If a day at a Disney resort pool isn’t giving your family enough thrill or you aren’t staying on property and you’re looking to add some water fun to your trip, you’ll want to check out a Disney Water park. There are two to choose from (see our post about Typhoon Lagoon) and either will make a fun family day! You really can’t beat a water park with a touch of Disney magic!
Overview
Blizzard Beach is one of two water parks in Walt Disney World. It’s located near Animal Kingdom and its water is heated, which allows it to stay open year round. I love the theme of the park, it’s a bit of an oxymoron. A snowstorm is said to have left heaps of snow in sunny Florida. A ski resort was built, but the snow didn’t last and instead of shutting down for good, the park’s mascot, Ice Gator showed everyone how much it would be to make it a water park instead!
Many of the park’s attractions are located on Mount Gushmore which you can reach by path or chairlift, which is a real ski lift! There are “snow caps” everywhere and large pine trees to give the feel of a blustery winter day. This is quite the opposite of its sister park, Typhoon Lagoon, which is a tropical island paradise. Being a ski resort means that many of the buildings and restaurant are made to look like ski lodges and the rides all have snow themes, like Toboggan Racers. Just the name Blizzard Beach makes you feel cooler, or so my kids say!
Tickets
1 Day Ticket $69 Ages 10+ $63 Ages 3-9 Plus Tax
1 Day Ticket with $64 Ages 10+ $58 Ages 3-9 Plus Tax
Blockout Dates
Blockout Date Tickets can save you a few bucks, but be sure to check the dates when purchasing tickets. Summer and early fall admission are excluded with this ticket, so just be aware when planning.
Tickets are also two in one, which means that if you purchase a ticket for either water park, you gain admission to the other on that same ticket day, as long as it is open and operating. This is a great savings and a way to visit both parks just like using a Park Hopper!
Both water parks do close for yearly refurbishment during the winter months, but they don’t close at the same time, one park will always remain open. Of course, if temps get too cold or a storm is rolling through, the parks will close accordingly. Light showers won’t shut down park operations. Park hours are usually 10 AM to 5 PM during off season and 10 AM to 8 PM during the summer.
Attractions
Much like Typhoon Lagoon, the park has a layout that centers around its main attraction. In this case, it’s Mount Gushmore, which as we said, is home to most of the parks rides. Mount Gushmore is broken up into three slopes, Red, Green and Purple. Each slope has at least one attraction.
Attraction | Height Requirement |
Cross Country Creek | Any Height |
Chairlift | 32 inches or taller |
Melt-Away Bay | Any Height |
Runoff Rapids | Any Height |
Downhill Double Dipper | 48 inches or taller |
Ski Patrol Training Camp | Any Height |
Snow Stormers | Any Height |
Slush Gusher | 48 inches or taller |
Teamboat Springs | Any Height |
Summit Plummet | 48 inches or taller |
Toboggan Racers | Any Height |
Tike’s Peak | 48 inches or shorter |
Toboggan Racers is our family’s personal favorite ride. We can all get on together and race to the bottom. There are 8 slides all in a row and you ride your toboggan down and first to cross the finish line wins!
Dining Options
There are nine dining options here at Blizzard Beach and they’re all quick service and snack options. You’re able to use your Disney Dining Plan at the restaurants, so no worries about coming out of pocket at meal times. Not all the locations stay open year round, some are seasonal for the summer.
- Warming Hut– BBQ Turkey Leg, sandwiches, and desserts
- Cooling Hut– sandwiches, popcorn, and ice cream bars
- Polar Pub– frozen cocktails, beer and wine
- Lottawatta Lodge– rice bowls, burgers, pizza, milkshakes
- Frostbite Freddy’s Frozen Freshments– nachos, beer cheese fondue, alcoholic beverages
- Mini Donuts– donuts! Coffee and hot chocolate
- I. C. Expeditions– variety of ice cream sundaes and floats *Seasonal
- Arctic Expeditions-specialty drinks, beer and wine *Seasonal
- Avalunch– hot dogs, salads,and sandwiches
General Info
- Swim attire is required
- Babies and toddlers that are not potty trained must wear swim diapers
- Coolers allowed
- No glass containers
- No alcohol
- $2 towel rentals
- Disney resort guest receive complimentary towel rental with MagicBand
- Locker rental $10 small $15 large for full day of use
- Free parking
- No FastPass+
- No PhotoPass
- Complimentary life jackets
Polar Patios
Polar Patios are a great way to have a designated relaxation area for your party. They’re shaded rental decks with cushioned seating for up to 6 guests and an attendant that can help you during your stay and take food orders (charges apply). Also included:
- Towels
- A locker
- Cooler stocked with bottled water
- Refillable drink mugs
Lodge Umbrellas
If you want your own shaded spot but don’t want to spring for the Polar Patio, you can rent a lodge umbrella for four. Amenities include:
- 2 reserved loungers
- 2 beach chairs
- Table
- Towels
You can add these extras to your park day by calling (407) 939-7529 to make reservations.
Splash Pack
The Splash Pack is a new option that is available at both water parks. It’s a limited time savings bundle that includes select food, drinks, a refillable water park mug and a Disney towel. Packs are available from March – August of this year, 2019 and they can only be purchased on the day of use. Price is $44 per person plus tax.
Have you been to Blizzard Beach? Do you think purchasing a water park ticket is worth the money? Any tips to make the experience more enjoyable? Please let us know in the comments!
I actually rate BB over TL mainly because of the slides. Can’t beat a bit of Summit Plummit!
This looks amazing! I stupidly only think of Disney as being the castle and park, much like Paris.
It’s when you see posts like this that make you realise just how much there is to see and do!
We got married in Orlando but we didn’t do the water parks at all. I think I would now though.
Ooooh wow this looks incredible I literally had not idea this was even in Disney – definitely one to visit!
I’ve never been to a Disney water park. I’m not into slides (kids are) … would there be enough to amuse me?
Oh wow my daughter would go mad for this place, it looks amazing
I’m not sure I would enjoy the water park, but the Winter Summerland golf course looks cool! I haven’t played mini golf in ages.
Such a great and very detailed post. This could help in a planning a trip to Blizzard Beach Water Park. My kids would love in here for sure.