Freeze Watch: freeze watch Prompts Temporary Blizzard Beach Closure Feb. 23–24
A freeze watch is affecting plans at Walt Disney World as Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will close temporarily on Monday, February 23, and Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The precautionary shutdown comes amid forecasted cold and breezy conditions in Central Florida that are expected to make outdoor water operations uncomfortable.
Freeze Watch and Weather Details
A strong cold front, currently draped across Central Texas, is expected to approach Central Florida by Sunday morning. Spotty showers and downpours are likely, especially after 7 a. m., but rainfall totals are forecast to stay under a quarter of an inch for most areas; most of this rain looks to head toward southern counties like Osceola and Brevard. Once the rain passes, sharply-colder air is expected to move in along with breezy conditions. Forecasted highs in the upper 50s to low 60s and daytime highs tumbling to 58 degrees by Monday, with overnight lows falling into the 30s and later dipping into the 30s and 40s when factoring in wind, have prompted the closure decision.
Closure Dates and Resumption
Blizzard Beach will be closed on Monday, February 23, and Tuesday, February 24, 2026. For guests visiting during those affected dates, neither of Walt Disney World’s water parks will be available on February 23 or 24. Blizzard Beach is expected to resume normal operations on February 25 once temperatures rise to more suitable levels.
Rotation and Recent Refurbishments
Typhoon Lagoon recently closed for its annual seasonal refurbishment. Typhoon Lagoon concluded its latest operating period on February 14, with Blizzard Beach reopening the following day to continue the rotating schedule that has become standard practice in recent years. One account of scheduling states Typhoon Lagoon will close for its refurbishment stint on Feb. 15 and reopen on May 12; another account notes the operating period ended on February 14 with Blizzard Beach reopening the next day. Walt Disney World typically operates one water park at a time since the pandemic shutdown, alternating closures to allow for maintenance and refurbishment while still offering guests a water park option year-round.
Seasonal Pass and Perks
Blizzard Beach’s seasonal pass provides unlimited trips from the park’s reopening on Feb. 15 until May 9. Adult passes are $89, and passes for kids ages 3–9 are $83. Passes include 20% off Polar Patios cabana rentals as a walk-up deal, and each person with a pass will receive one free round of golf before 4 p. m. at either Winter Summerland Miniature Golf or Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf. These perks last until May 9, when the seasonal pass expires. Passes are non-transferrable and must be used by the original purchaser, and parking is complimentary for all Disney water park guests.
Park Features and Guest Experience
Blizzard Beach had only just returned to operation after its own refurbishment and remains the only Disney water park open until Typhoon Lagoon reopens. The park’s ski-resort theme playfully embraces snow and icy imagery, anchored by the official mascot, Ice Gator. Attractions include seven distinct waterslide attractions, a scenic chairlift, a lazy river, and a massive wave pool, plus dedicated play areas for toddlers and pre-teens.
Slides are organized into three color-coded zones: the Green Slopes with 3 slides, the Purple Slopes with 3 slides, and the Red Slopes, a single attraction that features 3 separate slides. Summit Plummet is a 12-story “ski jump” free-fall slide. Slush Gusher, on the Green Slopes, delivers three shorter “slushy” hills with a third drop that can send riders nearly airborne. Snow Stormers is a slalom-style, face-first mat ride that emphasizes lateral G-forces. Runoff Rapids is made up of three separate tube slides, and Toboggan Racers allows eight side-by-side racers to compete on mats. Single-day tickets for the park are available for approximately $79.
Looking Toward Summer 2026
Beginning May 12, 2026, both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon will operate simultaneously through the summer. One account says both water parks will then be open until at least the fall, a return to dual-park summer operations that will provide greater flexibility for guests during the busy season.
Walt Disney World maintains a long-standing policy of closing its water parks when temperatures fall below operational thresholds, prioritizing safety and the overall guest experience. While Florida’s winter cold snaps are often brief, they can make outdoor aquatic attractions uncomfortable for guests and operationally challenging for cast members.
Unclear in the provided context: whether specific operational thresholds or staffing adjustments beyond the stated closures have been set for the affected dates.
