Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park will close for refurbishment (read: awesomeness updates) beginning March 17, 2024. Fortunately for our 2024 travelers, Typhoon Lagoon is expected to reopen at about the same time - and with plenty of slip, sliding fun. 

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Blizzards? No.* 

 

Blizzard-themed water parks? 

 

Yes. 

 

Legend has it Blizzard Beach Water Park was created when a freak snowstorm blanketed Central Florida with snow. Some intrepid entrepreneur turned the snowfall into a ski resort, the Florida sunshine inevitably returned and boom! We’ve doubled our Disney water park fun. 

 

While the snow has long disappeared, the ski resort/Swiss chalet atmosphere remains, along with an enthusiastic gator who, one must assume, wasn’t willing to go back to the swamps after having had a taste of Gstaad (and possibly Gaston?) 

 

While some may be quick to dismiss the two water parks as secondary to the attraction parks, as Disney travel experts by trade and by habit, let us reassure you - they indeed destinations all their own, and more than worth visiting for a day of family fun. 

 

The slopes of Blizzard Beach are organized by color, but unlike a ski resort, color does not indicate the intensity or thrill level of the attraction; rather, it makes this sprawling park easier for visitors to navigate. 

 

While fun is almost impossible to avoid at Blizzard Beach, and options for joy abound, these are are our recommendations for the best way to splash your way through Disney’s Blizzard Beach (be sure to try the chair lift!)

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Brace Yourself to Plummet from the Summit

 

We may as well jump right into it. The Summit Plummet at Disney’s Blizzard Beach is the tallest, fastest free-fall body slide around, a near-vertical slide that plunges riders at high speed down 12 stories in near darkness before ending in a stunning crescendo of whitewater - and, on assumes, adrenaline. 

 

To top it all off (see what we did there?) your plummet begins at the top of Mount Gushmore, a pun that makes us dizzy with delight every time we hear it. 

 

As you probably expected, this ride is restricted to riders over 48” tall. 

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Thrills and Spills - Three Times Over 

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For a thrill a bit more…chill (we couldn’t help it), there’s Runoff Rapids, three distinct waterslide experiences in one attraction. Grab an inner tube and let Mount Gushmore’s melt off propel you down each of the slides in turn, starting with the center slide, where you’ll be launched through a fully enclosed tunnel, then repeat the adventure on the outer two slides where you’ll zip over, around and under the attraction’s center slide tunnel. 

 

Runoff Rapids is open to riders of all heights. 

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Escalate the Fun on an 8 Slide Toboggan Run

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One of our favorite ways to splash away the day, Toboggan Racers invites you to jump on a water mat and race for first place on this 8-slide run that propels you headfirst down 250 feet of run. 

 

Open to riders of all heights, this is a great way to foster fun with a little friendly family competition.

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Double Dip 

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For those who want to keep the competition going, the downhill Double Dipper is a twin tube racing slide with multiple heats and release gates. Choose your opponent and position yourself for glory on your inner tube. A retractable starting gate will fuel your competitive streak - and amp up the anticipation - before releasing you through one of two twin enclosed waterslides, each of which plummet 50 feet downhill through darkness at exhilarating speeds.

 

The Downhill Double Dipper is open to riders 48” tall and over, so choose your opponent wisely.

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Take It Easy with Big Fun for Little Swimmers

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Only three off Blizzard Beach’s attractions have height requirements, making the park great for families. But there are also several attractions within the park targeted specifically to younger children - and those who want more swim and less splash. 

 

Melt-Away Bay

This tranquil, relaxing wave pool is the perfect spot to float away your day, basking in the sun, enjoying a snack or two (or five - you’re on vacation!) 

 

Cross Country Creek

Unless you’re new to this blog, by now you know how we feel about a lazy river (and if you are new, spoiler: we LOVE them.)  That’s why we love Cross Country Creek, a lazy river similar to Typhoon Lagoon’s Castaway Cay, but with a cool cave experience that makes it extra-fun for little ones. 

