Stop us if you’ve heard this one already, but Central Florida is hot, ya’ll. It can get so hot and humid that merely stepping out of the safety of the air conditioning and into the blistering sunshine for a few minutes can result in a sticky sheen, making you feel like you put your clothes on too soon before fully drying after a shower. The antidote? Pretending you’re flying down a snowy toboggan run or feeling the chilly rush of ‘melting snow’ while visiting Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, one of two water parks at Disney World.
Disney Blizzard Beach—like its sister park, Typhoon Lagoon—is filled with immersive storytelling and theming, thrilling water slides, and plenty of opportunities for refreshing relaxation and escaping the Florida heat. It is also, as you can imagine, incredibly popular. So, if you’re thinking of cooling off at Blizzard Beach in Florida on your next Disney World vacation, we’re here to help. Read on for everything you need to know about Blizzard Beach at Disney World, from tickets and hours to attractions and dining and everywhere in between. (Updated September 29, 2023)
Make a Splash at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Like everywhere at Walt Disney World, Blizzard Beach is positively covered with cheeky, transporting details and comes with a backstory to match. As the story goes, a freak snowstorm once blew into town on the land where Blizzard Beach now sits. As inch after inch of the white stuff carpeted the area, some enterprising businesspeople decided they should capitalize on the unexpected snowfall and build a ski resort. They obviously had one heckuva construction team because before you could dust off your snowblower, the ski resort was complete and ready for business. That is, until that famous Florida sunshine returned, turning said ski resort into a dripping mess. So, just how did these would-be ski slope operators make lemonade out of lemons, or perhaps, snow cones out of (melting) snow? Well, they turned it into a water park, of course!
Now, while we could debate the finer points of whether erecting a ski resort in a state notorious for its year-round warm weather is a good business practice, you’ve gotta admit that it makes for a lighthearted theme and an undeniably fun experience. There are a lot of details to appreciate here. While some are obvious—like the alpine architecture, pine trees standing next to palm trees, water slides based on winter sports, and the perpetual ‘snow’ blanketing the park—others, like the cold water dripping from the ‘melting snow and ice’ as you float through the ice cave on Cross Country Creek, are more blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments.
In short, if you’re spending several days in the Orlando area and have some time in your schedule, not only is a visit to Blizzard Beach Disney World the perfect reprieve from Orlando’s oppressive heat, but it’s also a great way to experience some Disney magic of a different kind.
Getting to Disney Blizzard Beach Water Park in Florida
Disney’s Blizzard Beach is typically open daily for much of the year. Yup, even during the wintertime. Of course, Disney will close the park for a day or two at a time in the event of a cold snap, but that doesn’t happen frequently. However, it will close for a few months from time to time to allow for refurbishments. During this period, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will usually be open instead. When it is available, you can expect Blizzard Beach to be open from 10 AM to 5 PM, at minimum, with longer hours during the warmer months. Keep in mind that on the busiest (re: warmest) days, the park tends to reach capacity in the early afternoon, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Blizzard Beach is located between the Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios theme parks near the Coronado Springs Resort and All-Star Resorts. Parking is free at Disney’s water parks, Blizzard Beach included. And as there is no guard shack at the entrance to the park, guests are free to arrive as early as they want. This is great for those who want to beat the crowds to the water slides and the best-shaded seating and skip the lines.
For those visiting Blizzard Beach who are staying at a Disney resort, buses are available between your resort and the water park. Although, if you do have a car, we recommend driving instead as parking is free. Plus, you’ll be glad you won’t have to sit in damp clothes on a cold bus once it comes time to leave.
Blizzard Beach Tickets & Prices
Guests wanting to buy Blizzard Beach tickets have a variety of options:
1-Day Water Park Tickets to Blizzard Beach
1-Day Blizzard Beach Tickets with Blockout Dates cost $58 for children ages 3-9 and $64 for adults. A 1-Day Water Park Ticket to Blizzard Beach without blockout dates costs $63 per child and $69 per adult. This is a great option if you only have time to visit one of the Disney water parks during your trip. However, for those with more time and wanting to visit longer, we highly recommend opting for one of the options below.
