About Blizzard Beach

Disney's Blizzard Beach is a 66-acre water park themed around a Florida ski resort that melted in the tropical heat, turning ski slopes into water slides. The park's centerpiece is Mount Gushmore, a 90-foot peak topped with Summit Plummet, one of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides in the world.

1995
Opened
66 acres
Size
2M+
Annual Visitors
12+
Rides

History of Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach opened on April 1, 1995, as Disney's third water park. The whimsical backstory involves a freak Florida snowstorm that inspired the construction of a ski resort. When the snow inevitably melted, the ski slopes became water slides. The park's theming includes melting snowdrifts, ski lift chairs (which serve as the actual chairlift to the top), and slalom flags along the slides.

Park Areas & Lands

⛷️ Mount Gushmore Summit

The peak of the mountain with the most thrilling slides in the park including the iconic Summit Plummet.

🏂 Green Slope

Moderate thrill slides on the north side of the mountain offering a variety of tube and body slide experiences.

🧸 Tike's Peak

A scaled-down version of Mount Gushmore designed specifically for young children with gentle slides and a shallow wading pool.

🏊 Base Area

The main gathering area with the wave pool, lazy river, and dining facilities.

Must-Do Attractions

  • ✓Summit Plummet - A 120-foot near-vertical free-fall body slide reaching speeds up to 55 mph - one of the tallest in the world
  • ✓Teamboat Springs - One of the longest family raft rides in the world at 1,200 feet - accommodates up to 6 riders
  • ✓Slush Gusher - A 90-foot double-humped body slide that sends riders airborne over two camel-back hills
  • ✓Cross Country Creek - 3,000-foot lazy river circling the entire park passing through a chilly ice cave
  • ✓Downhill Double Dipper - Side-by-side racing tube slides where two riders compete head to head down the slope

Insider Tips

  • ✓Summit Plummet is intimidating from the top - if you are unsure, watch from the observation deck first before committing
  • ✓The chairlift to the top of Mount Gushmore saves a long walk up the stairs and offers great views
  • ✓Blizzard Beach alternates seasonal closures with Typhoon Lagoon - check which one is open before your trip
  • ✓Lockers are available near the front entrance - rent one early as they sell out on busy days
  • ✓The Ice Cream Expedition near Lottawatta Lodge serves the best frozen treats in the park

Best Times to Visit

Blizzard Beach is least crowded on weekday mornings and during the off-season months of September and October. The park operates seasonally and alternates with Typhoon Lagoon. Summer is the busiest season. Arrive right at opening for the shortest slide wait times.

Tickets & Pricing

Single-day tickets are $80 for adults and $74 for children ages 3-9. Annual pass add-on available. Water park tickets are separate from theme park admission.

Dining at Blizzard Beach

Lottawatta Lodge is the main dining venue offering burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and salads. Avalunch serves wraps and sandwiches. The Warming Hut offers funnel cakes and snacks. Frostbite Freddy's and Polar Pub serve frozen cocktails and cold beverages.

Official Resources

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