At Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Requires separate admission. Included in "Water Park Fun & More" option of Walt Disney World's Magic Your Way ticket program or can be pruchased a la carte.
Open year-round, 7 days a week. Does close annually for maintenance in the winter.
Wild speed slide, lazy river, wave pool, mat racing slide, tube slides, body slides, family raft ride, interactive water play areas for younger kids.
During peak seasons and especially on hot days, get to the park early, as it can often reach capacity and close its gates.
In the summer, when the park is open later, consider making a late afternoon visit to the park. Many of the folks that arrived in the morning are typically leaving, and the park can be less crowded.
The focal point of Blizzard Beach is Mount Gushmore. An actual ski lift takes guests up to its 90-foot peak. (The line for the chairlift can get quite long; there's an optional walkway to reach the peak as well.) From the top of the mountain, guests can access a number of slides, including Teamboat Springs, an incredibly long family raft ride; the Toboggan Racers, an eight-lane mat-racing slide; and the Slush Gusher, a speed slide with dips. The speed slide to end all speed slides, however, is Summit Plummet. It is a terrorizing, exhilarating hoot. Read my ride review.
Unlike Typhoon Lagoon's laid-back, tropical vibe, Blizzard Beach has a more in-your-face, daredevil personality. Like the Toboggan Racers, the Downhill Double Dipper is a racing attraction that stokes competitiveness. Even a pair of smaller slides in the park's Ski Patrol area promote racing. The area also offers a t-bar on a zip line that kids can ride before dropping into a pool of water.
Amid all of the thrills, there are plenty of attractions for younger kids as well. Tike's Peak has a slew of milder activities, including some pint-sized tube and body slides.
Allow the better part of a day to fully enjoy all Blizzard Beach has to offer. Cross Country Creek, which flows around the perimeter of the park in a never-ending circle, could keep guests entertained for hours. And the Melt Away Bay wave pool also offers a great way to comfortably while away in the Florida heat.
After a day at Blizzard Beach, you may want to check out the incredibly charming and creative Winter Summerland next door. It continues the goofy hot/cold theme and is among the best miniature golf courses I've ever experienced.
