Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Many first-time visitors are surprised to learn about all of the activities that are available beyond the four gated theme parks. Most guests may not realize Disney has two water parks. Blizzard Beach Water Park and Typhoon Lagoon, are each themed with a particular backstory. It gives you a chance to break from the hustle and bustle of the major theme parks and find a refreshing escape.
The Blizzard Beach Story
A fictional freak snowstorm suddenly hit Central Florida one day. The western end of Walt Disney World property was blanketed in powdery fresh snow. Disney immediately put into place plans for a ski resort. Chair lifts were built, toboggan runs implemented, and trails groomed. The resort looked picture perfect. Unfortunately, before the park could open temperatures soared and the snow melted. As the slush began to run down the mountainside and water pooled at the bottom, the resort was saved by the most unlikely of sources: a playful alligator. The alligator took a body slide down the mountainside, splashing happily into the pool below. At that moment, a new plan was hatched, to create a water park from the already existing ski resort. Thus, Disney’s Blizzard Beach waterpark was born.
Blizzard Beach Schedule
Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is open almost every day of the year (with the exception of renovations). The waterpark typically opens at 10:00 am and closes at 8:00 pm every day. Disney vacation guests can buy Disney packages, which include accommodation at Orlando hotels and Orlando vacation rentals near Disney.
Tike’s Peak
Tike’s Peak is the play area for children under four feet tall. Miniature versions of popular attractions are offered here, along with splashing fountains and water pools.
Downhill Double Dipper
The Downhill Double Dipper offers side by side identical racing slides. The slides achieve speeds up to 25 mph and are partially enclosed.
Ski Patrol Training Camp
This area offers attractions reminiscent of “the ole swimmin’ hole,” including a T-Bar drop. With floating icebergs and themed water slides, this is an attraction your kids will love.
Summit Plummet
Summit Plummet is a ski jump-turned water slide. You will achieve speeds of approximately 60 mph during your 120-foot plunge. This is definitely not a slide for the weak of heart!
Cross Country Creek
A lazy river ride around the park that is full of surprises. You start floating down when you find yourself spritzed with cold water or even drifting into an ice cave.
Melt-Away Bay
Melt Away Bay is for visitors who love to swim will adore the wave pool. Guests are treated to waves that are wavy, softer, and do not crash.
Runoff Rapids
Runoff Rapids features three side-by-side inner tube slides. The center slide is the fastest and must be ridden solo. The outer slides can accommodate up to three people per raft.
Snow Stormers
Snow Stormers slides offer guests three different ways to run up the mountain. Visitors will enjoy purple foam mats at this attraction, as well as the amazing slide down the slides! It is definitely worth a ride!
Mt. Gushmore
The hallmark of the water park is Mt. Gushmore, a snow-covered mountaintop that is the origin point for many of the park’s attractions. A ski chalet chairlift in the center of the waterpark will take you to the top of Mount Gushmore where you will be able to access three park attractions.
Teamboat Springs
Everyone loves this great rafting ride for the whole family. Loaded at Mount Gushmore, you will be amazed at the length of this attraction. It’s even better knowing that you do not have to take a raft to the top but are carried on a conveyor belt! This white water flume ride sits 3 to 6 passengers. It’s fairly wild, yet tame enough for children who are reasonably good swimmers.
Slush Gusher
The Slush Gusher is not high or steep, though still gives the thrill you’d expect. Slush Gusher is a double hump water slide standing 90 feet high. The ride is fast and rough.
Toboggan Racer
The Toboggan Racer is reminiscent of an old carnival ride. You lay head first on a purple mat on one of eight racing lanes. The first one to the bottom wins.
The Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
Winter Summerland, which is right next to the water park entrance, is one of the two miniature golf courses on Disney property. It’s two uniquely themed 18-hole courses golf course each with its own distinct musical soundtrack that visitors will enjoy. The Winter course draws its inspiration from the winter season and includes snow castles and ice hockey rinks. The Summerland course represents all things summer where you can navigate through surfboards, sand sculptures, and even a melted snowman.
Blizzard Beach with Toddlers
The park has several areas for children of all ages, and Tike’s Peak is an area for children under 48 inches. There are many small slides suitable for young children, as well as bold slides for brave preschoolers. Sporting a small, shallow pool with a waterfall for kids, as well as a baby pool and many sandy areas, this makes for a great area where small children can play! There are a limited amount of life vests that you can rent for free.
There are other areas of the park to explore if you have a bolder child. There is also a lazy river, Cross Country Creek, which has gentle currents and smaller inner tubes for children. Teamboat Springs is a family raft trip if your kids are a bit daring and you can sit on a raft next to them. There also are still some slides with no height requirements.
Blizzard Beach with Special Needs
Walt Disney World provides many facilities for those with reduced mobility, people with visual impairments, and people with hearing disabilities. Disney offers wheelchair rentals within the parks. Valid identification is required to rent a wheelchair. You must leave the wheelchair before leaving the water park. The number of wheelchairs is limited and depends on availability.
Blizzard Beach Tips
Do not bring credit cards or cash
You can rent a locker to store your valuables, but it may be safer to use a MagicBand. These portable wristbands can be used within the park and to even charge things to your account. Plus, MagicBands are waterproof.
Two water parks for the price of one
Did you know that you can visit Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon on the same day? If both parks are open, you can use the same water park ticket to get into both water parks. Plus parking at both water parks is free as well.
Consider a visit during the off-season
Blizzard Beach can be very crowded during the summer months. But if you arrive later in September or early November, you will find fewer people and shorter waiting times. You can also visit when the weather is not optimal to cut bypass the crowds. Visitors tend to stay away during cloudy, rainy weather. Often, the clouds only hover temporarily. The sun makes its way back during the day giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a sunny park more to yourself.
Play a round of miniature golf
Right next to Disney’s Winter Summerland (which is subject to a separate admission fee) there are two themed courses with 18 holes. With the amazing theming, it’s sure to be a memorable game enjoyed by children.
You do not need to bring a life jacket
The water parks offer complimentary ones.
Alpine Village
Visit the Alpine Village for Guest Services, First Aid, shopping, and so forth. This village is located on the eastern end of Blizzard Beach and faithfully re-creates a typical ski resort town.
In Central Florida, thunderstorms are common, particularly in the hotter summer months. All water attractions must close when lightning is spotted on Doppler Radar within 2 miles of the park. Many guests leave the park when this happens. However, summer storms are usually short-lived, often lasting less than an hour. If you are willing to wait out the storm, you can re-enter the park with a largely diminished crowd.
An Excellent Water Park
Blizzard Beach is an excellent water park for the whole family. It has many high thrill attractions while also having gentle wave pools and dedicated children’s areas. The lazy river is perfect for the younger or less adventurous set. Thanks to the warm Central Florida weather, it is possible to visit nearly year-round. If you have time in your schedule to visit a water park, Blizzard Beach is an excellent choice.
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