Considering Disney's H20 Glow during your next Disney World vacation? Don't think twice, book it!
As a travel agent, I'm always on the lookout for unique and exciting experiences to recommend to my clients. On my most recent Walt Disney World vacation in June included a "new to me" experience, H20 Glow After Hours. This is an after hours glow night at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park.
First let me start by saying I am in NO WAY a water park type of girl. I actually kind of dislike them. Give me rides all day long, but water slides are a big no for me. That said, I LOVED this extra ticketed event. Read on to learn all the details so you can decide if you want to add this to your next Disney Vacation!
Know Before You Go
For those unfamiliar with this event, it happens (most) Monday's and Saturday during the summer beginning in May. This year, the last party is September 2nd. As of today, there are still ELEVEN more chances to purchase tickets to experience this fun event. Like the other After Hours events, if you want to attend, you’ll need to purchase a special ticket. In return, H20 Glow guests enjoy the water park with reduced crowds for several hours after the official closing time. Plus, guests also get free snacks, drinks, and shorter lines on all the popular attractions. More on all of that to come.
Ticket Prices are as follows:
Adult (ages 10 and up): $75 plus tax
Child (ages 3 to 9): $70 plus tax
Annual Passholder/DVC discounts are offered as well. With your ticket, you can enter Typhoon Lagoon at 6pm but the event is technically from 8pm until 11pm. Typically, the water parks are not too crowded in the last couple hours before closing so you can likely get a lot done even before the official 8 pm party kickoff.
Here are some event details:
During Disney H2O Glow After Hours, the atmosphere transforms into an electric celebration overflowing with splash-tastic surprises. Along with shorter wait times for popular waterslides, you can look forward to a:
DJ-hosted dance party on the sandy beaches of the Surf Pool
Chance to see some of your favorite beloved Disney Characters
Complimentary snacks like popcorn and assorted pre-packaged frozen treats, including Mickey Ice Cream Bars
Unlimited fountain beverages
Tempting array of limited-time food and beverage offerings
Special area—The Wharf—just for adult partygoers, featuring entertainment and a bar with refreshing libations available for purchase
My H20 Glow Experience
Disney’s Typhoon lagoon is one of two water parks at Walt Disney World Resort. Blizzard Beach is the other and it is currently closed for refurbishment.
Typhoon Lagoon in general is one of the best themed experiences in all of Walt Disney World. The attention to detail throughout is so thorough and well done that you really feel like you are someplace special. The fairly simple backstory: a typhoon ravaging a tropical paradise and creating the water park we have today, does a good job of bring all the theming together nicely.
Upon entering the park, through a sea of bubbles I might add, we were given a special wristband and a glow in the dark refillable cup for the self service soda fountain stations. Walt Disney World onsite guests can pick up complimentary towels at Singapore Sal’s. For others, they can be rented for a small fee, or bring your own. You can also find lockers nearby for rental if you are wanting to store your things. We decided to risk it and left our stuff “hidden” under our towels.
There is a DJ for the party, which is set up on the beach right near the entrance to the wave pool and let me just say, he played some awesome tunes. He had everyone up and dancing. The character appearances were not your average meet-and-greet either; the characters were dressed in their most vibrant, neon-lit outfits, making for sUp on the stage were characters like Smee, Captain Hook, Goofy and Chip n Dale. The dance party was complete with lights, glow sticks and Cast Members dancing and singing with the crowd.
No After Hours event is complete without yummy snacks. Look for the giant, inflatable neon/glowing pillars for the treat locations. Important to note, they are all very spread out in the park. At other After Hours events like at Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, you’d grab both drinks and snacks in the same spot. Here, at H20 Glow, you have access to fountain beverages at the self service stations.
As far as attractions, we spent our time dancing the night away with the DJ Party, but crowds were manageable. The fact that we didn’t have to worry about getting a sunburn or frying our feet on hot concrete was amazing enough.
So, what attractions are open?
Bay Slides
Castaway Creek
Crush ‘n’ Gusher
Gangplank Falls
Humunga Kowabunga
Mayday Falls
Miss Adventure Falls
Storm Slides
Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool
Sadly though, our night was cut short as it was a typical summer day in Florida, which means there was rain. Florida weather can be quite unpredictable and the party does happen rain or shine. Something important to keep in the back of your mind when purchasing tickets. Even with the rain, I would ABSOLUTELY return. It was a fun way to spend the evening, rain and all.
The Glow Factor
While my experience at H2O Glow After Hours was undeniably fantastic, there was one small yearning in my heart - I wished there was even more of the mesmerizing glow factor. Don't get me wrong; the beach area with the DJ was great, but I couldn't help but imagine how a touch more luminescence could have elevated the experience to even greater heights.
As I roamed the park, I couldn't help but conjure up ideas of even more dazzling light displays and immersive visual spectacles. Expanding the glow factor could further transform the park into an otherworldly realm of magic and wonder, making guests feel like they've been transported to an aquatic wonderland straight out of a fairy tale. Adding more interactive glow-themed activities could also be an exciting addition to the event. Picture glow-in-the-dark face painting stations or glow stick dance parties, where guests can unleash their creativity and get even more involved in the luminescent fun. Despite my small desire for more glow, it didn't diminish the magic of the experience in any way. If anything, it speaks volumes about how much I loved the event, as even the smallest wish for more only stems from wanting to prolong the enchantment.
Final Thoughts You may be asking yourself, which should I do-a regular water park day or attend a H20 Glow party? That depends on so many variables. If you prefer to spend all day at the water park, then you’ll definitely just want to purchase a regular park ticket and go during the day. BUT, if you are like me and 5 hours is plenty, and want to stay away from the heat/sun and crowds, than I highly recommend H2O Glow After Hours. It is a great addition for anyone looking to add some extra sparkle to their Disney vacation. It's a unique opportunity to see the park in a whole new light—literally! Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or even flying solo, this experience is guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime. So, don't hesitate to dive into the magic of H2O Glow After Hours at Walt Disney World. Trust me; it's an unforgettable adventure you won't want to miss! Happy travels, everyone! 🌟🏰💦
Disney H2O Glow After Hours remaining 2023 dates:
July 22, 29 and 31
August 5, 12, 19 and 26
September 2
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Myself and Castle Coaches Travel would love to help you figure out how this could fit into your schedule. Reach out for more information!
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