Typhoon Lagoon Reopens in January 2022!

Walt Disney World has announced that Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will reopen on January 2, 2022 after being closed for nearly two years. This post covers what to expect from the return, including new food and fun for the 50th Anniversary.

This official reopening announcement comes after months of speculation and rumors, incredibly very credible ones that Typhoon Lagoon would open this month with the seasonal closure of Blizzard Beach. However, that water park had its refurbishment pushed back, and along with it, the return of Typhoon Lagoon.

With this announcement, Walt Disney World has also revealed that Blizzard Beach water park is closing for refurbishment on the same day that Typhoon Lagoon returns. January 1, 2022 will be Blizzard Beach’s last day of operation.

Like the other areas of Walt Disney World, the company will welcome back guests and Cast Members to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park in a responsible way, with a plan focused on health safety and the well-being of everyone.

Essentially, face masks will be required at indoor locations–think gift shops–but not outdoors, just like elsewhere around the parks and resorts. As with resort pools, face coverings are not permitted while experiencing water slides or in the water. See our Guide to Face Masks at Walt Disney World for more info on the policies.

Additionally, you can check out our Blizzard Beach Reopening Report for more info on how the return of Walt Disney World’s other water park went this March. (Just note that face mask rules have been relaxed since.)

Offering tropical family fun for all ages, Typhoon Lagoon’s reopening will mark the return of favorite water slides and the debut of new menu items and other commemorative culinary features for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.

Known for its immersive storytelling, thrilling water attractions and family fun, Typhoon Lagoon tells the tale of a rogue storm and its ensuing tidal wave that wreaked havoc on a formerly pristine waterside paradise. From topsy-turvy architecture and storm-strewn nautical gear to the stranded shrimping ship, Miss Tilly, impaled upon the summit of Mount Mayday, each detail brings the legend to life.

The Return of Favorite Typhoon Lagoon Attractions

Popular attractions and features will delight guests, including exhilarating slides, flumes and wet and “water-ful’’ play spaces for every member of the family. Among the favorites:

  • Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, America’s largest outdoor wave pool where guests can “hang 10’’ while bodying surfing on the perfect wave every time.
  • Miss Adventure Falls, a fast-paced family raft attraction created, as the story goes, when Captain Mary Oceaneer — a seafaring treasure hunter — got her haul caught years ago in a rogue typhoon, scattering her treasure across this tropical paradise.
  • Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a thrilling water coaster featuring three 400-foot-long tube slides named for the various fruits they once transported.
  • Castaway Creek, a scenic lazy river encircling the entire water park, offering gentle passage past shady grottoes, gushing waterfalls, overhead rope bridges and lush rainforest landscapes.
  • Humunga Kowabunga, offering a choice of three adrenaline-filled body slides set against the steep inclines of Mount Mayday.

Surf Programs Restart

The Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool uses state-of-the-art technology to create the perfectly controlled wave each time, including right, left or center peaks.

  • Learn to Surf — Ideal for all skill levels, surf lessons offer guests the chance to learn to surf during group lessons with a certified surf instructor.
  • Private Surf Bookings — Guests can host their own private surfing event for up to 25 individuals during select times. Private Surf is returns Jan. 7; bookings are now available.

New Frozen Dessert Bar Menu

Guests will encounter a selection of mouth-watering new DOLE Whip menu offerings at the shipwreck-inspired eatery, Snack Shack. In addition to two Moana-inspired DOLE Whip character cones, guests can tantalize their taste buds by building their own tropical flavor combination with their choice of mango, lime, raspberry or pineapple DOLE Whip.

Adults can complement their custom DOLE Whip creation by mixing in tequila, coconut rum or dark rum. The Snack Shack at Typhoon Tilly’s will also serve the Habanero Lime Galley Shack Swirl, a new signature cocktail balancing spicy habanero, sweet mango and tangy lime flavors.

Celebratory Anniversary Menu Items

To mark the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, Typhoon Lagoon will add several new menu items and features as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” such as:

  • Walt’s Chili Nachos(Snack Shack) — A new twist on a classic favorite, this playful interpretation of Walt Disney’s beloved chili recipe features house-fried tortillas, cheese, guacamole, shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream and jalapeño.
  • EARidescent Ice Dream Cone (Happy Landings) — This birthday cake-flavored soft-serve swirl in a white chocolate-dipped cone honors the celebration with EARidescent sprinkles.
  • Walt Disney World Popcorn Bucket (Main Change) — Available throughout the celebration, this popcorn bucket features whimsical illustrations of iconic Walt Disney World landmarks along with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their 50th celebration fashions.
  • 50th Anniversary Refillable Mug — The new 50th anniversary Refillable Mug will be available at all dining locations and features celebratory Disney Water Parks-inspired artwork that pays tribute to “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”

Suffice to say, we are incredibly excited for the return of Typhoon Lagoon. I’ve gushed about it over the years, imploring Walt Disney World fans to give it a chance, as it’s criminally underrated. Everything about it is exceptional, from the atmosphere to the details to its underutilized mascot, Lagoona Gator.

On the surface, Typhoon Lagoon seems like a pretty “safe” concept for a water park: something tropical and laid back that is conducive to sitting on the beach, swimming, and other water activities. That’s true. This is part of the appeal; Blizzard Beach is also incredibly well-themed, but the juxtaposition of winter and swimming just doesn’t feel right. But, there’s more to it than that.

Once you get beyond the beach vibe, there is rich theming throughout Typhoon Lagoon, and the Imagineered tropical environment has the added elements of a tropical resort and the huge storm that decimated it layered on top. This is all easily conveyed through the park’s details, and it coalesces really well. As a result, Typhoon Lagoon has a great sense of place, and it’s great to just be there.

This is far and away the biggest reason why I think Typhoon Lagoon is a must-do for Walt Disney World fans. It’s a masterclass of cohesive design and one of the few parks at Walt Disney World that maintains full thematic integrity so long after its opening. Don’t let the fact that it’s a water park discourage you—even if you don’t care about water slides or anything else, it’s a great place to waste a morning.

I’m not yet sure whether we’ll be there for reopening day of Typhoon Lagoon (we’ve “gone full Floridian” and it looks like a cold front…with 70 degree temperatures…is coming through next week), but we’ll have a report from the water park as soon as possible. We’re feeling very relieved that Typhoon Lagoon is finally returning, and not following in the path of River Country. Perhaps this is an early sign that 2022 will shape up to be a better year than 2021? Probably shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves with the wishful thinking there!

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

YOUR THOUGHTS

Are you pleased with the January 2022 reopening date for Typhoon Lagoon water park, or do you feel like this phased reopening is progressing too slowly? Cautiously optimistic that Spring Break 2022 will mark a turning point for Walt Disney World with both water parks open simultaneously? Eager to return to Typhoon Lagoon, or are you not a water park person? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

16 Responses to “Typhoon Lagoon Reopens in January 2022!”
  1. Julie January 4, 2022
  2. Robin January 1, 2022
  3. Pam December 31, 2021
  4. Anthony December 29, 2021
  5. Kristi December 29, 2021
  6. Skye December 29, 2021
  7. rorosen December 29, 2021
  8. Paul December 29, 2021
  9. Rob December 28, 2021
  10. Liz December 28, 2021
  11. Mike December 28, 2021
  12. GC December 28, 2021
  13. Ears December 28, 2021
  14. Liz December 28, 2021
  15. Anniversary popcorn bucket? I didn’t think the water parks had popcorn. I’ve been missing out! December 28, 2021
  16. Cynthia December 28, 2021

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