Did you know that Disney Parks come with not one but TWO amazing water parks? Yes! Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are the perfect solutions to help you cool off during your magical vacation, especially if you’re planning to stay for a week or more.
Of course, we all know that nothing compares to the thrill of Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom. But sometimes, all you need is a (highly themed) splash. Both water parks are excellent options to kill time and escape from the hotel. However, if your Disney trip is packed, you might want to consider a half day or a raincheck here.
Disney Water Parks Cost
When it comes to a trip to Disney, the magic doesn’t stop at the theme parks – we’re talking waterparks, baby!
The premiere ticket option, Park Hopper Plus, gives you access to both waterparks, as well as multiple theme parks in a single day. But hold up – if you’re only keen to hit up a waterpark for a day, opt for a 1-day pass instead. Why? Not only is it cheaper, but you’ll also get to bounce between both waterparks as much as you want – score! So whether you’re a splash fanatic or just want to dip your toes in, being strategic with your ticket buying could help you save in the long-run.
Getting to the Water Parks
When planning your waterpark adventures in Disney World, don’t forget to hit up both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Although the buses to these watery playgrounds might not arrive as frequently as those for the main theme parks, despair not–they operate on a dependable schedule. While the route might not be direct, you can hop on a connecting bus or travel through Disney Springs to get there. So gear up, pack your sunblock, and get ready to experience tropical bliss!
Worth Visiting for a Full Day?
When visiting Disney for 5+ days, water parks can be a great way to break up the hustle of the four main theme parks. Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach offer a refreshing alternative to taking a day off from the rides or hanging back at the hotel for a pool day. Nonetheless, as much fun as they can be, they shouldn’t replace a visit to any of the main four parks since Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom have more to offer.
Don’t feel obligated to spend a whole day there, though. Arriving when they first open and leaving midday means you have plenty of time to check out the other parks at night. However, there’s a catch: neither of the water parks feature Lightning Lane entrances, and wait times can get pretty lengthy, especially in the hotter months of the year. Prepare yourself to wait upwards of an hour for the more thrilling, single-rider slides!
Travel like a pro: Either before or after you arrive, familiarize yourself with the park map for Typhoon Lagoon and the park map for Blizzard Beach.
Typhoon Lagoon: The Basics
Welcome to Typhoon Lagoon, the second most-visited water park in the world with over 2.3 million annual visitors! The park is home to a tropical oasis that was struck by a typhoon, leaving boats, surfboards, friendly fish, and other island gear scattered throughout. Get ready to ride massive waves at North America’s largest wave pool, where 6-foot swells can be experienced!
But wait, there’s more! Let’s dive into the details of this water wonderland. The park is open most of the year from 10 am to 5 pm, except during the few months when it’s closed for refurbishment. Be sure to check if the park is closed due to weather conditions, such as low temperatures below the 50’s or lightning nearby.
Hungry or thirsty? Typhoon Lagoon offers lots of food options for American cuisine lovers. Plus – wait for it – Lowtide Lou’s and Let’s Go Slurpin’ have bars!
Looking for a more luxurious experience? You can rent a Beachcomber Shack or an umbrella to use as your own personal oasis. Beachcomber Shacks fit up to six people for just a little over $300/day. You can rent them at the entrance, or if you’re feeling spontaneous, visit Singapore Sal’s inside the park. Umbrella premium seating is also available for four guests at about $40/day.
Aside from the cool amenities, Typhoon Lagoon also offers the essentials like lockers for $15/day and free life jackets, showers, and dressing areas. If you’re not staying at a Disney resort, towels are $2 each. Now that you’re all set, grab your sunscreen and get ready for a splashing good time!
Attractions at Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon boasts a smorgasbord of exhilarating slides like Crush ‘n’ Gusher, Gangplank Falls, Humunga Kowabunga, Keelhaul Falls, Mayday Falls, the Bay Slides and the Storm Slides. But if you’re not one for the thrill, feel free to lounge around in style at Castaway Creek or take on the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. Check out the park’s most popular attractions by scrolling down below!
North America’s Largest Wave Pool
For some serious wave action, visit the Surf Pool – home to North America’s largest wave pool where six-foot waves are in constant motion throughout the day. Please note, inner tubes aren’t allowed, so it’s all about body surfing! Not an expert swimmer? Exercise extra caution, as it can feel like swimming in an ocean.
Crush ‘n’ Gusher
Thrill-seekers, check out Crush ‘n’ Gusher, one of the most notable water rides. Sitting in a multi-person or solo tube, you’ll take twists and turns down the tubular waterslide like you would on a coaster. The sudden drops, sharp turns, and totally enclosed sections will leave your palms sweaty and your heart racing! For this ride, guests need to be at least 48 inches tall.
Humunga Kowabunga
If Crush ‘n’ Gusher doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, try Humunga Kowabunga! The ride is comprised of three separate tube-shaped body slides, all curved at a 60-degree angle, for a thrilling three-story drop. Get ready to experience an intense rush of water while getting wet in unexpected places! At the end of this ride, beware of lost bathing suits if you don’t tie them tight enough!