Ticket with Water Park and Sports Option
Previously called Water Park Fun & More, tickets with the Water Park and Sports Option added on start out at $70 more on top of the base ticket price, with the total price fluctuating depending on what day you choose to visit a theme park. This option works well for those who are only planning on going to one theme park a day and will still have time left over at Disney to do other things.
With this ticket, guests receive additional entries to either one of the water parks or other sports-related attractions. For each of the days on a ticket, there will be an equal number of entries into one of the attractions. For example, guests with 5-day park tickets will also receive 5 admissions to a water park or other sporty attraction. You’re free to use these entries however you want, meaning you could go to Blizzard Beach all 5 times or you could go to Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course and Disney’s Oak Trail. Attractions included in the Water Park and Sports Option include:
- Blizzard Beach Water Park
- Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
- Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course – Golfing & FootGolf
- Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course
- Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course
Park Hopper Plus
Park Hopper Plus tickets are similar to the Water Park and Sports Option above, but they also include park hopping. These start out at $85 more than the base ticket. Given that’s only $15 more than the Water Park and Sports Option, we think this is a fantastic deal, as it allows you the flexibility to go to as many parks (and waterparks!) as you can fit into a day.
Annual Passes
Unfortunately, entry into the Disney World waterparks is no longer included with any of the new annual pass options. So, if you’re an annual passholder and you’d like to go to Blizzard Beach, you’ll need to buy a 1-day ticket just like everyone else. That said, you can buy a Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass, which allows you to swim again and again as much as you want for only $79 plus tax.
Blizzard Beach Discount Tickets
Looking to save some money on your Disney World vacation? Who isn’t?! That’s why we are proud to offer some of the best discount Disney World tickets around as an authorized ticket retailer. For our current deals on Blizzard Beach discount tickets, click here.
Disney Blizzard Beach Rides, Slides & Attractions
Now that we’ve taken care of the essentials, let’s get to the fun part: all those Blizzard Beach water slides. When it comes to Blizzard Beach attractions, its strength is definitely its slides—particularly the body and mat slides—unlike Typhoon Lagoon, which is more balanced in its rides. This is something to keep in mind when deciding whether you’d like to visit Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. With that being said, let’s take a look at all the different Blizzard Beach rides and slides.
Chairlift
No ski resort is complete without a chairlift whisking people away to the top of the mountain, and Blizzard Beach is no different. Save some steps on your hike to the top of the Green Slope by hitching a ride – as long as you’re tall enough.
Height Requirement: At least 32” (81cm)
Tips: Lines at the Chairlift can get long, especially in the middle of the day. To skip most of the crowds, we suggest riding right away in the morning or closer to park close.
Cross Country Creek
We don’t know about you, but we love a good lazy river. They’re always a relaxing break from walking up stairs and scraping your knees in the wave pool. Cross Country Creek runs for 3,000 feet and is sprinkled with rivulets of cold ‘melting snow’, making this ride extra refreshing.
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Lazy River
Tips: Plop into Cross Country Creek any time the lines for the waterslides get long.
Downhill Double Dipper
Similar to downhill skiing, the Downhill Double Dipper has guests enjoying a friendly competition to see who can get to the bottom of these 50-foot waterslides the fastest. This ride is short but fast and almost completely in the dark.
Height Requirement: At least 48” (122cm)
Type: Single Rider Tube Slide
Tips: Much of this tube slide is enclosed. As it’s meant for one person, that tube can feel pretty small. We recommend giving this one a pass if you’re prone to claustrophobia.
Melt-Away Bay
Some wave pools, like the one over at Typhoon Lagoon, can be more than a little intimidating. That isn’t the case at Melt-Away Bay. This 1-acre wave pool features gentler rolling waves, making this an enjoyable option for the whole family.
