If you’ve followed us much on this website and our coverage of Disney, you know that wait times for the parks are well-correlated with attendance. And though Disney doesn’t provide attendance numbers publicly for Walt Disney World Resort, they do provide wait time estimates which are then used by websites to determine who Disney is doing with long lines.
Graph courtesy Thrill Data; Graph Link
But another indication that Walt Disney World Resort is struggling with attendance issues even before Epic Universe opens is the fact that they have switched post-pandemic to a one-water-park-strategy. In other words, whereas they had two waterparks open all year long in the past, now they only keep one open at a time. Sure, there were a couple months out of the year pre-pandemic when they would close one park so they could work on infrastructure and repairs… but nothing like this! Nowadays, Disney simply doesn’t staff enough lifeguards for two waterparks to ever be open together because there isn’t enough attendance at Walt Disney World Resort to justify it. And while they would likely be justified in cutting hours and days from Epcot and Animal Kingdom as well, shutting down the main parks would be a much bigger PR disaster.
Well now, it seems things might be getting worse for the resort. Disney has just unveiled a “seasonal pass” for Blizzard Beach that will run from its November 4th opening through May of 2025. The price is so low that it may give some indication as to how desperate Disney is to find guests willing to stop by the frozen wonderland that is Blizzard Beach. It’s also not lost to me that Disney seems intent to open a snow-themed water park during the time of year that even Florida can be cool. I’m not sure that works in Disney’s favor, but they also probably can’t keep Typhoon Lagoon closed in the summers given that it is larger when they need capacity around summer holidays.
Here’s the information on the Seasonal Pass from Disney Parks Blog:
With the holidays just around the corner… Disney’s Blizzard Beach (is) reopening November 4, (and) there are going to be even more ways to have frosted fun under the Florida sun. Few places can bring to life a melting ski resort with immersive theming other than Walt Disney World, and the water park brings together family-friendly experiences and thrilling water attractions.
It’s “snow-joke’’ that there is a lot to do at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, but here are seven ways I can’t wait to warm up my winter.
1. Experience the Thrill
You might think The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is the only way to drop several stories at Walt Disney World, but Summit Plummet is one of the world’s tallest and fastest free-fall waterslides that sends riders 12 stories almost straight down, rocketing through a darkened tunnel and into a massive spray of whitewater.
2. Frozen Fun for Families
Looking for fun with the little tikes? For the first time in what feels like forever, the beloved characters from “Frozen’’ are inviting kids under four feet tall to step into their own “Frozen’’ adventure while enjoying water fun at Tike’s Peak. Roam across wading pools featuring whimsical depictions of Olaf and his Snowgie pals, engage in playful battles with pop-up water jets at Anna and Elsa’s igloo fortress, and go down slides designed just for them.
3. Teamboat Springs Thrills
Enjoy the perfect thrill for everyone on Teamboat Springs. This unpredictable family raft ride offers a wild journey through twists and turns, navigating one of the longest waterslides in the world. It’s a must-ride for anyone seeking unforgettable memories with family and friends.
4. Relax on Cross Country Creek
For those looking to unwind, Cross Country Creek offers a peaceful float along the 3,000-foot lazy river, winding through the park’s scenic landscapes.
5. Indulge in New Menu Items
Indulge your taste buds with brand-new menu items that bring both savory and sweet flavors. At Warming Hut, guests will find lunch and dinner options, including the new barbecue pork sandwich with bacon and fried onion straws on a brioche bun. Sweet treats throughout the day include comfort flavors at Icee Expeditions with the new apple pie churro and praline sundae. For those already in the holiday spirit, the premium peppermint shake at Lotta Watta features a vanilla and chocolate milkshake with peppermint beverage syrup whipped cream, a brownie, and a cherry on top.
6. Float in Melt-Away Bay
Experience relaxation in the heated one-acre wave pool, Melt-Away Bay. Float on inner tubes or splash around as gentle waves lap the shore. Mount Gushmore’s waterfalls create short, relaxing swells—ideal for lounging or swimming out to rocky outcrops to enjoy a refreshing waterfall.
7. Enjoy Repeat Visits
Come back to the water parks again and again through May 23, 2025 with the Disney Water Parks Seasonal Pass. This limited-time special offer is back at only $79 plus tax, and allows you to discover even more ways to combine snow and sun through winter and into next year!
One of my favorite parts about living in Florida is that fun in the sun is possible throughout the year, and this may be one of my favorite ways to experience a “snowy” winter day with my friends and family! Plus, 2025 travelers staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel can start their stay with a Water Park day with admission included on their check-in day, making it easier than ever to visit one of the incredible Disney Water Parks. Hope to catch you out there on the slopes!
