It's a big "what if," but what if Central Florida experienced a freak blizzard? And can you imagine that the blizzard might have allowed for the area's first ski resort, which then was changed into a water park after the inevitable thaw? Disney has done the "imagineering" for you, opening the alpine-themed 66-acre Blizzard Beach water park in 1995. Despite the lack of anything frozen (aside from ice-cream delicacies and cold drinks), Blizzard Beach is a fun way to cool down.
Summit Plummet, accessible by a chair-lift ride, stands as the nation's tallest water slide and plunges guests down Mount Gushmore at speeds of 60 mph. Teamboat Springs is the world's longest family whitewater raft ride, at 1,200 feet. Sliders compete on Toboggan Racers' eight 250-foot lanes. Runoff Rapids features three twisting flumes, including an enclosed tube for rides in total darkness. And Double Downhill Dipper's side-by-side slides have competitors racing each other at up to 25 mph.
If you'd rather "chill" than increase your adrenaline flow, swim in the one-acre Melt-Away Bay wave pool or the lazily flowing Cross County Creek that encircles the park. Kids who are 48 inches tall or smaller can play on the miniaturized water slides and activities of Tike's Peak, while pre-teens can opt for the inner-tube slides and rides of the Ski Patrol Training Camp.
Location
Blizzard Beach is located in the Walt Disney World complex in Lake Buena Vista, about 22 miles southwest of Orlando.
Hours of operation
Days and hours of operation change annually, but Blizzard Beach's typical hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at minimum. The water park may close during the year's coldest months and extend hours during holiday periods. Extended summer hours tend to be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost
Single-day ticket
Adults
$31
Children (ages 3-9)
$25
Annual passes (good for both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon)
Adults
$99.95
Children (ages 3-9)
$80.50
Contact information and reservations
For more information, call (407) 560-3400.
Special considerations
Beware of the bone-chilling water that splashes inside Cross Country Creek's ice cave.
Additional information
Feel free to bring towels and a cooler with food and beverages, or rent towels and try out the fast-food venues.
Rental storage lockers are available.
Use of changing rooms, showers, and lounge chairs is free of charge.
Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.