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Wave Pool
Tips: Slip into Melt-Away Bay any time the lines for the waterslides get long.
Runoff Rapids
Float down these three different waterslides from the heights of Mount Gushmore on an inner tube. Each of these slides is unique with plenty of twists, turns, and drops, so feel free to ride each one. The outer two slides are open while the center slide is covered.
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Single Rider Tube Slide
Tips: Skip the middle slide if you’re not a fan of enclosed spaces.
Ski Patrol Training Camp
Although guests of any height are welcome to play here, the ropes course and other activities here are especially fun for pre-teens and older kids. There are also some smaller slides here that are good starters for those who are quite sure they’re ready for the big boys just yet.
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Water Play Area
Tips: Snag one of the chairs surrounding the Ski Patrol Training Camp to kick back and relax while your tween plays.
Slush Gusher
Think of Slush Gusher as Summit Plummet with training wheels. While the three drops help make Slush Gusher less intense, this 90-foot-long body slide is still very tall and fast. This is one of the most popular slides in the park, so be sure to ride first thing in the morning if it’s on your must-ride list.
Height Requirement: At least 48” (122cm)
Type: Body Slide
Tips: Thinking of braving Summit Plummet but not sure if you can handle it? Ride its sister slide Slush Gusher first.
Snow Stormers
It’s slalom time! Race against three other riders as you zigzag down the mountain on your stomach on a toboggan-like mat. Each of these slides is open, giving zippy ride the whole way down.
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Mat Slide
Tips: Each of these 3 slides is slightly different. If you have time, ride all 3 to see which you like best.
Summit Plummet
Summit Plummet is a rush, both literally and figuratively. With a near-vertical, 120-foot drop and a bird’s eye view of Blizzard Beach, Summit Plummet is also one of the world’s tallest and fastest freefall body slides and certainly the most thrilling ride in the park. There is also seating located around the bottom of the slide for those who’d like to watch but prefer to stay dry.
Height Requirement: At least 48” (122cm)
Type: Body Slide
Tips: Catch the action—and keep your feet on solid ground—from one of the benches near the end of the slide.
Teamboat Springs
Hop into a raft for this family-friendly trip down Mount Gushmore. Stretching 1,200 feet, Teamboat Springs is one of the longest group raft rides in the world. Groups of up to 6 people can ride together, so if your group is on the small side, you may be placed with another group.
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Whitewater Raft Ride
Tips: Lines here never get too long, so feel free to wedge this into your day at any time.
Tike’s Peak
Little ones can enjoy pint-sized waterslides and a number of aquatic activities at this kid-friendly water play area. This shallow area is perfect for both individual and supervised exploring.
Height Requirement: Under 48” (122cm)
Type: Water Play Area
Tips: Bring your kiddo here at the beginning of the day or any time they need to build up their confidence in the water.
Toboggan Racers
Dash down the hillside belly-first on your toboggan-like mat on this 8-lane body slide. Lifeguards will let you know when the race starts, so don’t be afraid to let your competitive spirit show.
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Mat Slide
Tips: Lines here move pretty fast, so plan on visiting whenever it fits in your schedule.
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
Although it’s not technically an attraction per se at Blizzard Beach, mini-golf course Winter Summerland is a must-do when you’re over in this neck of the Disney World woods. With the festive Christmas course and whimsical holes featuring Santa and his elves on vacation in the tropics on the summer course, Winter Summerland is yet another piece of creative Disney theming that shouldn’t be missed. Opening earlier and closing later than Blizzard Beach, Winter Summerland Mini Golf is a fun bookend to your Blizzard Beach visit. Tickets cost $12 for children and $14 for adults.
