Frosty Greetings, Jacquelyn!
Welcome to planDisney, and thanks so much for stopping by with your question. Jacquelyn, this year's perk of complimentary Disney Water Park access for Disney Resort Hotel Guests sure adds extra pixie dust to any Disney vacation. Our family loves
Disney Water Parks, and we just enjoyed our Disney Water Park day at Blizzard Beach in March. While my family loved sliding into the unknown on the slides, I enjoyed some quiet shade and let it go on our Polar Patio.
Jacquelyn, beginning May 21 through September 7,
both Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach will be open. So, the good news is - in terms of crowds - they will be dispersed between the two parks. If you plan to book an umbrella,
Polar Patio, or a Beachcomber Shack, I would recommend booking it in advance. You can book the Polar Patios,
Beachcomber Shacks, and
umbrellas beginning 60 days in advance of your check-in date. I would recommend doing that because, while there is sometimes same-day availability for these spaces, they usually go quickly first thing in the morning. We have been fortunate enough to get one on arrival day on a few occasions, but we have also gotten there too late on other occasions. So, now, I book it in advance. By booking it 60 days in advance, you will have the best chance to reserve your Polar Patio, Cabana, or umbrella, and it will be waiting for you when you arrive at the Water Park.
Given that both Water Parks would be open, I wouldn't anticipate they would reach capacity. However, if the Water Park is closed or unavailable for any reason on your check-in day (i.e., due to weather), you can check with the Front Desk at your Disney Resort Hotel for what options - if any - may be available for you. They would be able to direct you for what to do in the event of a Water Park closure or if it is inaccessible for any reason.
One thing to double-check, Jacquelyn, is to be sure that everyone traveling on your reservation has their names listed as Guests on your Disney Resort Hotel room reservation. This is because their entrance to the complimentary Water Park day is tied to your Resort reservation. They will need to have their names on the room as Guests so that they can use their Magic Band+ to tap into the Water Park when you arrive.
I hope this helps you, Jacquelyn! If you have any further Disney vacation planning questions, stop back here to see me, and I'll be happy to help you.
Magically Yours,
Keri