Blizzard Beach
Ranked as one of the best water parks in the world, Blizzard Beach has some of the best water park fun to be had. Despite having the tallest free-fall slide in the world, and one of the longest family raft rides, the real star of Blizzard Beach is its story and design. Rumor has it that a freak snow storm hit Walt Disney World; and to capitalize on this rare opportunity, Florida's first ski resort was constructed. However, temperatures began to heat up and the snow began to melt! Thanks to an adventurous, blue gator who was found sliding down the melting slopes, it was decided to turn the icy, soggy ski resort into a waterpark!
Blizzard Beach is a melting, winter wonderland where you hear Christmas music and pass ski lodges and a ski lift on your way to the wave pool! All of the best slides are located on a hill called Mount Gushmore; and the centerpiece of this mount is Summit Plummet! All throughout the park, you find snow drifts, ski chalets, sleds, snowmen, pine trees, and more!
Blizzard Beach is a must see on any Disney vacation. Trust us when we say, you have never seen or experienced anything like this!
Blizzard Beach is a melting, winter wonderland where you hear Christmas music and pass ski lodges and a ski lift on your way to the wave pool! All of the best slides are located on a hill called Mount Gushmore; and the centerpiece of this mount is Summit Plummet! All throughout the park, you find snow drifts, ski chalets, sleds, snowmen, pine trees, and more!
Blizzard Beach is a must see on any Disney vacation. Trust us when we say, you have never seen or experienced anything like this!
Blizzard Beach Info
The centerpiece of Blizzard Beach is Mount Gushmore, a hill where the variety of the park's waterslides are located. You can get to Mount Gushmore by the ski lift or by stairs. At the foot of Mount Gushmore is the wave pool, lazy river, the kid's play area, and an area for tiny guests, as well as bathrooms, lockers, a gift shop, the entrance, and Lottawatta Lodge (where you can grab a quick meal).
There are lots of guidemaps located throughout the park, as it is massive and can be confusing. There's also color coded areas where certain slides are located.
Blizzard Beach Tips and Info
*Locker rentals at $8 for a small and $10 for a large with a $5 deposit. Large is our recommendation.
*Bring your own towel to avoid a $2 rental fee.
*Sunscreen, sunglasses and water shoes are a MUST! The drifts of snow reflect sunlight and the concrete can burn your feet as you will be in the sun and walking a lot!
*Eat a big breakfast so you can enjoy the park and take advantage of smaller lines while others are having lunch.
*Remember that tubes are free and life jackets are available at the park.
There are lots of guidemaps located throughout the park, as it is massive and can be confusing. There's also color coded areas where certain slides are located.
Blizzard Beach Tips and Info
*Locker rentals at $8 for a small and $10 for a large with a $5 deposit. Large is our recommendation.
*Bring your own towel to avoid a $2 rental fee.
*Sunscreen, sunglasses and water shoes are a MUST! The drifts of snow reflect sunlight and the concrete can burn your feet as you will be in the sun and walking a lot!
*Eat a big breakfast so you can enjoy the park and take advantage of smaller lines while others are having lunch.
*Remember that tubes are free and life jackets are available at the park.
Polar Patios
If you're planning on spending the whole day at Blizzard Beach and want to do it in comfort and luxury, you may want to reserve a polar patio.
You and your family can enjoy your own private, small deck with umbrella, cooler, towels, and locker. Another perk is that you also have Blizzard Beach attendants and waiters that are there to attend to your needs and bring you a meal. It's your own private, pampered corner of Blizzard Beach, a haven from the thrilling slides and crowds, and a great place for the family to kick back, relax, plan, and recount the day's ventures. This is also an appealing idea as finding a chair or area for your family to relax and regroup, and the often crowded locker area, can be daunting.
However, Polar Patios do come at a price. We're talking about $250. We've never reserved one; but on our most recent visit, many of them were in use. Therefore, if you are interested in reserving one, you may want to call way in advance, just in case.
If you don't really want to splurge on this, we don't think you're missing much. Many guests only spend part of the day at Blizzard Beach as it is exhausting, so you probably won't get your money's worth. Secondly, while the perks are nice, they probably won't make or break your day.
You and your family can enjoy your own private, small deck with umbrella, cooler, towels, and locker. Another perk is that you also have Blizzard Beach attendants and waiters that are there to attend to your needs and bring you a meal. It's your own private, pampered corner of Blizzard Beach, a haven from the thrilling slides and crowds, and a great place for the family to kick back, relax, plan, and recount the day's ventures. This is also an appealing idea as finding a chair or area for your family to relax and regroup, and the often crowded locker area, can be daunting.
However, Polar Patios do come at a price. We're talking about $250. We've never reserved one; but on our most recent visit, many of them were in use. Therefore, if you are interested in reserving one, you may want to call way in advance, just in case.
If you don't really want to splurge on this, we don't think you're missing much. Many guests only spend part of the day at Blizzard Beach as it is exhausting, so you probably won't get your money's worth. Secondly, while the perks are nice, they probably won't make or break your day.
