Most people when they think of Walt Disney World only think of the four main parks and may not even be aware that there are also two great Disney World water parks. Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are owned and situated right on Disney property and really mustn’t be missed. There are many great water rides suitable for everyone from families to thrill seekers and children to adults. Visiting a Disney water park can be a great way to spend a few hours or even the whole day relaxing away from the main crowds. In the heat of summer these can get rather busy but are nowhere near as crowded and relentless as the other parks.
More on the Disney World Parks
- Which Disney World Park Has the Most Rides
- All the Parks at Walt Disney World
- What to Bring to the Disney World Parks
- Which Parks Should You Visit First?
Plan For The Disney World Water Parks
Making sure that you plan your time at the Disney World Water Parks is just as important as at other parks to ensure you get the most out of them. Figuring out what rides are a must do and which areas of the water parks you will be spending the most time in will help you to pick your base in the right location.
There are many places to grab refreshments from drinks to snacks and even quick service meals, some stands also serve alcoholic drinks too. As in the other Disney parks you can take in your own food and drink (not alcohol or glass bottles see our article here) if you so wish.
Towels are not provided unless you are staying at a Disney World resort so make sure to bring your own although they do sell them and rent them at the water parks. Lockers are available to rent to put your valuable and non waterproof items in for a small cost. There is a shop at both water parks that sell a variety of items that you may need, snacks, drinks, a small selection of magazines, swimwear for both adults and kids, towels, buckets and spades for the little ones as well as sunscreen, painkillers, tissues, diapers etc and a selection of souvenirs.
No Lightning Lanes at the Disney World Water Parks
Neither of the Disney World water parks use the Lightning Lane system so it is a case of queuing so bear this is mind when planning your visit, especially remember that the ground can get rather warm when walking and standing in the concrete. There is plenty of seating at both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon but be prepared to get there early if you want to snag the best seats, especially for those needing to be close to the kids areas or the main pools. There can be a fair bit of walking also from ride to ride but you can take the lazy river around. At both water parks there are complimentary life vests you can borrow that fit all sizes, a great piece of mind and one less thing to pack.
Disney World Water Parks Guide
Here is a breakdown of each of the water parks including the rides, food and drink stands and must dos.
Blizzard Beach
Best for: Families
Top attractions: Summit Plummet, Slush and Gusher, Teamboat Springs
Located: Animal Kingdom area
Blizzard beach is themed around a ski resort that is “melting” and is closest to Animal Kingdom. There are a number of great water rides here for thrill seekers, families and even kids. Blizzard beach boasts a gentle wave pool with a sandy shore, a relaxing (but chilly) lazy river, a great toddler and baby area as well as a designated section just for kids and tweens, not to mention all the main attractions. There are a number of snack and beverage kiosks as well as quick service locations. Let’s take a look at Blizzard beach in more detail.
Blizzard Beach Entrance Area
As you enter the park you are already emerged in the theme of this park. All the buildings and signs reflect the ski lodge style and there is an abundance of “fake” snow (white plastic to be honest and it certainly looks like it to). Once you adapt to the sight of this fake snow the theming is pretty good and the attractions are set to match the ski resort look. There are a couple of photo spots as you enter, the main shop Beach Haus, the towel and locker rental area as well as the main restaurant Lottawotta Lodge.
Blizzard Beach Layout
As you will find with most water parks Blizzard Beach is set out around the main feature, Mount Gushmore with the primary “pool” Melt-away Bay underneath. The lazy river, Cross County Creek circles most of the park with the other main attractions around Mount Gushmore. If you head right from the entrance you will find the two areas designed just for kids, Tikes Peak and Ski Patrol Training Camp. There are a variety of snack and beverage stations as well as quick service locations throughout the park.
Blizzard Beach Attractions
The main attractions at Blizzard Beach include the main wave pool, lazy river, a toddler/smaller children’s play area, pre-teens area, chair lift ride and seven slides.
Blizzard Beach Water Slides
The slides at Blizzard Beach are separated into three different coloured sections, these colours don’t mean anything as such and are only used to group together the slides in certain areas.
The green slides consist of Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher and Teamboat Springs.
Summit Plummet
Height requirement: 48”/122cm
Ride type: Body
Probably the best and most popular ride at Blizzard Beach with a 120 foot drop it’s not for the faint hearted. You drop down 12 stories in open air – this ride is definitely for those thrill seekers.
