Mickey meets island time: Disney brings Caribbean flair to water parks, resorts
The taste of summer is a distinct one. Oftentimes, the sweltering season is associated with the tropical, island flavors of Caribbean and Latin cultures. Imagine smoky jerk chicken cooked to perfection on an open-flame at a roadside shack, beckoning you to stop by for a mouthwatering bite. Or tender, juicy mojo pork marinated with savory cumin and cilantro, and brightened with zesty lime and orange juices.
Can’t make it to the islands for these delightful bites? Mickey and Minny have you covered. As the final stretch of summer approaches, Disney World is making sure your last moments under the sun are nothing short of magical. If you’re looking to keep the summer vibes alive, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the ultimate choice. Bursting with color and island-inspired energy, the resort’s architecture, atmosphere, and flavors will transport you straight to the tropics. Plus, Disney is sweetening the deal for families staying at select Disney Resort hotels by offering complimentary admission to Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Blizzard Beach on their check-in day. But first, food.
The star of the dining scene, Sebastian’s Bistro, serves up dishes with bold Caribbean and Latin flavors. Think slow-cooked pork with mango sambal, coconut shrimp, and the must-try house-made coconut pineapple bread pudding. For something quicker, Centertown Market has you covered with island bites from morning to night. Start your day with a Mickey waffle platter, grab a jerk chicken wrap for lunch, and end the evening with pulled pork nachos big enough for the whole family.
Once you’ve checked in, your water park passes are automatically loaded to your Walt Disney World account, ready to scan in the Disney app or with your MagicBand. Complimentary resort transportation will whisk you away to the park of your choice, and even swing by Disney Springs if you want to shop before making a splash.
Blizzard Beach offers frosty thrills like Summit Plummet—one of the world’s tallest and fastest free-fall slides—and pint-sized fun at Tike’s Peak. Over at Typhoon Lagoon, the energy is all tropical, all the time. Little ones will love Ketchakiddee Creek’s mini slides and splash zones, while thrill seekers can take on the Surf Pool, North America’s largest wave pool, or join the whole family on a giant raft adventure through Miss Adventure Falls.
The party doesn’t stop with the rides. Typhoon Lagoon brings the fun ashore with live DJs, Disney character dance parties, and themed treats like the Waterparks Sand Pail Sundae, flatbread pizzas, and frozen Blue Coladas or Pink Palomas for the grown-ups. For families craving a private retreat, the Beachcomber Shacks are the perfect splurge. These cabanas fit up to 12 guests and come with shaded seating, towels, a personal safe, and a dedicated attendant to keep the food and drinks flowing.
While Typhoon Lagoon’s season usually wraps up by September 7, Disney is keeping the summer magic alive with H2O Glow After Hours on select nights through September 13. Once the sun goes down, the park will be illuminated, allowing families to enjoy the park in a new way, including complimentary snacks and exclusive experiences. Tickets range from $42.50 for kids ages 3 to 9 and $85 for ages 10 and up.
At Disney World, the fun begins before you even step into the theme parks. From island flavors at the Caribbean Beach Resort to the splash zones of Typhoon Lagoon and the icy adventures at Blizzard Beach, there’s still plenty of time to soak up every last drop of the summer. Summer may be winding down, but the magic is still in full swing.
Martie Bowser is a travel writer in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys uncovering the stories of people and places that may have been forgotten or unheard. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Essence, Ebony, The Black Wall Street Times, and Waymaker Journal. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.
This story was originally published September 5, 2025 at 6:40 PM.