Disney's Blizzard Beach opened on April 1, 1995. At the time it was the third water park at Walt Disney World behind River Country and Typhoon Lagoon. Since then, River Country—Walt Disney World's first water park—has closed.
Blizzard Beach is open year-round but is usually closed briefly for a short time during the winter for maintenance. It also closes periodically during inclement weather. The water is kept to around 80 °F (27 °C), except for the melting snow in the ice cave in Cross Country Creek.
The story behind Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park says that a freak winter snowstorm in central Florida inspired the building of a ski resort. As you might imagine, the resort was in immediate trouble because the snow didn't last long, being Florida and all.
When the park owners were just about to close down for good, they heard a yell from atop a mountain (now called Mount Gushmore), and looked up to see a blue alligator, wearing a red scarf and gold colored innertube. He was careening down the mountain at top speed and landed in a pool of melted snow with a thunderous splash.
The gator's name was Ice Gator and he immediately became the mascot as the owners realized the resort's potential as a water park instead of a ski resort. Much of the infrastructure from the ski resort can still be spotted in the park today.
Let's take a look around this water park and see what's here:
Shooting videos for a water park is fun. You basically grab your GoPro and head out, finding as much water as you can. We spent two days shooting this video because, well, it was a water park and it's summer in Florida. Take a look. Video and stills by Don and Bonnie Fink.
Polar Patios can be rented for a full day or just a half day if you prefer. They come with an attendant, a personal locker, all-day drink mugs, towels, and an ice cooler stocked with water. If you want a reserved space but you have a smaller party, you can reserve a Lodge Picnic Umbrella. These spaces come with two recliner chairs, a small table, towels, and an umbrella. They're designed for use by four guests or less.
Our understanding is that, of the two water parks on Disney property, Blizzard Beach is the more crowded because of the higher, more exciting slides. In 2016, however, it was ranked as the third most visited water park in the world with slightly over 2 million visitors. The number two park that year was Typhoon Lagoon.
Other food choices are at places with interesting names like the Cooling Hut, Frostbite Freddy's Arctic Expedition, Avalunch, I.C. Expeditions, and the Warming Hut. Adult beverages can be purchased at the Polar Pub. They're all on the map of the park along with descriptions of what's offered at each one.
The summer months in Florida are brutally hot, especially when you're outside all day trying to cram as much fun as you can into a very expensive and often stressful vacation. The swimming pools at the resort hotels are beautifully themed and offer a relaxing reprise, but the two water parks are over-the-top in terms of their immersive experience.
At Blizzard Beach, the snow, ski, and blizzard experience is unique and fun, while offering a chance to take a break from the busy parks. You can unwind with a float in Melt-Away Bay and Cross Country Creek, or wind it up as you scream your way down the slopes of Mount Gushmore. The choice is yours.
That Slush Gusher doesn't get enough credit. It's not super high like SP. But when you hit that first hill, it feels like you're gonna come flying off. Fun and scary.
Comments
That Slush Gusher doesn't get enough credit. It's not super high like SP. But when you hit that first hill, it feels like you're gonna come flying off. Fun and scary.