Which Disney World Water Park Should You Visit This Summer?
Walt Disney World has two water parks on property: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. When the Florida sun gets far too hot for the theme parks, the best way to cool down is at these locations.
This summer, Disney is offering resort guests free water park admission on their check-in day. This perk cannot be transferred to another day, nor can it be used to visit both water parks.
Photo: Disney
So, which one should you plan to visit?
Blizzard Beach’s Backstory
The storytelling of Blizzard Beach is a hallmark of Disney creativity. The water park opened in 1995 under the premise that a freak snow storm hit Mt. Gushmore, a Floridian beach, resulting in the creation of an impromptu ski resort.
However, once the snow and ice melted, the ski resort couldn’t last. This led to the creation of Blizzard Beach, where you’ll find snowmen made of sand, melted ice burgs, and even an area dedicated to the Frozen franchise.
The aesthetic matches what you would typically expect of an alpine ski resort. There’s a chairlift attraction, remnants of snow lingering on the water slides, and overall, is a unique concept exciting guests of all ages.
Typhoon Lagoon’s Backstory
Typhoon Lagoon’s shipwrecked atmosphere is a complete contrast from Blizzard Beach, but still revolves around a storm. The story is that Blustery Bay and Placid Palms are impacted by a bad storm that causes packing ships to go off course, causing the the stranded residents of the town to transform their home into a water park.
The main icon of the park resides at the top of Mount Mayday, where Miss Tilly stands. Miss Tilly is a shrimping ship that alerts guests in the infamous surf pool when Mount Mayday will be unleashing her insurmountable waves on them.
The park centers around the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, which connects back to the attractions of Adventureland, such as the Jungle Cruise. With easter eggs dedicated to the hey day of coastal exploration, as well as the immersive story of Captain Mary Oceaneer (a treasure hunter trapped on the island due to the storm), this water park is perfect for the voyagers of your family.
Typhoon Lagoon
Popular Slides and Attractions
Now that you know the theming of the water parks, it’s time to consider the most important facet of them: their attractions! Both parks are home to thrilling and relaxing experiences alike that you don’t want to miss.
Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is home to 12 attractions, including an exceptionally popular (and tall) water slide named Summit Plummet.
Summit Plummet is the most extreme water attraction at either park and has a 48 inch height requirement. The facade is made to look like a melted mountain, and you will plunge 12 stories straight down on this free fall water slide.
To get to Summit Plummet, you can take the aforementioned Chair Lift. This attraction not only gives you a scenic, bird’s eye view of the park, but it also acts as a form of transportation to a couple attractions, including the Slush Gusher and Teamboat Springs.
Another highlight of Blizzard Beach is the Toboggan Racers attraction. Toboggan Racers is a unique attraction in that you and seven other racers are sliding down a 250-foot-long hill, speeding to the finish line.
Before you slide down, you have to grab a mat and lay on your stomach, awaiting the lifeguard to count down your start. This is attraction is such a fun way to implement light-hearted competition into your vacation, and it’s unlike any other water slide at the parks.
Typhoon Lagoon
Over at Typhoon Lagoon, there are 11 experiences to do, such as the viral Surf Pool. The Surf Pool is the largest wave pool in all of North America, with waves that surge over six feet in height. You’re in for the thrill of your life when Miss Tilly’s “sonic boom” rings through the air.
In tandem with the Wave Pool though are some exciting water attractions, like the Crush ‘N’ Gusher “coaster-like raft ride.” You and a partner will be able to tackle one of three chutes, leading to a fast journey through sudden drops, twists, and turns.
Photo: Disney
Miss Adventure Falls is another fun attraction for the whole family, similar to Teamboat Springs in that you and your family can ride in a four-person raft together. Plus, there’s always the Castaway Creek lazy river to unwind in after riding some of your favorite slides.
Care for a Cabana?
If you want a designated place to store your bags or towels, or even just a private place to take in the sun’s rays, cabanas are available to rent at both parks. Cabanas can accommodate up to six guests and provide towels, lockers, refillable drink mugs, and cushioned seats.
Either a Polar Patio at Blizzard Beach or a Beachcomber Shack at Typhoon Lagoon will cost anywhere from $225 to $425. These do sell out, so it’s recommended you make an advanced reservation as opposed to doing a same-day inquiry.
Cool Off with Some Ice Cream!
Aside from the exhilarating attractions, the water parks aren’t lacking in sweet treats either. At both destinations, you’ll find the Sand Pail Sundae: an $18.29 mountain of a sundae.
Your vanilla and chocolate soft serve comes with vanilla cake, cookies and cream crumbles, hot fudge, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and M&M’s, all served in a souvenir sand pail. This treat is exclusive to the water parks, and although it’s a LOT of ice cream, it’ll make for a fun and tasty afternoon treat!
You can find the Sand Pail Sundae at I.C. Expeditions at Blizzard Beach or Happy Landings Ice Cream at Typhoon Lagoon. Another Typhoon Lagoon exclusive treat is the a Pineapple Upside Down Cone: Pineapple Dole Whip and Vanilla swirl, served with vanilla cake and caramel sauce.
Cool Kids’ Summer Perks
With the Cool Kids’ Summer promotion happening, the water parks are also seeing some added magic. Now, two characters will be available for you to meet throughout the summer months!
Goofy will be greeting guests in his swimwear over at Blizzard Beach, while Stitch will be hanging out at Typhoon Lagoon. Especially if you choose to take advantage of the free check-in day admission, a photo with your favorite character is a great way to kick off your summer trip!
How Will You Soak Up the Summer?
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are not your average water parks due to their theming and unique concepts for water slides. However, there are a couple things to consider when deciding which one to go to!
With Tike’s Peak, the children’s area, at Blizzard Beach being themed to the Frozen franchise, this park may be more enticing for the little ones of your family. And, while the younger kids play in the splash pad, the older kids can take the drop down Summit Plummet.
Olaf at Blizzard Beach
But, the Surf Pool at Typhoon Lagoon is a must do, even if it’s just to say you saw the crazy high waves! There are unlimited opportunities for fun at both parks, and no matter where you decide to go, you’ll be sure to start your summer trip off with a splash.