Slush Gusher
Height Requirement: 48”/122cm
Ride type: Body
Although it is a similar ride to Summit Plummet, Slusher Glusher is less intense, dropping 90 feet with a few rolling hills it certainly makes for a thrilling ride.
Teamboat Springs.
Height requirement: None but infants can not ride
Ride type: Raft (a party of at least four, can ride with other groups)
A nice group raft ride with twists and turns and rapids as well as sprays at every turn. All in all a pleasant family ride with just enough fun for all.
The purple slides include Downhill Double Dipper, Toboggan Racers and Snow Stormers.
Downhill Double Dipper
Height requirement: 48”/122cm
Ride type: Tube slide (single rider)
This is a really fun and fast ride, race against your friends and family on a tube. This is mostly enclosed with an open air ending.
Toboggan Racers
Height requirement: None (no infants)
Ride type: Mat (single rider)
Eight racers race down the super speedy and bumpy slopes. Great fun with a touch of competition. On this ride you will need to be laying head first on your stomach.
Snow Stormers
Height requirement: None (no infants)
Ride type: Mat (single rider)
Another face first ride that’s fast and thrilling but with no height requirement. It is an open air zigzag slope with three slopes to choose from.
The red slide has only one attraction but this is broken into three different slides, Runoff Rapids.
Runoff Rapids
Height requirement: None (no infants)
Ride type: Tube slide
This one attraction has three different slides to choose from, two are open aired whilst the third is enclosed adding to the thrill. Lots of fast turns and splashes especially at the end adds to the fun.
Blizzard Beach Pool and Beach
The main pool area is situated at the bottom of Mount Gushmore pretty much in the centre of Blizzard Beach. Melt-away pool is great for everyone with constant small waves great for bobbing along or relaxing in a tube, there is also a sandy area that kids can play in. The waves are not big so if you are looking for a bit more of a thrill Typhoon Lagoon will be your best bet.
Cross Country Creek Lazy River
The Cross Country Creek circles pretty much the whole of the park taking just under half an hour to complete the circle. It is a pretty average lazy river with a few sprays (not heated), a few things to look at and a cave that you float through. There are seven entrances/exits throughout so hop in and out as you so wish.
Chairlifts
Height requirement: 32”/81cm
These are a fun addition to the park and a great way to get to the top and to enjoy the views. You get a great view riding these especially if those riding Summit Plummet. It may take you a while to reach the top as they do stop fairly frequently to help guests board but is a nice time out.
Tikes Peak
Height requirement: 48”/122cm or less
An amazing area for preschoolers who want all the fun of the water park. The pool is not deep great for paddling and splashing, fun water jets and even miniature water rides including slides, chutes and tube rides. There is seating all around and a beach area to play in as well.
Ski-Patrol Training Camp
Height requirement: None (no infants)
This area is just where your kids and tweens will want to be. With everything from a small pool, ice training course (hang on to the net above as you try and cross on the floating icebergs), body slides and tube slides and well as an epic zip-line with a drop into a pool (for guests 5feet and under) it will be hard to get them away.
Food and Drink at Blizzard Beach
All around Blizzard Beach there are a number of food and beverage stands including the main restaurant near the entrance. Serving the standard food you would expect to find at a theme park as well as Joffrey’s coffee, donuts, funnel cake, ice cream and a selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. The main restaurant Lottawotta Lodge is open when the park is whilst some of the smaller outlets are only open seasonally.
Disney Characters at Blizzard Beach
If you are looking for a day filled with character meet and greets then you will be disappointed, at Blizzard Beach you will only be able to find Goofy who has his meet and greet spot near the Beach Haus shop.
Upgrades at Blizzard Beach
Blizzard beach offers a couple of options that you can take advantage of if you so wish. Take the hassle out of finding shaded and comfortable seating by renting either a Polar patio or Lodge umbrella. Either of these will be an addition to the cost of entrance but as a treat for a special occasion or to make the day extra special they may be worth a look.
Optional Paid Extras Available at Blizzard Beach
Polar Patios (Cost: $300 daily)
These are located in all different areas around the park, are covered can seat up to six guests and include refillable beverage cups for each guest, cushioned seating, a locker, towels and a fridge with ice and bottled water. You will also have on hand a cast member to help you make the most of your day and to take your food and drinks order; food and drinks (other than the bottled water or refillable cup) will be subject to an additional charge.
Lodge Umbrellas (Cost: Approx $100 daily)
These are a cheaper option as it really is only a covered, private seating area for up to four guests with a table and towels.
