Disney waterparks

Question

Hi! We arrive Friday 5/23 to checkin at a Disney resort so we can to the waterpark that day. I purchased the H20 after hours at typhoon lagoon for 8-11 pm. Typhoon closes at 5:00 that day but I found info on website you can enter the waterpark at 6:00 for the after hours. That makes no sense to me… was it a typo? So if I’m there in afternoon I’ll have to leave and come back??

Also how is Blizzard water park? Would you fly in early to be make to go there during day then typhoon that night?

Answer

Disney’s waterparks have specific operational hours, and the “H2O Glow After Hours” events at Typhoon Lagoon can be a bit confusing if you haven’t done them before. Here’s how it works:

Typhoon Lagoon H2O Glow After Hours

The normal park closes at 5:00 pm on event days. Guests attending the After Hours event can enter starting at 6:00 pm, which is essentially when the event begins.
If you plan to arrive in the afternoon before the event, you would have to leave when the park closes at 5:00 pm and then re-enter for the After Hours event at 6:00 pm.
This is not a typo—Disney separates regular park operations from the ticketed After Hours event, which allows for smaller crowds, glow-in-the-dark experiences, and special food or entertainment.

Blizzard Beach Water Park

Blizzard Beach offers a different theme and experience—more intense slides, a lazy river, and a large wave pool. It tends to be less crowded early in the day, especially if you arrive at opening.
It’s a good choice if you want a full day at a waterpark before heading to Typhoon Lagoon for the evening event.
Parking and transportation between Disney resorts and both waterparks is straightforward, but allow at least 30–45 minutes travel time when planning to do both in one day.

Strategy Suggestions

If you’re arriving Friday morning, flying in early enough to spend the day at Blizzard Beach and then attending the H2O Glow event at Typhoon Lagoon in the evening is feasible, but it will be a long day.
If your arrival is later in the day, it’s easier to plan for just the After Hours event and save Blizzard Beach for another day.
Consider the age and stamina of your group—combining a full day at Blizzard with a nighttime event can be fun but tiring, especially for younger children.

In summary, yes, the afternoon-before-event entry at Typhoon Lagoon is standard Disney procedure: the park closes at 5:00 pm for regular guests, and After Hours ticket holders can enter starting at 6:00 pm. Blizzard Beach is excellent for a full daytime waterpark experience, but attending both in one day is best only if you have an early arrival and are prepared for a long day.

Disney waterparks

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