 

Tike’s Peak

Proof that Blizzard Beach is a blast: Elsa hangs out here and has never once turned the water back to snow. Kid-friendly, this spot features scaled-down water slides for the smallest daredevils in your crew, as well as play areas and a snow-castle fountain.

 

Ski Patrol Training Camp

Our personal favorite spot in the park, Ski Patrol Training Camp lets you zip line across the pools, an activity we love almost as much as we love a lazy river. Hop between floating icebergs and challenging ice-flow walks where the only feeling greater than the victory of succeeding is the splash of falling.

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FAQs: Disney’s Blizzard Beach 

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How much does Blizzard Beach cost?

 

Prices for Typhoon Lagoon for the 2024 season (without tax):

One-day ticket without block-out dates:

$74 per adult

$68 per child ages 3 to 9

One-day ticket with block-out dates:

$64 per adult

$58 per child ages 3 to 9

Children 2 and under are free

 

Are towels and lockers included at Blizzard Beach? 

 

Walt Disney World Resort’s Water Parks all have keyless lockers that can be used throughout the day for a one-time charge. To rent a locker, visit one of the electronic kiosks in the locker areas and choose the size you want. “Regular” lockers (measuring 12.5" x 10" x 17”) cost $10/day and “Large” lockers (15.5" x 13" x 17”) cost $15/day. 

 

As for towels, they’re available for rent at a cost of $2/day (each). At Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, you’ll find them at Beach Haus and Snowless Joe’s.

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What are the dining options at Blizzard Beach?

The dining options at both of Disney’s Water Parks are excellent, with a wide range of offerings for everyone in your crowd. 

 

Grab a hot dog or a cold beer at Avalunch (oh, how we love a pun), which offers quick-service options to make it easy to grab a bite between plunges. Visit Lottawatta Lodge for fresh salads, specialty burgers and flatbreads, or grab a Frosty Pina ColAVA, a favorite of park guests.

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Are cabanas available at Blizzard Beach?

Polar Patios are Disney’s answer to a poolside cabana, and they’re the perfect place to spend a day of water park fun. Each Standard Polar Patio can accommodate up to 10 Guests and includes a range of amenities that can help you make the most of your vacation fun. Polar Patio amenities include:

• Seating for up to 6 Guests

• Towels

• A locker

• Ice water, available all day

• Souvenir refillable mugs, which can be refilled with soda and water (only refillable on the day of your Polar Patio rental)

 

Dedicated Service
Attendants are on hand to help you get the most out of the water park. And when you’re craving a meal or snack, they can take your order for food and beverages (separate dining charges apply).

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If you’re planning a trip to Blizzard Beach, we highly recommend buying a Rapid Fill Souvenir Cup. The refillable mugs are $11.99 and include endless refills during your visit. The hydration stations are clearly marked with misters. The coolest part about these cups are the magic chime sound the machine makes as it fills up your cup.

 

Are there are character meet and greets at Blizzard Beach?  

To no one’s surprise, Goofy just loves a water park, and he seems to be especially partial to Blizzard Beach. He keeps pretty busy but we’ve found him near the entrance on quite a few occasions. 

 

What is the most popular attraction at Blizzard Beach?

While Summit Plummet and Cross Country Creek top most visitors lists of the best way to spend the day at Blizzard Beach, for family fun, we love

Teamboat Springs. Why? Simply put, it was made for families (and groups - we’re big fans of a girls trip.) This raft ride can seat up to 6 people for a fun-filled trip down 1,200-feet of cascading water.

 

Disney’s Blizzard Beach is a fantastic way to maximize your vacation joy. To find out the best time to visit Blizzard Beach or be notified when Blizzard Beach reopens after refurbishment, subscribe now or reach out to one of our magical travel guides. 

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*unless they’re made out of soft serve and candy, in which case, we’ll reconsider 

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