Typhoon Lagoon
Best for: Older families/teens and adults
Top attractions: Crush’n’Gusher, Surf Pool and Storm Slides.
Located: Disney Springs area
Typhoon Lagoon is themed around a tropical island that was hit by a typhoon that “threw” around surfboards and boats to name but a few. Typhoon Lagoon has a number of slides, a small kids play area, lazy river and an epic wave pool situated under Miss Tilly the ship that was thrown in the typhoon and landed on the mountain. You’ll also find the standard food and beverage kiosks as well as two quick service locations, Leaning Palms that is open year round and Typhoon Tilly’s that’s open seasonally and a shop, lockers and shower/changing rooms that are a standard at water parks.
Typhoon Lagoon Entrance Area
Again as soon as you arrive and enter the park the theming of a tropical island mixed with the destruction of a typhoon is all around. There is a photo opportunity (again no official Disney photographer though), beverage kiosk, the main bar, lockers, guest services and the shop Singapore Sals (towel rentals is found here).
Typhoon Lagoon Layout
Typhoon Lagoon is laid out pretty similarly to Blizzard Beach in that the main pool is in the centre with the lazy river, Castaway Creek circling the park and the other attractions set out on the outer side of the lazy river. There is a path that takes you around the park past the main seating areas and slides. As you enter the park from the main entrance you can either head clockwise or anti-clockwise which will bring you to the main quick service restaurant.
Typhoon Lagoon Attractions
Apart from the slides that are listed below the other attractions at Typhoon Lagoon are the main/surf pool that has epic waves (these are strong!) and the lazy river. There isn’t really much of a kids area but many of the slides have no height requirements.
Typhoon Lagoon Water Slides
There is no real grouping of the slides at Typhoon Lagoon so I’ll list these in terms of ride type.
Typhoon Lagoon Raft Rides
These include Miss Adventure Falls and Gangplank Falls.
Miss Adventure Falls
Height requirement: None (no infants)
A great family raft ride that seats 4 (groups of less than 4 may need to share). The raft starts on a water conveyor belt that propels your journey of splashes, turns and thrills through Captain Mary Oceaneer’s artifact collection.
Gangplank Falls
Height requirement: None (no infants)
Another family raft ride from 2 to 4 guests. This one is a bit tamer, you will travel under bridges, through waterfalls and spin slightly whilst travelling down the 300 foot long slide.
Typhoon Lagoon Tube slides
Crush’n’Gusher, Keelhaul Falls and Mayday Falls make up the tube slides at Typhoon Lagoon.
Crush’n’Gusher
Height requirement: 48”/122cm
Two of the three water coasters that are featured at Crush’n’Gusher requires a minimum of two riders whilst the last one a single rider can enjoy. These are not your normal water slides but in fact are water coasters that propel you up and down. Lots of turns, bumps and thrills here : be aware you will need to carry your own tube up quite a few steps!
Keelhaul Falls
Height requirement: None
This is a one person tube ride that’s gentle but still fun. It’s a classic tube water slide that can be enjoyed by all ages, there are no drops or scary parts but is pretty fast and can spin you round so you’re travelling backwards.
Mayday Falls
Height requirement: None
This is the tallest and longest slide at Typhoon Lagoon which you will travel on a single rider tube through caves and under waterfalls. It is rather bumpy so hold on tight.
Typhoon Lagoon Body Slides
Body slides, there are two body slides here namely Storm slides and Humunga Kowabunga.
Storm Slides
Height requirement: None
Laying flat on your back pick from one of the three only slightly different slides. These are tall, bumpy and fast and you can feel all the bumps. Still worth a ride though! Only one slide has any noteworthy dark parts.
Humunga Kowabunga
Height requirement: 48”/122cm
This is the only near vertical slide at Typhoon Lagoon. Again laying on your back you will drop 214 feet at a 60 degree angle all in the dark. This is fast and the ending is rather uncomfortable but a definite just do for thrill seekers.
Typhoon Lagoon Pool and beach
The pool at Typhoon Lagoon is most definitely a wave pool, featuring soft waves continually and major waves at selected times (there is a warning so listen out). This pool is pretty centrally located with Miss Tilly atop the mountain with sandy areas around. The shallow areas are great for young kids to play but be aware that the waves can and do get very strong and will knock you over.
Castaway Creek Lazy River
The lazy river at Typhoon Lagoon takes you around the park. It’s not exactly the best lazy river but is a nice chilled way to explore the park. There is not much theming really and it can take up to 23 minutes to circle the park. Again lots of places to get in and out and a variety of tubes to use if you wish. Watch out for a couple of sprayers but these can be avoided if you want.