Attractions
In true Glass Slipper style, we've provided you with only what we think is the best of the best for your Disney vacation. Therefore, this is not a complete list of the slides and attractions Blizzard Beach has to offer, but what we think shouldn't be missed We hope our reviews, ratings, and info will help provide you with a vacation that's as perfect of a fit for you as Cinderella's glass slipper!
Teamboat Springs
This family raft ride is one of the longest in the world! This 1,200 ft. long ride is fun for the whole family and you will be laughing and shouting all the way to the bottom. The line for this slide is usually shorter than others; but even if you have to wait, it's well worth it! Teamboat Springs is a lengthy ride, as opposed to some others that are pretty quick; and young and old can enjoy. In fact, there is no height requirement at all for this slide.
Another great perk of Blizzard Beach is that you don't have to roll your own huge, 6 person raft up to the top as Disney provides them for you at the slide's entrance! Also be sure to look for a Mickey made out of inner tubes near Teamboat Springs' exit. There's usually a Photopass photographer stationed here and its a great spot for a family photo!
Our Rating: 5 Glass Slippers
Kids: 5 Glass Slippers
Teens: 4.5 Glass Slippers
Adults: 4 Glass Slippers
Another great perk of Blizzard Beach is that you don't have to roll your own huge, 6 person raft up to the top as Disney provides them for you at the slide's entrance! Also be sure to look for a Mickey made out of inner tubes near Teamboat Springs' exit. There's usually a Photopass photographer stationed here and its a great spot for a family photo!
Our Rating: 5 Glass Slippers
Kids: 5 Glass Slippers
Teens: 4.5 Glass Slippers
Adults: 4 Glass Slippers
Summit Plummet
This slide is a towering 120 feet high! Guests can slip down this free-fall slide, which resembles a ski jump, at 50 to 60 mph! Summit Plummet offers high speed thrills during its 12 story drop; and for thrill junkies, it's the ultimate. Be sure to take in the view once you're at the top of the ski chalet to see some of Disney World's icons, resorts, and major attractions that share the skyline!
This slide takes you through a dark tunnel and out into daylight; and if you want to know how fast you rocketed down Mount Gushmore, check out your time at the bottom! Believe me, it will be fast! You do have to be 48 inches tall to take this plunge.
Our Rating: ? (unfortunately, we're not this extreme)
Kids: ?
Adults: ?
This slide takes you through a dark tunnel and out into daylight; and if you want to know how fast you rocketed down Mount Gushmore, check out your time at the bottom! Believe me, it will be fast! You do have to be 48 inches tall to take this plunge.
Our Rating: ? (unfortunately, we're not this extreme)
Kids: ?
Adults: ?
Ski Lift
If you don't feel like taking the stairs up to Mount Gushmore, try the ski lift! Not only is it a fun ride, but it's a great way to see the slides and the park! There is often a wait to ride the ski lift; but it should be done at least once. After all, where else can you ride a ski lift at a water park? Be sure to look down because there are skis hanging below your feet, just like a real ski lift! There's also a wintry themed gondola for disabled guests that provide great views too!
This line can get a little lengthy, especially during peak season and weekends. Also be aware that need to be 32 inches tall to ride the ski lift; and the getting on and off can be a little tricky. The ski lift is constantly moving on a circuit, and a Disney Cast Member will have you stand on a line and then quickly sit as your chair approaches. Then, once you reach the mountain, a Cast Member will tell you when to stand up; but be sure to hurry to the exit so you won't get bumped by the chair! In our experience, younger guests may need a little assistance.
Our Rating: 5 Glass Slippers
Kids: 5 Glass Slippers
Teens: 3.5 Glass Slippers
Adults: 4 Glass Slippers
This line can get a little lengthy, especially during peak season and weekends. Also be aware that need to be 32 inches tall to ride the ski lift; and the getting on and off can be a little tricky. The ski lift is constantly moving on a circuit, and a Disney Cast Member will have you stand on a line and then quickly sit as your chair approaches. Then, once you reach the mountain, a Cast Member will tell you when to stand up; but be sure to hurry to the exit so you won't get bumped by the chair! In our experience, younger guests may need a little assistance.
Our Rating: 5 Glass Slippers
Kids: 5 Glass Slippers
Teens: 3.5 Glass Slippers
Adults: 4 Glass Slippers
Toboggan Racers
Race your family down the side of Mount Gushmore on this 8 lane, 250 ft. long slide! When you reach this slide, you will receive a foam, toboggan-like mat with plastic handles, enter a lane, and then when a life guard says "go", you can race down a slide with several dips and see who makes it to the bottom first!
This one of our family's favorites and its a lot of fun for the whole family. However, be aware that the wait for this slide can be quite long; and some kids may be a little wary of sliding alone.
Tip: to go faster, pull the mat's handles closer to you and raise the front of the mat off of the slide!