Blizzard Beach Strategy Recommendations
As you already know, we are huge supporters of arriving at park open. That is still the case here at Blizzard Beach. Not only does arriving when the park opens help cut down on lines when waiting for attractions, but it also allows you to scope out and claim the best pool chairs before anyone else does.
In general, if you arrive at opening time, the first thing you should do upon walking through those doors is snagging some chairs for your group. Shaded seats and those surrounding Melt-Away Bay get claimed the fastest, so this is the first thing you need to accomplish if you’re picky about your home base for the day. There is also a good amount of shaded seating over by the Warming Hut. This is a good spot to head towards because chairs here don’t get taken as fast as this is further into the park. Of course, you could also include renting a Polar Patio or a Lodge Umbrella (more on those in a bit). Whatever you do, make sure you get a place. Read on to see our top recommended places for chairs and a map.
Once you’ve grabbed a place to sit, we suggest you start checking waterslides off your to-do list. Once you’ve done those, spend the rest of your day in the lazy river or the wave pool. In the event that you choose to arrive closer to mid-day, we’d recommend following our suggestions in reverse order once you’ve staked your claim on some chairs—lazy river and wave pool followed by the slides. Overall, Blizzard Beach can easily be done in a day. Heck, you could even go to both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon and still have time to see everything. Either way, it’s a great addition to your Disney World vacation.
Best Spots For Seating At Blizzard Beach
As we mentioned above, seating is a very important part of your day at Blizzard Beach. You want to make sure that you get great seats as you’ll most likely be returning there all day long to relax and cool off. No matter what kind of atmosphere you’re looking for, there’s a Blizzard Beach seating area for you—whether shady, sunny, secluded, or in the thick of the action.
Below we’ve pieced together a map so that you can visualize where you’re going and where each spot is that we’re talking about. The key to getting one of these spots is to get to the park early before it opens. As we mentioned earlier, the guard shack is unattended so you’re free to enter the parking lot whenever you please. Keep in mind that you’ll probably have to sit in your car until a Cast Member directs you to enter, but at least you’ll be one of the first guests through the gate, giving you an advantage on scoring the best seats at Blizzard Beach.
Secluded Spot
This is a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the park. It’s shaded all day and, as it’s tucked further away from most attractions and pools, not very many people ever come through here. We’ve marked it with RED on the map below.
Wave Pool Spot
We love this spot because it puts you right in the middle of the action without things getting congested. It’s actually on a platform overlooking the wave pool, so it has great views and is very close to several slides. Because this area is desirable, you will want to walk fast in the morning to get a spot. There are some shade clamshells here as well if you’re interested in those. We’ve marked this spot BLUE on the map below.
Picnic Spot
This is a great place to lay out all of your stuff and enjoy some food all day long. We know how it is: The kids go out, they come back hungry, they go out again, come back for a snack, and so on. That’s why a covered picnic table is the best for those who plan to bring in all their food for the day. You’ll have a nice place to unfurl your spread and eat as you will. We’ve marked this spot in BLACK on the map below.
The Tot Spot
This area is perfect for any family with smaller kids, as it’s located right inside Tike’s Peak which is designed with little ones in mind. Both sunny and shaded seats are available and, best of all, you’ll be able to watch your little ones play from a distance or jump right in at your leisure. We’ve marked this spot in BROWN in the map below.
The Volleyball Spot
Like to play a little game of volleyball? This spot is perfect for sporty families who love to get some sun, throw a ball around, and then relax. Just bring your own ball and get a match started! We also like this spot because it’s secluded, for the most part, with ample seating. On busy days, you may have to coordinate with other groups. Or, for extra fun, challenge them to a friendly game! We’ve marked this spot with PINK on the map.
Disney Blizzard Beach Restaurants & Dining
A fair amount of dining options are available at Disney’s Blizzard Beach to help fuel you throughout your day. Most of these, with the exception of Lottawatta Lodge, are food and drink stands. Let’s dig in and see what’s available.