Ketchakiddee Creek and Bay slides.
This is Typhoon Lagoon’s offering for those 48”/122cm or below. It’s a small play area with a couple of water sprayers and slides. Near this area is the Bay slides that are for the small kiddies, they are a basic water slide for guests 60”/152cm or under.
Food and Drink at Typhoon Lagoon
All around Typhoon Lagoon are various food and beverage stations including Joffreys coffee, ice cream stations, refillable cup (not resort ones) stations, a bar and two quick service locations. The main one Leaning Palms is located near the entrance whereas Typhoon Tilly’s is over near the back of the park.
Disney Characters at Typhoon Lagoon
The two characters that you may find at Typhoon Lagoon are Lilo and Stitch. Their meet and greet and spot is normally near High ‘N’ dry rentals. You may be lucky and get them both together or it maybe one or the other.
Optional Paid Extras Available at Typhoon Lagoon
As at Blizzard Beach you can upgrade to private seating areas at Typhoon Lagoon. They also offer surf lessons too as well as a special summer event.
Getaway Glen Umbrellas (Cost: $100 daily)
This will get you rental of two loungers, two seats, a table, beach umbrella and towels. These private areas are situated around the park and will offer you a bit of shade and select seating.
Beachcomber Shacks (Cost: $350 daily)
These covered private areas can seat up to six guests with towels, cushioned seating, ice and bottled water, lockers, refillable mug for each guest as well as an on hand cast member to enhance your day by advising on rides and wait times etc as well as taking any food and beverage orders (any food and drink other than refillable drink options are not included and will require additional cost).
Surf lessons that can be purchased at Typhoon Lagoon
Learn to Surf Like a Pro (Cost: $190 per person)
This is a great experience for anyone who wants to learn how to surf or even improve their skills. They take place on select days before park opening, you will be taught techniques on dry land before hitting the waves. The package includes photographs that you will receive after the lesson.
You can find out more about the surfing programs at Typhoon Lagoon on the Disney World Website here.
Private Surf Lessons (Cost: $1300)
This is for you plus up to 25 others of your choosing with three hours of surfing including at least 100 waves. Most definitely for those who can already surf and want to show off their skills.
The costs in this article are subject to change – please check on the official Disney website for up to date information.
H2O Glow Nights
(Cost;:$55 plus tax for guests aged 10 years plus/$50 for guests 3-9 years old)
A fab glowtastic party held on select dates in the summer. Enjoy all Typhoon Lagoon’s attractions after park closure for day guests as well as additional entertainment such as a DJ, Toy-Story characters and activities an adult only area as well as special themed food and drink.
Disney World Water Parks Seasonal Opening Times
Both the water parks are open during the summer months and will close one park at a time over the “winter”. Historically Typhoon Lagoon is closed from January to end of March for annual refurbishment, Blizzard Beach is closed November to January for the same annual refurbishments. The water parks can be closed when the temperature drops too low and when storms are in the area. Keep an eye on the app for any announcements.
Safety at the Disney World Water Parks
We love the water parks especially now the kids are older and can go off safely on their own while we catch a few rays and relax with a book and chilled beverage.
Remember that although there are lifeguards literally everywhere you and your families safety is your own responsibility, use the life vests that are available for the nonswimmers and even those who are not strong swimmers, use meeting points and set times to check in on each other, keep well hydrated and use waterproof sunscreen reapplied regularly.
At the entrance to each ride the current approximate wait time will be displayed as well as other information that you will need to know such as the water depth at the beginning and end of the rides.
Lockers at the Water Parks
Use the lockers if you need to store valuables and other items. Make use of those magic bands to reduce the amount of things you need to take it – these are waterproof and pretty resilient but just make sure you still have it on after each ride!
Disney World Water Park Tips to Consider
Wear loose fitting items over your swimwear so you can throw them off and on without using the changing rooms, we also make sure we pack an extra towel to wear back to the resort on the bus and shower and get changed there.
As a Disney resort guest you can borrow towels for free but we tend to take the ones from around our resort pool to ensure we have some.
Buy the refillable drinks mug, this works out great value for money and is active for the whole day in that water park, we tend to share one or two between us and it also doubles as a great souvenir.
Consider visiting the water parks on the weekend when the parks are at their busiest. We do this all the time and usually visit a water park on a Saturday morning before heading into the Disney World Parks later in the day.
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See you soon.
Claire
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