Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park opened in 1995 and has a winter wonderland theme that is carried throughout. Legend has it that a freak winter storm hit Central Florida, covering it in snow, but then the temperature raised and all of the snow and ice began to melt, leaving behind unbelievable rides on the “slopes.” In fact, there is even an authentic chair lift right in the middle of the park that takes passengers up to the top of Mount Gushmore where all of the real fun begins! Guests at Blizzard Beach Water Park can expect some of the best rides of any water park in the world, and of course, some of that Disney magic along the way!
During your stay at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, you are sure to want to hit all of the attractions listed below, but first, here is some important park information. Hours vary depending on the season, so be sure to check those online or at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel prior to going. And, during the summer months, both parks fill up fast. Both have capacities that are much smaller than those at the theme parks, so Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park usually shuts down due to capacity first, usually by noon each day. Also, each park does close for approximately two to three months during the off-season each year to undergo rehab, so be aware of this if you are visiting from November through February (but one of the two parks will always be open). Each park also has plenty of showers and bathrooms located throughout, but at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, there are none of these facilities on top of the mountain, so keep that in mind, especially if you are going to be waiting in long lines! Lockers can also be rented on a daily basis, and chairs throughout the park are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, in the heat of summer, it may be a good idea to wear either flip flops or water shoes as you go from one attraction to another (although you will have to take them off and hold them on most attractions), because the concrete gets extremely hot in places where there isn’t water hitting it!
Also, in the midst of your day on the slopes, you will probably want to stop and get a tasty treat or meal. While there are several stands all around the park, the main restaurant is the Lottawatta Lodge. Pizzas, hamburgers, salads and sandwiches can all be found here, but beware – long lines are sure to be found as well! If you are looking for a nice relaxing place to have a drink by the wave pool, visit the Polar Bear Pool Bar, where frozen adult drinks are on tap all day long!
Below is a list of the attractions at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park:
Downhill Double Dipper – Race a friend as you both shoot down twin tubes at speeds of up to 25 mph on this 230-foot-long ride.
Slush Gusher – Located right next to Summit Plummet, this ride is ideal for anyone who still wants a thrill but doesn’t want to brave its free-fall (or long line!). Slush Gusher features two humps that send you air-born for a brief second as you go down this 90-foot slide in the midst of the snow-capped Mount Gushmore.
Summit Plummet – It’s every bit as thrilling as it looks! This 120-foot tall slide is the world’s tallest and fastest free-fall body slide. With speeds of up to 55 mph, this ride takes you from one of the tallest points at the Walt Disney World Resort back to the bottom in mere seconds!
Toboggan Racers – Eight guests challenge each other to a race on this ride, where everyone lies stomach-down on toboggan-like mats to see who is the first to reach the finish line!
Tike’s Peak – The littlest guests at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park can have some fun too in this area that features three fun slides (including an inner tube slide), a wading pool and interactive fountains!
Runoff Rapids – Runoff Rapids is an incredible ride at the back of the mountain that largely goes unnoticed because of its location – but you don’t want to miss it! After picking up your inner tube (you can ride single or double) at the bottom of the mountain, you will choose between one of three rides at the top. The two outer slides are made for double or single tubes and are identical to each other. The inner slide is reserved for single tubes only and features a completely enclosed slide with sharp turns and sudden drops. If you like thrills, be sure to check this one out!
Ski Patrol Training Camp – Teenagers will enjoy this area of the water park, with icebergs you can walk across, a fun inner tube slide and a T-bar ride that is tons of fun. Warning: the T-Bar attraction is reserved for guests 48 inches and under, yet the pool the children drop into is eight feet deep. Although there are trained lifeguards watching, please be sure that your children can swim if they want to take part in this attraction!
Snow Stormers – Race your friends and family again at this attraction, where three slalom-like slides await you. This slide once again requires that you lay on your mat stomach-first, and while there is no height restriction for this ride, there is a four-feet-deep pool of water at the end, keep that in mind for younger guests.
Teamboat Springs – One of the world’s longest family raft rides, this six-passenger raft takes guests racing down 1,200 feet of twists and turns!
Cross Country Creek – This mile-long lazy river is just what the doctor ordered after a long day of thrill rides! Wind your way throughout the perimeter of the park as you relax in the sun and make your way through dark caves and past waterfalls.
Melt-Away Bay – This wave pool sends a constant gentle wave throughout its one acre of water. Guests can relax and go for a swim or sit under a refreshing waterfall!
Chairlift – The chairlift is a one-way ride to the top of Mount Gushmore, where thrills like Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher await!