Arctic Expeditions
Need a refreshing beverage to sip on before your journey up the Chairlift? Stop by Arctic Expeditions, the yellow snowmobile bar, for a selection of alcoholic beverages. Wash it all down with some glazed nuts.
Avalunch
Located near the Arctic Expeditions and I.C. Expeditions stands close to the Chairlift, Avalunch (get it?) serves up loaded theme park favorites like hot dogs topped with chili or bacon macaroni and cheese and loaded nachos.
Cooling Hut
Nestled near the front of the park across from the lockers and changing rooms, the Cooling Hut is stocked with an array of snacks, from Mickey ice cream bars and Olaf strawberry lemonade bars to popcorn and pretzels with cheese. Hot and cold beverages are also available.
Frostbite Freddy’s Frozen Freshments
Looking for something cold and wet to drink? Stop by to see Freddy at Frostbite Freddy’s Frozen Freshments next to the main entrance lockers. Alcoholic beverages are the focus here, but there are some non-alcoholic options available as well.
Funnel Cakes at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Funnel cakes—simple and to the point. Located next to Melt-Away Bay, come here for delicious fried sweets slathered in fruity toppings and powdered sugar.
I.C. Expeditions
Swing by this snack stand made to look like a massive snowmobile between the Chairlift and Ski Patrol Training Camp for an assortment of icy delights. Floats, cones, and Mickey ice cream are available, as is the massive Sand Pail Sundae. Keep in mind that I.C. Expeditions is only open seasonally.
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
Located near Melt-Away Bay, Joffrey’s is a mainstay throughout Disney World and offers up tons of hot, iced, and frozen coffee beverages and tea. Pastries are usually available as well, and kiosks will often feature seasonal drinks for a limited time.
Lottawatta Lodge
Lottawatta Lodge (ah, we love a good pun) is Blizzard Beach’s only quick-service restaurant. Right near the entrance to Blizzard Beach, Lottawatta Lodge is made to look like an alpine ski chalet. You can find plenty of meals here the whole family will love like burgers, flatbreads, salads, and chicken strips. Seating is plentiful here, making this an easy spot to grab a meal.
Mini Donuts by Joffrey’s Coffee
Any time can be breakfast time at this snack stand near Lottawatta Lodge. Grab a hot or cold drink and a full or half dozen of these babies along with a white chocolate, chocolate, or raspberry dipping sauce.
Polar Pub
Cheers to fun in the sun at Polar Pub next to Melt-Away Bay. An extensive drink menu is available at this full bar featuring beverages like the Banana Cabana and the frozen Blue Blizzard Margarita.
Warming Hut
While the Cooling Hut is stocked with frozen treats, the Warming Hut next to Melt-Away Bay is a snack stand serving up some of the most interesting menu items in the park including the Shrimp Louie Lettuce Wrap, Honey-Butter Chicken Sandwich, and Loaded Mountain Tots. While it’s only open seasonally, this is an excellent alternative to Lottawatta Lodge.
Polar Patio Cabanas, Lodge Umbrellas, Lockers & Other Rentals
As anyone who has ever been to a water park before can attest, landing you and your group some shaded beach chairs in a prime location can make your whole day easier. Fortunately, Blizzard Beach has you covered, along with covering anything else you might need while visiting for the day.
Polar Patios
Polar Patios are Blizzard Beach’s rentable cabanas. The height of Disney luxury, these accommodate parties of up to 6 people and include a number of amenities like a private deck with an umbrella, cushioned seating, towels, a locker, refillable drink mugs, and all-day ice water. Cast members are also available to help with food and drink orders. Although prices vary depending on how busy the park is, Blizzard Beach cabanas are typically around $360, not including park admission. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY, or you can check for same-day availability at the Beach Haus.
Lodge Umbrellas
Lodge Umbrellas are an alternative, more affordable seating option for up to 4 people. With a lodge umbrella, you’ll have access to a beach umbrella, towels, a table, two reserved beach chairs, and two reserved loungers. Prices are typically around $75, not including park admission, though that can increase during busier periods. As with Polar Patios, reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY, or you can check for same-day availability at the Beach Haus.