Ketchakiddee Creek
For the little ones in the group, Ketchakiddee Creek is made for some calm fun in the sun. This area is perfect for preschool-aged kids, with its mini water slides, shallow water-filled caves, squirting animals, and sandy beaches. Kids over four feet tall are not permitted. Accompany your little ones as they explore this land made just for them!
Castaway Creek
Looking for a relaxing, scenic float? Castaway Creek is the perfect choice for guests of all sizes and ages. Lounging on an inner tube, take in the view of the park while floating down the 2,000-foot long lazy river. With five different starting points, you can decide where to begin your journey!
Disney H2O Glow After Hours
Don’t forget to check out Typhoon Lagoon’s seasonal theme night, H20 Glow Night! Running during the summer months, this Toy Story-themed beach party features lighting effects, music, characters and special dining options! There’s even a separate adults-only party area called The Wharf, featuring entertainment and a bar.
Blizzard Beach: The Basics
Blizzard Beach water park is packed with snow-inspired attractions, making it a top choice for an unforgettable summer. The story behind it is captivating – imagine a ski resort transforming into a water park. The imagery is consistent throughout, with ski lift and resort-like buildings adding to the overall experience.
Open all year round (with the exception of the refurbishment period), Blizzard Beach has a strict policy for closing down in case of low temperatures (50s or lower) or lightning. If you do visit on a good day, you can hop onto twelve of the best water park rides – each one is sure to keep you wanting more!
For those feeling famished, there are plenty of quick bite options with bars evenly spaced out. Just like Typhoon Lagoon, there are areas where you can reserve tables and chairs for your party as home base. The Polar Patios, priced near $300, fit up to six guests and are ideal for those who want a more private space. These come with creature comforts like towels, cushioned seats, lockers, and a cooler filled with water bottles. Pro tip: reserve them in advance.
Alternatively, you can rent the more affordable Lodge Umbrellas for around $40. Fit for four guests, these come with two loungers, two beach chairs, a table, and towels. If you’re late to the party, don’t worry – you can always rent them from the “Beach Haus” at the entrance of the park on the day of your visit.
Attractions at Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach offers a plethora of experiences catering to adventure-junkies and chill-seekers alike! The attractions at this winter oasis are aplenty, including The Chairlift, Cross Country Creek, and the Downhills Double Dipper. For those who dare, the Summit Plummet boasts an epic plunge, and Ski Patrol Training Camp challenges your skills. Looking for something more mellow? Take a leisurely float down Melt-Away Bay, or lounge around at the lazy creek. And that’s not all – Runoff Rapids, Slush Gusher, Snow Stormers, Teamboat Springs, Tikes Peak, and Toboggan Racers keep the fun going all day long. Want to know the favorites? Check out the attractions below!
Summit Plummet
Are you feeling adventurous? Look no further than Summit Plummet! This water ride, located in Disney, is not for the faint-hearted. The slide-drop is near-vertical, 12 stories tall and is over almost as quickly as it begins. The feeling of gravity shooting you through a dark tube is both exhilarating and terrifying. The ride ends with a straightaway of white capped water. Beware, you need to be 48 inches or taller to ride the third tallest free fall slide in the world. This ride does not last long, but it will definitely be a highlight of your day. Don’t forget to tie your bathing suit on tight!
Slush Gusher
Next door to Summit Plummet, you’ll find the slightly less intense, Slush Gusher. This water ride also requires riders to be 48 inches or taller. Unlike its neighbor, Slush Gusher breaks the drop into three parts, making for a less dramatic experience. Don’t let that fool you, it’s still a tall start and a great alternative for those looking to avoid the extreme thrills.
Runoff Rapids
If you’re looking for solo rides, be sure to check out the Runoff Rapids. This attraction has three different tracks – one enclosed and two open. The open ones are certainly more thrilling as you enjoy the ride with a view. Riding them several times is recommended because one ride is never enough.
Toboggan Racers
Are you ready to race against your friends and family? Then hop on Toboggan Racers! In this water ride, eight people can race down the open slides together. The trick to winning the race? Get yourself into a good position to kick off since water pressure alone won’t be enough. Be prepared for a thrilling, competitive experience!
Teamboat Springs
Looking for a family ride that doesn’t require a height requirement? Try Teamboat Springs. This family raft ride is suitable for all ages, with a few twists and turns that end in a lazy river-type setting. This ride is the perfect way to relax and prepare for the next thrilling adventure.
Chairlift
If climbing up steps isn’t your thing, take a ride on the Chairlift. Sure, it’s slower than walking, but it’s a fun ride with a great view. Beware, it does stop quite a bit, so just sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Melt-Away Bay Wave Pool
Last but not least, be sure to check out the Melt-Away Bay Wave Pool. Unlike other wave pools, this one is all about leisure. Bring your tubes and float around the pool, enjoying the smaller waves it produces. It’s the perfect place to end your exciting day at Disney’s waterpark.
So, Which Water Park is Better?
When it comes to deciding between Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, the choice isn’t crystal clear. Both Disney water parks offer similar amenities at identical prices, but what exactly are you searching for in a water park adventure?
If you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience with a nearly straight drop, then Blizzard Beach is the ultimate destination for daredevils. Meanwhile, Typhoon Lagoon has its own high-speed attractions and is celebrated for its lazy creek and surf pool.
At the end of the day, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and style.
