Hi Kathryn,
Welcome back to planDisney! I have to say, a July stay at
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort with a water park day thrown in the mix sounds absolutely splashtastic. Between the shady pathways, the
Sassagoula River boats, and those dangerously delicious Mickey-shaped beignets at
Scat Cat’s Club Café, you’re already setting yourselves up for some serious vacation magic. I have a feeling, the hardest part of your trip may just be deciding how many orders of beignets is “too many.” (My answer: there is no such thing!)
Kathryn, if you’re hoping to snag the regular umbrella seating throughout the water parks, those are generally first-come, first-served and aren’t available for advance reservations. Now, if you’re hoping to reserve one of the
premium seating options like a Polar Patio at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park or a Beachcomber Shack at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, those can typically be booked ahead of time, subject to availability.
So, depending on what you’re hoping to enjoy during your waterpark day, it might be the deciding factor on whether booking in advance or getting there early is the move. July sunshine in Central Florida can go from “beautiful Disney day” to “melting like Olaf in summer” pretty quickly! So, if having a shaded spot is important to your family, I’d definitely try to make it there a little before opening time to lock in those prime spots throughout the parks that do get taken up early.
The good news is that getting to the water parks has become even easier recently, thanks to updated
Walt Disney World Resort transportation routes. Guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels, including Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, can now enjoy direct bus transportation to the water parks, which makes those splash-filled days much simpler without needing to juggle transfers. Be sure to check the
My Disney Experience app directions feature for the quickest and easiest routes to move around property!
I hope you have the most magical visit, Kathryn! May your lazy river floats be relaxing, your umbrella hunt successful, and your beignet count delightfully irresponsible. Have the BEST time making those sunny Disney memories!
Emille