Blizzard Beach Lockers
As tempting as it is to leave your belongings on a chair covered with a beach towel, the only tried-and-true method for keeping your things safe is to put them in a locker. Locker rentals are done through an electronic kiosk near the lockers. Simply choose which size locker you need—a regular (12.5” x 10” x 17”) costs $10 per day while the large (15.5” x 13” x 17”) costs $15—then process your payment using either cash or a credit card. You’ll then choose your own 4-digit PIN to unlock your locker. Once you’ve paid, your locker will be good for the full day. Look for a locker near the Beach Haus and Snowless Joe’s.
Blizzard Beach Towel Rentals
Don’t worry about needing to cram your beach towel into your suitcase—just get a Blizzard Beach towel rental instead. Swing by the Beach Haus or Snowless Joe’s for a towel for the day. Towel rentals are free for guests staying at a Disney resort or $2 for everyone else.
Blizzard Beach Life Jackets
Is there someone in your party who is a little unsure in the water? No worries, just snag them a complimentary life jacket rental from Frostbite Freddy’s Frozen Freshments. You might also be able to find some near the entrance/exit to the lazy river.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park FAQs
Want to know more about Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park? Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions.
Is Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach better?
Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. In other words, it really depends on what you’re looking for. Blizzard Beach’s theme, though cute, isn’t for everyone. After all, listening to Christmas carols in between trips down water slides or into the wave pool might get old after a while for some people. Plus, while Typhoon Lagoon has a wide array of attractions that are sure to be fun for the whole family, Blizzard Beach is very heavy on the waterslides. So, if you’re someone who loves thrill rides and/or Christmas, Blizzard Beach is definitely for you. However, if you’d prefer something more tropical or are looking for rides for people of all ages, you’ll probably enjoy Typhoon Lagoon more.
What should I wear? Can you wear water shoes at Blizzard Beach?
This is Disney World after all, so swimsuits must be suitable for a family environment. Swimsuits with sharp pieces like zippers or buckles are allowed in the park, however, they are not allowed on the attractions. And not only are water shoes allowed at Blizzard Beach, but they are also highly encouraged. The ground can get rough and hot as you’re walking from slide to slide and, unlike sandals, you’re actually able to wear them on the rides. Plus, you’ll want to have those on for all those trips to the bathroom.
Can you bring food into Blizzard Beach?
Yes, as with the rest of Walt Disney World, you are able to bring your own food into Blizzard Beach. Keep in mind that if you choose to pack your food in a cooler, it will be checked for prohibited items like glass, alcoholic beverages, and loose or dry ice. Instead, keep your items cold using ice packs.
Is the water at Blizzard Beach heated?
Yes! Aside from some areas with ‘snow melt’ (AKA cold water) along Cross Country Creek, all of the water at Blizzard Beach is heated.
Is renting a Polar Patio cabana worth it at Blizzard Beach?
Honestly, it depends on your priorities and what you’d like to get out of your day at Blizzard Beach. Shade isn’t too hard to find at Blizzard Beach. So, unless you’ve got some wiggle room in your budget or you’ve got a group of 6 people who are willing to split the cost for the convenience of having a home base with an attendant to help with any food or beverage needs, we say you’re better of saving your money and finding somewhere to sit for free.
Well, that wraps up our Disney Blizzard Beach guide. Make the most of your time at Walt Disney World with one of our one-day plans to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios. Or, if you’d prefer to make your dollar go farther, save some cash with our discounted Walt Disney World tickets. Interested in learning more about Disney’s other water park? See our top-rated Guide to Typhoon Lagoon for all the details!
Are you a Blizzard Beach fan? If so, let us know! We love hearing about any tips and tricks that we’ve missed.
