Blizzard Beach Water Park
You may not associate bathing suits with ski slopes, but that’s the perfect attire when heading to Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park.
You see, once upon a time, there was a freak snow storm in Disney World. Wanting to take advantage of the white stuff, they built a ski resort. Sadly, the temperatures rose and it looked as if their new venture was melting away.
Now alligators aren’t known for winter sports, but an adventurous one decided to slide down the slippery slope into the pool that formed below. Realizing that the ski runs could be put to use, Blizzard Beach was born, or so the story goes. This amazing water park is ranked no. 2 in the U.S.
The frosty theme is found throughout the park, with former ski slalom courses and bobsled and sledding runs used as downhill water slides. Chair lifts carry swimmers to the top of the courses, or you can opt to use the stairways and do some “mountain climbing.” Melting snow reveals sandy beaches, a pre-teen section, a scaled down kiddie area, and a host of other activities. While you’re surrounded by “ice and snow”, the water stays a toasty and comfortable 80-82 degrees all year round.
Attractions:
Summit Plummet – Found at the top of Mt. Gushmore, Summit Plummet is the world’s tallest and fastest free-fall slide and definitely not for the faint of heart. The platform where the slide starts is 30 feet above the peak. You plummet down the 120 foot vertical portion of the slide reaching speeds of 60 miles an hour. You continue through a ski chalet before reaching the bottom in a huge spray of mist. All told, it’s 350 feet till you reach the end. You must be at least 48 inches to ride, and oh yes, you can expect to have the ultimate wedgie when it’s over.
A tip for ladies: wear a one-piece bathing suit on this attraction or you may arrive at the bottom before the top of your bathing suit does.
Snow Stormers – Three 350 feet long flumes descend from the mountain’s peak and follow a switchback course through slalom gates.
Teamboat Springs – This 1200 foot whitewater raft ride, the world’s longest, takes six passengers down a series of twisting and cascading waterfalls.
Runoff Rapids – Climb aboard an inner tube and rush down this 600-foot course through twisting and turning flumes, passing through corrugated steel pipes and falling into total darkness at the end.
Slush Gusher – While not as intense as the nearby Summit Plummet, this is still a challenging course. You’ll go over two “moguls” and reach speeds of up to 50 mph as you careen down this 250-foot snow-banked mountain channel. Must be at least 48 inches to ride.
Toboggan Racers – You lie on your mat face down and begin your headfirst slide down the 250 feet waterway. This 8-lane course has some fun dips as you descend the snow slope.
Downhill Double Dipper – Standing 50 feet high and 230-feet long, side-by-side racing slides have you traveling at speeds up to 25 mph as you race against your competitor aboard an inner tube. Time clocks count off each downhill heat and the runs have audio equipment that signal the start of each race. You must be 48 inches tall.
Cross Country Creek – Hop into a complimentary inner tube and enjoy leisurely floating along the 3,000-foot creek that encircles Blizzard Beach. If you happen to forget that you’re in a “ski resort” you’ll get a jolting reminder when you pass through the ice cave. Watch out for the drips from the melting icicles. Brrr….
Melt-Away Bay – This one-acre pool nestled against the base of Mt. Gushmore is constantly fed by “melting snow” waterfalls. There’s gentle wave action, but don’t expect to body surf.
Ski Patrol Training Camp – This pre-teen area has a rope swing, a T-bar , culvert slides and a fun ice-flow walk along slippery, floating icebergs. This is where you’ll find Cool Runners – A wide-open inner tube slide area formed by rapidly-melting moguls.
Tike’s Peak – For the little ones, this kid-sized play are features scaled-down elements of Mt. Gushmore and includes a snow-castle fountain play area. Children must be under 4 feet tall.
Chair Lift – A real chair lift sporting colorful overhead umbrellas and snow skis on the underside. These lifts will carry you over the craggy face of Mt. Gushmore from its base at the beach to its summit. No infants may ride.
General Information
- Dressing rooms include lockers for rent, dressing areas and showers.
- Life jackets are provided free with personal ID and a refundable deposit.
- Towels are rented at a day per towel rate.
- Picnic areas are available, no glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed.
TIPS for Blizzard Beach
Below is a map of Blizzard Beach highlighting some of the attractions. Click on the map to open another window with a much larger map.
Attractions:
| 1. Melt-Away Bay 2. Cross Country Creek 3. Ski Patrol Training Camp 4. Tike’s Peak Green Slopes 5. Summit Plummet 6. Slush Gusher 7. Teamboat Springs 8. Chairlift Purple Slopes 9. Tobaggan Racers 10. Snow Stormers 11. Downhill Double Dipper Red Slope 12. Runoff Rapids |
Dining 13. Lottawatta Lodge 14. Cooling Hut 15. Frostbite Freddy’s 16. Snow Balls 17. Avalunch 18. I.C. Expeditions 19. Warming Hut 20. Polar Pub Merchandise 21. Beach Haus 22. Snowless Joe’s 23. Shade Shack |
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