Free Water Park Entry Perk for Disney Hotel Guests Is Changing in 2026

If you're planning a Walt Disney World holiday from the UK in 2026, there's an important update to be aware of when it comes to free water park entry on your arrival day. Disney has confirmed that the perk is returning, but with a key change that affects when it's available.

Alongside this, Disney has also announced seasonal closures for its water parks and the return of a popular water park pass, all of which could influence how you plan your trip.

Here's what UK travellers need to know.

Free Water Park Arrival Day Perk Is Limited

In 2025, Disney introduced a new on-site perk that was something only a few UK guests could get the full benefit from: complimentary water park admission on check-in day for Disney resort hotel stays.

Disney has now confirmed that this offer will return in 2026, but only during part of the year.

Here’s what Disney has officially said:

This means that, unlike 2025 where the perk ran throughout the year, it won't be available year-round in 2026.

What This Means for UK Bookings

For UK guests, this is relevant because arrival day is a day you don’t want to use one of your 14 or 7 park days for, so having the option to head to the water park was convenient, if your flight landed in time!

While Disney hasn't confirmed dates yet, "summer 2026" is expected to broadly cover the warmer months. This could stretch beyond the school summer holiday parameters to include parts of late spring or early autumn, but that's not guaranteed.

Which Guests Are Eligible?

The eligibility requirements have not changes and when the perk is active, it applies to:

• Disney resort hotel stays

• UK room-only bookings

• UK Disney holiday packages

• Disney Vacation Club stays (on points)

All guests on the reservation must be staying on-site to qualify.

You'll receive entry to one Disney water park on your check-in day, either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, depending on which is open. It is rumoured that both water parks may be open again this summer.

Water Park Closures: What's Open in Early 2026?

Disney has also confirmed its usual seasonal water park rotation:

• Typhoon Lagoon closes: 14 February 2026

• Blizzard Beach reopens: 15 February 2026

This annual changeover happens for refurbishment and because there is lower winter demand. As temperatures can drop low enough to see the water parks closed during the January to March months. Therefore, during colder months, Disney typically operates just one water park at a time.

For UK visitors travelling in February or early spring, this means:

• Expect Blizzard Beach only to be available

• Weather closures are still possible during colder spells

Both Water Parks Expected to Open in Summer 2026

The return of the free arrival-day water park perk strongly suggests that both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon will be operating at the same time during summer 2026.

In 2025, Disney found that running only one water park alongside the free-entry offer wasn't enough to handle demand, particularly during peak periods.

For UK families travelling in summer, this is good news as there will be:

• More choice

• Better capacity

• Less pressure on a single water park meaning lower wait times

New Water Park Seasonal Pass Returns

Disney has also announced the return of its Water Park Seasonal Pass, valid from 9th May 2026, with some new features. This really isn’t something that many UK visitors will need, as even those who buy the annual park pass don’t always add-on the water parks too.

But for those of you who are interested the annual water seasonal pass offers the following:

• Valid at either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon (whichever is open)

• Includes block-out dates during late March and early April

• Comes with extras like mini golf and discounts on cabana-style seating

Parking at water parks remains free for both seasonal pass holders and any guests visiting.

This pass is mainly aimed at US visitors, but it does highlight Disney's increasing focus on water parks as a key part of the holiday experience.

Why This Change Makes Sense

From Disney's point of view, limiting the free water park perk to warmer months makes operational sense. Water park demand is highly weather-dependent, and running both parks year-round isn't always practical.

For guests, though, it does mean arrival-day planning in early 2026 will look different compared to 2025. But sadly for UK guests, this still remains a perk that you won’t get to feel the full benefit of unless you are booking a split stay and heading to a Disney resort on a day other than your travel day.

Magic in a Minute

Free water park entry on arrival day is returning in 2026, but only for part of the year. If you're booking from the UK and want to make the most of this perk, keep an eye on confirmed dates and consider how your arrival day fits into your overall plans.

We'll share updates as soon as Disney confirms the exact date range.