Our Rating: 4 Glass Slippers
Kids: 4.5 Glass Slippers
Teens: 4 Glass Slippers
Adults: 3.5 Glass Slippers
This one of our family's favorites and its a lot of fun for the whole family. However, be aware that the wait for this slide can be quite long; and some kids may be a little wary of sliding alone.
Tip: to go faster, pull the mat's handles closer to you and raise the front of the mat off of the slide!
Our Rating: 4 Glass Slippers
Kids: 4.5 Glass Slippers
Teens: 4 Glass Slippers
Adults: 3.5 Glass Slippers
Melt-Away Bay
Melt-Away Bay is Blizzard Beach's wave pool. It's an acre wide with varying depths, frequent waves, rockwork, and waterfalls. Here you can relax or splash, it's up to you!
This is a white, sandy area with chairs across and nearby the wave pool for you to relax, nap, tan, or read a book. There's also no height requirement to enjoy Melt-Away Bay and no line! This is also one attraction that you can enjoy at your pace and spend as much time in as you want. Kids will really enjoy it too, especially younger ones.
Our Rating: 3 Glass Slippers (compared with Typhoon Lagoon's, Melt-Away Bay pales in comparison)
Kids: 4.5 Glass Slippers
Teens: 3 Glass Slippers
Adults: 3 Glass Slippers
This is a white, sandy area with chairs across and nearby the wave pool for you to relax, nap, tan, or read a book. There's also no height requirement to enjoy Melt-Away Bay and no line! This is also one attraction that you can enjoy at your pace and spend as much time in as you want. Kids will really enjoy it too, especially younger ones.
Our Rating: 3 Glass Slippers (compared with Typhoon Lagoon's, Melt-Away Bay pales in comparison)
Kids: 4.5 Glass Slippers
Teens: 3 Glass Slippers
Adults: 3 Glass Slippers
Cross Country Creek
Blizzard Beach's lazy river is both relaxing and a chilly adventure! Cross Country Creek is 3,000 ft. and encircles the whole park with various exit/entry ways here and there so you can hop on and hop off whenever you wish. This relaxing stream has a continuous, gentle current that keeps guests moving along. It's very popular with adults; but there is plenty for kids too. Throughout Cross Country Creek, you will encounter left over items from the snow storm and ski resort such as frozen, dripping laundry, a cabin that spouts icy water out its chimney every few minutes, and a leaky snow machine spitting water!
As you float past these sights and around gentle bends, you will eventually pass through an icy cave as you approach Mount Gushmore. There's also a walkway along the side of the cave for guests on foot to pass through. As you float, you will find that the ice and snow above you is melting. Be sure to watch out in case you find yourself under a chilly stream of water! If you are feeling mischevious, see if can push someone from your family under the cold drip!
Be aware that Disney says you need to be 48 inches tall to enjoy Cross Country Creek; however, I'm not sure how strict they are about this. There are single, double, and child tubes to use for free here as well.
Our Rating: 4 Glass Slippers
Kids: 3.5 Glass Slippers
Teens: 3.5 Glass Slippers
Adults: 5 Glass Slippers
As you float past these sights and around gentle bends, you will eventually pass through an icy cave as you approach Mount Gushmore. There's also a walkway along the side of the cave for guests on foot to pass through. As you float, you will find that the ice and snow above you is melting. Be sure to watch out in case you find yourself under a chilly stream of water! If you are feeling mischevious, see if can push someone from your family under the cold drip!
Be aware that Disney says you need to be 48 inches tall to enjoy Cross Country Creek; however, I'm not sure how strict they are about this. There are single, double, and child tubes to use for free here as well.
Our Rating: 4 Glass Slippers
Kids: 3.5 Glass Slippers
Teens: 3.5 Glass Slippers
Adults: 5 Glass Slippers
Downhill Double Dipper
This is a great slide for the competitive members of your family! You and someone else in your family will compete for the fastest time by sliding on an inner tube through a dark, double, dipping tube. It is designed to look like an olympic ski race with a starting gate and a finish line with each tube's time posted digitally over the water.
When it's your turn to compete, you will find that the 50 ft. slide is designed so that you, and the one you're competing against, will go at the same time so it will definitely be a fair race! Cool, right? Be aware that you need to be 48 inches tall and that half of this slippery ride is in the dark. You will also be sliding at about 25 mph. We believe that once you splash at the bottom, a rematch will likely be the first thing on your mind!
Our Rating: 4 Glass Slippers
Kids: 3.5 Glass Slippers
Teens: 4 Glass Slippers
Adults: 4 Glass Slippers
When it's your turn to compete, you will find that the 50 ft. slide is designed so that you, and the one you're competing against, will go at the same time so it will definitely be a fair race! Cool, right? Be aware that you need to be 48 inches tall and that half of this slippery ride is in the dark. You will also be sliding at about 25 mph. We believe that once you splash at the bottom, a rematch will likely be the first thing on your mind!
Our Rating: 4 Glass Slippers
Kids: 3.5 Glass Slippers
Teens: 4 Glass Slippers
Adults: 4 Glass Slippers
