropical theme and iconic wave pool, a family favorite that has historically been the more popular of the two water parks.
- Blizzard Beach, which will briefly close for seasonal maintenance from May 1–20 before reopening on May 21. Originally opened in 1995, this ski-resort-themed water park just wrapped its 30th anniversary celebration and will be fully refreshed for the summer crowds.
Image by WDW Pro; Used with Permission by That Park Place
This marks the first time since the global health crisis that families won’t have to gamble on which park is open—or settle for only one.
Free Water Park Access for Resort Guests
One major perk quietly added into the mix: guests staying at Disney Resort hotels will now get complimentary access to a water park on their check-in day—even before they’ve received their room keys. It’s a benefit that gives visitors an extra day without requiring a separate water park ticket and may help boost occupancy at Disney-owned resorts. However, this move has been widely criticized as many resort guests don’t arrive until mid-day, when the water parks have only a few hours until closing.
Blizzard Beach – Photo Credit: Jeff Kays, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
In a summer likely to be packed with travel deals and fierce regional competition, that kind of add-on could sway undecided families weighing their options between Disney and Universal.
The Broader Competitive Picture
The timing of this all-out summer operation is no coincidence. Universal’s Epic Universe is poised to be the biggest threat Disney has ever faced. With cutting-edge lands themed to Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, and the next iteration of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal is betting big on capturing the next generation of theme park fans.
A map of Typhoon Lagoon via Theme Park 101 YouTube
Disney, on the other hand, has faced criticism in recent years for stagnant development, prioritizing cost-cutting, and leaning too heavily on nostalgia rather than innovation. Opening all six parks this summer may be an effort to counteract that narrative—one that says Disney is still a premium, full-capacity experience worth the higher price tag.
The Bottom Line
Disney has been on the defensive in recent years. But summer 2025 shows signs of a more aggressive, proactive Walt Disney World—a resort preparing to go toe-to-toe with Universal’s biggest swing yet. Whether this return to full strength is a sign of things to come or simply a summer stunt remains to be seen.
But for guests? It means more options, more splash, and—for once—more value.
Do you think Disney is opening both its water parks is a reaction to Epic Universe? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
