Free waterpark day??

[pinkxray]

We are hoping to take advantage of the free waterpark in July. What time should we arrive if we want to use our car, if opening is 10am? What is the earliest they will let you park?

Also, I would love to rent an umbrella this week when my 60 days hits. Are you able to rent umbrellas if just using the free admission vs having a real ticket?

 

[BrianL]

If you are arriving early enough, then it is never a bad idea to get to the water parks before 10 AM. Just like the theme parks, that first hour is less crowded and more enjoyable. Last time I went they let people in about 30 minutes in advance, but held the rope until 10 (you can access the changing rooms, lockers, etc.). I am not sure when they open parking, but I do not think the lot should fill up that early though, so I wouldn't worry too much about that, assuming you want to be there for 10.

 

[Pyxie]

I think you can arrive an hour before opening, but I've never driven so I can't really say.

The main issue people have ran into is the parking lot filling up. If you take Disney transportation, you don't have to worry about that as much (but I know not all resorts have direct transportation to the water parks).

Also, with both parks open this summer, hopefully they will be less likely to reach capacity.

 

[HeiHei2018]

If you are arriving early enough, then it is never a bad idea to get to the water parks before 10 AM. Just like the theme parks, that first hour is less crowded and more enjoyable. Last time I went they let people in about 30 minutes in advance, but held the rope until 10 (you can access the changing rooms, lockers, etc.). I am not sure when they open parking, but I do not think the lot should fill up that early though, so I wouldn't worry too much about that, assuming you want to be there for 10.

Are there chairs in the rope drop waiting area? Or should we plan on putting our stuff on chairs on the way to the first slide? We won’t have anything of value that merits a locker. I put the car keys and phone in a waterproof pouch.

 

[BrianL]

Are there chairs in the rope drop waiting area? Or should we plan on putting our stuff on chairs on the way to the first slide? We won’t have anything of value that merits a locker. I put the car keys and phone in a waterproof pouch.

The chairs are after the rope. It's been a while since I've been to BB, but I did TL recently, and the rope is before the bridges to the main areas, really jusst outside the lockers and shop. It's hard to remember exactly since waterparks are laid out so weirdly, but yeah, you can't access the beaches and such before rope drop.

 

[kylenne]

Also, I would love to rent an umbrella this week when my 60 days hits. Are you able to rent umbrellas if just using the free admission vs having a real ticket?

Yes, I was able to book an umbrella at Typhoon Lagoon at 60 days for our Memorial Day week trip. We are going the day we switch from BWI to Poly on our free entitlement. We don’t have actual water park tickets.

I’ve never been to BB but at TL they have a few sections of umbrellas, the first time we went we got one right front of the wave pool and lockers were pretty close by.

 

[Bethislucy]

How does the free water park option work. I see it on my Disney page so do we just scan our magic bands like we have tickets, and it just knows from the reservation kind of like how they check for early park entry or is it something different?

 

[kylenne]

How does the free water park option work. I see it on my Disney page so do we just scan our magic bands like we have tickets, and it just knows from the reservation kind of like how they check for early park entry or is it something different?

Yes it is linked to your hotel stay so you will be able to head straight there on your check in day.

 

[HopperFan]

How does the free water park option work. I see it on my Disney page so do we just scan our magic bands like we have tickets, and it just knows from the reservation kind of like how they check for early park entry or is it something different?

We went directly there before hotel. They just scan your MB or it shows up in your tickets the day of check in. We showed them the ticket but it was easier for them to scan our MB since we had them on.

 

[samsonjs]

Do you think it’s better to check into the hotel early and change there or go directly to the water park at opening? I know our room won’t be available but maybe changing in a hotel bathroom would be better than the water park locker room based on my past experience with locker rooms?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Do you think it’s better to check into the hotel early and change there or go directly to the water park at opening? I know our room won’t be available but maybe changing in a hotel bathroom would be better than the water park locker room based on my past experience with locker rooms?

Personally I would opt for the water park restrooms. While water park restrooms have their own unique character, the main bathrooms at each have proper changing/shower facilities, which I would prefer over a hotel restroom. And on some level if you are there that early I think it's important to just go ahead and get to the park, get your day going, etc. IMHO.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Yes, I was able to book an umbrella at Typhoon Lagoon at 60 days for our Memorial Day week trip. We are going the day we switch from BWI to Poly on our free entitlement. We don’t have actual water park tickets.

I’ve never been to BB but at TL they have a few sections of umbrellas, the first time we went we got one right front of the wave pool and lockers were pretty close by.

I've booked one for Blizzard Beach. Are you assigned an umbrella or do you just look around and get one?

 

[kylenne]

I've booked one for Blizzard Beach. Are you assigned an umbrella or do you just look around and get one?

I haven’t been to BB before but I assume it works the same way as TL, where when you check in they assign you one. They are all numbered and the CM will circle yours on the map for you. There’s a few different spots where they have them.

 

[toesmom]

Yes it is linked to your hotel stay so you will be able to head straight there on your check in day.

Thanks for confirming this. We are moving from boardwalk villas to Polynesian and will probably use the free passes. We have been members of DVC for many years but have not been back to water parks since kids were very young

 

[kylenne]

Thanks for confirming this. We are moving from boardwalk villas to Polynesian and will probably use the free passes. We have been members of DVC for many years but have not been back to water parks since kids were very young

We are doing this exact thing, though we are staying on the Inn side before we switch to Poly. This is a really fantastic perk for split stays.

 

[dkbnyc]

is it worth it to going to water park on arrival day if your plan doesnt land untl 10am?

 

[sam_gordon]

is it worth it to going to water park on arrival day if your plan doesnt land untl 10am?

You should be at the resort by Noon, you could be at the Waterpark by 130(?), so still 5+ hours. And you can't get in the room until after 4 (probably), so what else will you do?

 

[scrappinginontario]

is it worth it to going to water park on arrival day if your plan doesnt land untl 10am?

With a 10AM arrival it would likely be a good way to spend the day, if the weather cooperates. I’d recommend packing bathing suits and a beach bag in your carry-on for a quick swap at the resort before checking your luggage, if your room is not ready.

 

[LSUmiss]

Does the free water park day still apply for July 2025 bookings?

 

[Dave006]

Yes all 2025 bookings and both Water parks will be open again as of tomorrow through September 7th. For 2026 bookings it moves to a summer only offering.

Dave