(Mar 20, 2023)
So, if you're looking for a primer on this beach for your next vacation, here you go.
About
The Blizzard Beach water park is part of the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando. The park's role as a ski resort in a state known for its sun creates a fun atmosphere and an undeniably enjoyable experience. And it has a fantastic backstory to boot!
Disney legend says that an extreme snowstorm in the area back in 1977 sparked the resort’s development. With the growth of the snow mountain, ski lifts were installed, toboggan runs were constructed, and an entire resort area took shape around it.
However, the snow melted quickly due to Florida's high temperatures, leaving the ski lifts and ski jumps flooded but without snow. The operators decided to cut their losses and walk away. They were interrupted, however, by loud yelling from the summit and saw an alligator whizz from the top of the melting mountain at full speed, splashing into the melted snow at the foot of the mountain. Taking advantage of what they had seen, they turned the resort into a water park, converting most of the ski slopes into places for water recreation.
They made it look like a melted-away ski resort because it actually was. The slalom, bobsledding, and toboggan runs were transformed into downhill water slides. The melted snow at the mountain's foot became an enjoyable tube ride. The chairlift swimmers became a skyway for swimmers rather than skiers. And from the ski jump, the world's tallest and speediest water slide was born. The park officially opened on April 1st, 1995, with the appearance of a doomed ski resort. Since then, it has become one of the most popular theme parks globally.
What attractions are found here
Several details are worth admiring here. The park's alpine architecture, pine trees next to palm trees, winter sports-themed water slides, and the constant 'snow' in the park make some of the prominent attractions.
There are other subtle ones, such as floating down Cross-Country Creek at low tide as cold water from the melting ice drips on you. However, most of the park's highlights are located atop Mount Gushmore, an artificial hill divided into red, purple, and green slopes for easy navigating. The slopes are accessible by foot or chairlift.
Green Slope
The Summit Plummet, Teamboat Springs, and Slush Gusher are found here
-
Summit Plummet with a height of 120 feet and a speed of 97km/h, this is the third-highest and most rapid free-fall slide on earth. It requires people who are 122 cm tall.
-
Teamboat is a 6-person family raft ride that goes on like forever and is a lot of fun.
- Slush Gusher is a 90-foot-tall, 250-foot-long snow-heaped mountain gully adventure that reaches speeds of up to 56 km/h, levels off twice, and then drops back down.
Purple slope
The purple slope offers the Downhill Double Dipper, the Snow Stormers, and the Toboggan racing slides.
-
The Downhill Double Dipper consists of twin tubes with multiple heats and a release gate for racing.
-
Snow Stormers involves lying on mats and speeding down a long slope
- Toboggan Racer is an 8-person side-by-side race that also involves lying on mats
Red Slope
This slope, situated at the far end of the park, offers only the runoff rapids, a whirlwind ride that sends riders tumbling down spiraling flumes inside corrugated steel pipes.
Ground-level
The ground section offers the meltaway Blizzard, the largest pool on the beach, featuring rolling waves. There’s also the cross-country creak, aka lazy river, a ski patrol where children can play, and the chairlift, which serves as a skyway, getting visitors from one place to another. Cross Country Creek resembles Castaway Creek on Typhoon Lagoon, except it offers a cool cave and more theme options.
How much does it cost?
The price of a single day's entry to Blizzard Beach is over $60. That's a ton of money if you don’t plan on spending a full day at the park. Fortunately, you won't have to waste money on single-day tickets with good planning.
You can save money by purchasing the "Park Hopper Plus Option," which is slightly more expensive, but with the guarantee that you can visit water parks and various non-theme park amusements for as little as $10 each time.
There's also a ticket with a water park and sports option that starts at $70, with the overall price varying with the day you decide to check out a theme park. It will grant you entry into water parks as well as other sports-themed amusements. You can choose this option if you only intend to visit only one theme park per day and have other attractions at Disney to choose from.
What’s the transport and parking situation like?
The Disney Blizzard Water Park usually is open from 11 AM to 6 PM during much of the year. Plan your visit wisely since it gets crowded in the afternoon. Blizzard Beach, like other Disney water parks, offers free parking.
The park's entrance has no guard shacks, so you can be as early as you want to avoid crowds at the slides and also secure the best shed seating spots. Buses are provided for guests staying at Disney resorts. But if you have a car, use it since parking is available at no cost, plus it'll help avoid crowding in the bus.
Concluding it!
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park offers a fun and relaxing chill spot in the warm Orlando weather. There are many attractions and rides here to enjoy with your whole family. Have fun at the park and if you have any exciting experiences to share, feel free to leave comments.
Interested in learning about becoming a resident in Florida or moving there? Read more.
(Mar 20, 2023)
