Disney is full of amusement parks: there's Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal kingdom. All with different themes and attractions. However, there is one that is little commented on: the Blizzard Beach Water Park!
On this post
The park, which is one of Disney's water parks, goes a little unnoticed by those planning a trip to Orlando, but it is a very cool attraction for those on vacation.
If you want to know a little more about it and how to enjoy it on your vacation, read on!
What is Blizzard Beach Water Park?
As the name implies, this is a Disney water park. It is not the only one: another example is the Typhoon Lagoon.
What makes Blizzard Beach Water Park unique is the story behind it. Or rather: the legend that gave rise to the park.
An old Florida legend says that some time ago there used to be heavy snowfalls in an unknown part of Florida.
That may or may not be true, although it recently snowed in Tallahassee for the first time in 30 years, which goes to show how rare snow in Florida is. After all, the state is not known as “the Sunshine State” for nothing, is it?
But anyway, continuing the story.
Because of these heavy snowfalls that supposedly existed in Florida, a ski resort was built in the place, with a cable car and everything.
However, with the strong Florida heat, the snow melted and the entire ski park was abandoned.
However, one day, a group of people saw a crocodile (which is the symbol of Florida) sliding over there, on what used to be the ski slope. Because of this, they decided to create a water park in the place (using the crocodile as a mascot).
Whether this is true or not is another story. But like everything else at Disney, there's a certain magic behind this legend for sure.
What are the attractions at Blizzard Beach?
Like any good water park, Blizzard Beach has some extreme rides and lots and lots of refreshing water.
The park's first great asset is the Summit Plummet, the biggest slide in the park. He is the second tallest and fastest in the world, with 36 meters high and a person can reach 97 kilometers per hour when sliding on it.
Fun fact: only one slide is bigger and more intense than this one and it is Brazilian! Well, Insano, which is located in Beach Park in Fortaleza, beats Summit Plummet.
If you are brave and like adrenaline, you cannot miss this chance!
The park has other more peaceful slides. One of them is the Slush Gusher. It is 27 meters tall and its top speed is 56 kilometers per hour.
Other cool attractions:
Teamboat Springs
This toboggan is one of the quietest (and most fun too!).
In it, people enter a giant buoy (minimum 4 and maximum 6) and slide down the path full of curves. It can be done with the whole family!
Downhill Double Dipper
Have you ever bet on a toboggan race? Probably yes. You went up and down the toboggan and a friend counted the time. Then they switched and saw who was the fastest.
At Blizzard Beach there is an attraction to do this, but without the hassle of keeping track of time. Basically, two people go on two slides side by side to see who gets to the pool first.
Toboggan Racers
Ok, did you think that a two-person dispute was enough emotion and adrenaline in the previous attraction? But what if a race with 8 people at the same time was possible? That's what Toboggan Racers proposes!
In it, you and 7 other people (can be strangers or friends) enter 7 toboggan tracks at the same time and try to see who gets to the end first!
Melt-Away Bay
It's a huge pool in the middle of the park, with some very gentle waves. It's a good recreation of the sea. It doesn't have a lot of adrenaline, it's very smooth.
Cross Country Creek
One of my favorites on Blizzard Beach! This attraction is very cool and very creative.
Basically, it is composed of an artificial “river” that circulates throughout the park. The water has a slight current, which pushes people along the way.
You enter the water with a buoy (you can only stay in there with it) and you are pushed all the way through the park.
There are 7 entry and exit points. If it sucks, you can spend the day running around Blizzard Beach. In a way, it's also a cool means of transportation around the park.
Runoff Rapids
This attraction has a little more adrenaline. It is made up of a few varied toboggans: there are hours that are open, another that are closed, with many sharp curves. The idea is to take a buoy and go alone (or with one more person) and go down there, enjoying some of the adrenaline of the route.
Children's Attractions at Blizzard Beach
Yes absolutely yes! It wouldn't be a Disney water park without some kid-friendly areas, would it?
Parents may be concerned about younger children riding the same extreme rides as adults (some aren't kid-friendly at all).
Therefore, there is an area just for them, with many specific attractions.
Ski Patrol
This is a playground that accepts children up to 12 years old. It's kind of made up of a bunch of other little attractions.
There is Fahrenheit Drops, which is a zip line that crosses the pool for children to play (safely) from above.
Also, there are some icebergs floating in the pool (kids can walk through them and of course fall into the water).
In addition, Ski Patrol has two toboggans: the Freezin' Pipe Springs, small and closed, and the Cool Runners, a little bigger and with more adrenaline.
Tike's Peak
For really small children, the very youngest, there is this attraction. Tike's Peak is formed by some small slides, where parents put the little ones to slide.
What are Blizzard Beach's hours of operation?
Typically, Blizzard Beach Water Park is open from 10 am to 5 pm.
However, during the summer months (July, August and September) the park has extended opening hours: it opens at 9 am and closes at 8 pm.
To top it off, the park is closed during the winter months. In 2019, it will close from October 27th to January 4th, 2020.
That's probably why so few people plan to spend time at Blizzard Beach when thinking about going to Disney.
It is interesting to note that usually at least one Disney water park is open at all times. That is: when one closes, the other stays open. When the first opens again, the other closes for maintenance.
In case: Blizzard Beach closes on October 27, 2019 and opens on January 4, 2020. Then, on January 5, 2020, Typhoon Lagoon closes.
Therefore, take these dates into account before planning your trip.
Ah, just to complete: the pools at Blizzard Beach are slightly heated, but not enough to withstand the cold of January and the like, okay? They get up to 27 degrees, which isn't cold, but not hot enough in my opinion.
So, what did you think of Blizzard Beach Water Park? Did you like it? If so, plan your trip to allow at least one day to enjoy the waters of the place!
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About the Author Carlos Braga:
Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.
My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.
During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!
