By We adore the theming at both of Disney’s water parks, as they’re equally absurd in the best possible way. At Blizzard Beach, you may forget you’re vacationing in Florida.
That’s because the theme here involves a (fictional) blizzard in the area. Some terrible entrepreneurs foolishly believed cold weather was here to stay in the Sunshine State.
So, they quickly constructed an entire ski resort. You can guess how well that went. Now, the abandoned ski jumps and chairlifts seem like ironic hipster décor.
From a business perspective, Blizzard Beach was saved by an alligator. Before the owners shut down the place, they noticed the gator riding a flume into the lagoon.
That creature, Ice Gator, quickly became the mascot of and inspiration for the water park. Now, the various ski resort elements double as attractions! We know it sounds ridiculous, but it really works.
Most of the action takes place on “Mount Gushmore,” which we swear to you wasn’t the inspiration for “Mount Splashmore” on The Simpsons. If anything, it’d be the opposite.
Blizzard Beach opened in 1995, while the water park from the television series first appeared in a 1991 episode. I guess Imagineers love The Simpsons as much as we do!
Anyway, Disney constructed a 90-foot artificial mountain, which makes it one of the tallest constructs of its kind in Florida.
You’ll have your choice of three slopes here: Red Slope, Green Slope, and Purple Slope, plus some ground-level activities.
Most of the more exciting water park attractions occur on the slopes, which makes sense due to their elevation.
While we don’t want to pick favorites, the Green Slope undoubtedly features the most popular attraction: Summit Plummet. It’s one of those slide rides that goes straight down.
Since you’re dropping 120 feet in a matter of seconds, you’ll reach a velocity of 60 miles per hour, which beats most of the roller coasters at Disney World.
If you’d prefer something lengthier, Teamboat Springs currently holds the title as the world’s longest family white-water raft ride, although records like that are made to be broken.
You board a giant raft that seats up to six guests. Then, you bounce around on watery slopes for about 150 seconds. While there is some splash, it’s oddly similar to Matterhorn Bobsleds as a sensation.
Finally, Slush Gusher is a wetter, longer version of Summit Plummet. It’s not as aggressive, which makes it a bit more enjoyable to us. You’ll reach a maximum velocity of 35 MPH. Also, you get air time, which is hard to do on a water park ride.
On the Purple Slope, you’ll encounter several attractions designed for racing. They’ve got double tracks/slopes, which makes them a fun group activity.
Downhill Double Dipper exemplifies this unique kind of water park design. Guests enter side-by-side racing tubes. The slides are 230 feet long, with a drop of 50 feet.
You can reach a maximum velocity of 25 MPH, and the person who comes closest to that will probably win.
Everyone else will get water splashed in their face by the winner. It’s the water park equivalent of, “Eat my dust!” Okay, not really, but bragging rights are on the line.
Snow Stormers ups the ante by competing three riders against one another in a race to the bottom. This slide runs for 350 feet, but it’s a bit unique in that there are switchbacks. You’ll need a strategy to emerge victorious!
Then, we have Toboggan Racers, which is a…toboggan racer. Don’t let the generic name fool you. This race pits eight tobogganers against one another. Losing is acceptable, but don’t finish last!
On the Red Slope, you’ll discover just one attraction, but it’s a doozy. Runoff Rapids is a tube ride for one or two guests. It’s twisty, fast, and fun. Since you’re sliding through the forest, it’s also gorgeous.
The Ground Level contains more conventional water park fare, most notably Melt-Away Bay, a one-acre wave pool. We wouldn’t describe the waves here as aggressive, but you’ll definitely notice them.
For a calmer experience, you should choose David’s beloved Cross Country Creek, a lazy river that stretches for approximately 3,000 feet.
You’ll float through an ice cave, which is pretty great. Disney thoughtfully completes the effect by having “melting ice” drip on you as you sail through the cave.
You’ll find several different entry points to the lazy river, which makes it accessible no matter where you are in the area.
The rest of the Ground Level consists of child-friendly attractions and experiences, starting with the newest one, Tike’s Peak. This is the Frozen play area at the park. Anyone traveling with kids will spend a lot of time here.
You’ll also take them to Ski Patrol Training Camp as well. Disney has designed this place for kids under the age of 12. In fact, the Leisure Pool here features thematic “icebergs.”
The catch is that you cannot walk under them unless you’re kid-sized. Similarly, Cool Runners bills itself as “A “cool” tube slide through rapidly melting moguls.” It’s short but sweet, and the theming’s fun.
Blizzard Beach also hosts a short kid-friendly water slide named Freezin’ Pipe Springs and Fahrenheit Drops, its sibling, a zipline above water, that splashes down in the same place.
When you’re on the Ground Level, you should familiarize yourself with The Chairlift. It’s just that: a chairlift. It’ll lift you to the top of the mountain, where you can choose one of the three slopes.
Disney also offers guests the option of walking, which, to our constant surprise, a handful of people do. By the way, there’s also a gondola here as an accessibility option.
You’ll occasionally find character greetings at the water park, with Goofy a frequent guest. The water park also hosts several snack shacks, bars, and shops.
The main stores you’ll visit are The Beach Haus, the general store, and Snowless Joe’s, which rents lifejackets and towels.
As far as restaurants go, The Warming Hut sells sandwiches, wraps, and Dole Whips.
You should know a few more things about this park. In 2025, Disney provided guests staying on-site with free admission to water parks on the first day of their visit.
For 2026, that offer will only apply to the summer months. So, you’ll notice larger crowds on those days. To a larger point, the water parks typically surge in attendance when it’s hottest. Please plan accordingly.
Also, be aware that Disney will close its water parks on colder days. This happened an unusually large number of times in early 2025 due to frequent sub-50-degree temperatures.
In happier news, you’ll find a delightful miniature golf course adjacent to Blizzard Beach that maintains its theme. Disney’s Winter Summerland hosts two courses: Winter and Summer.
This mini-golf facility earns glowing reviews due to its theming. While you’ll feel pressed for time during your Disney vacation, if you love mini-golf, it’s worth an hour of your time.
Finally, please be aware of a hidden benefit of visiting Blizzard Beach. No Disney theme park offers bus transportation directly to Disney Springs nor does Typhoon Lagoon.
So, Blizzard Beach is the only one of the major Disney World theme parks that will transport you straight to Disney Springs.