Disney’s theme parks are made special by the amazing amount of effort put into atmosphere, service, imaginative ideas, and attention to detail. However, even better then this is being able to enjoy all of these things in your bathing suit on a sunny Florida day! Blizzard Beach manages to incorporate much of Disney’s creativity into its atmosphere. As an added bonus, a day at this waterpark is much more relaxing than a typical day spent running around a Disney theme park.

Theming and grounds
Blizzard Beach was in our family’s opinion far superior to Typhoon Lagoon, particularly in regards to theming. The basic concept for Blizzard Beach is a water park themed as a ski resort gone wrong. According to Disney legend, Florida’s first ever snowstorm prompted plans for a ski park. However, when weather returned to normal, the park was converted into a water park instead.
This creative theme is incorporated throughout the park from slides decorated as ski trails to the clever chair lift which takes guests to the top of the mountain from which slides depart. Stores and eateries are housed within a building decorated as a ski lodge, and melting piles of ‘snow’ are scattered around the park.

Facilities and dining at Blizzard Beach
Locker rental is available for the day, at the rate of $5 for a small locker and $7 for a large one. This rental is certainly worth the price, particularly if your whole family plans on riding many slides. Towels can be rented for one dollar a day. Changing facilities are available for guest use.
Bus service to Blizzard beach is available for Disney resort guests from hotels or theme parks.
Dining is all fast food, counter service style, although ample seating is available. A variety of meals and snacks are sold at locations throughout the park. Prices and fare is comparable to other Disney counter service establishments.

Waterslides
While many visitors come here to relax by the pool and enjoy a cool down from Florida’s blistering sun, a good portion of guests are hardcore waterslide junkies. These individuals, particularly those in their teens and twenties, will race up the ‘mountain’ again and again to ride. Blizzard Beach is a great spot for slide lovers of all ages, as it features a variety of degrees of intensity and types of slides.
Summit Plummit is the biggest, baddest of the Blizzard Beach waterslides. It drops riders straight down, with no tube or mat, supposedly at speeds of up to 60 mph. This is not the most comfortable slide as it is guaranteed to leave you with a wedgie. Not for the faint of heart. Lines for this ride build quickly, so go early in the day if you can get up the guts!!!
Slush Gusher is a good way to test your fitness for Summit Plummit, as it is a similar body slide but with a ‘double dip’ for a less steep ride. Both of these slides have a height requirement of 48 inches.
Snow Stormers are three zippy little toboggan rides which curve back and forth through mounds of snow themed as a ski course. Riders must lay on stomachs, which can be hard on the back.
Toboggan Racers was one of our favorites. While the ride is fairly basic and consists of only one real dip, eight toboggans are lined up next to each other, allowing the whole family to ride potentially next to each other.
Runoff Rapids are three tube rides similar to those at many water parks. Two are open and one is enclosed. None of these are particularly intense or scary, and riding on a tube is more comfortable for many than the toboggan rides.
Teamboat Springs is definitely worth the trek up the mountain, as it is the world’s longest family whitewater ride. Tubes fit a large number of people, allowing a whole family to ride together. The dips and curves are fun but gentle, making this a good choice for all ages.

Other Attractions
Cross Country Creek is one of the most enjoyable lazy river type attractions I have ever ridden. Riders travel around the park confronting snow machines, caves, and dripping icicles. Several spots to board and exit the river are located around the park.
Meltaway Bay is a one acre pool at the base of Mount Gushmore, allowing plenty of splashing and opportunities for lounging guests to get wet without climbing the mountain.
Chair lift carries riders to virtually all the slide attractions. Every visitor shout ride this once to enjoy the novelty and the view. However, after the first time, it is much quicker to climb the steps to the top
of the mountain to avoid long waits in line for the chairlift.
Ski Patrol Training Camp is an area for intermediate aged kids, which has tube slides and an ‘ice walk’. This area is best for the 8-12 age group and offers lifeguard supervision.
Tike's Peak, unlike the big-kid rides, offers a 48” maximum for riders, leaving the area free for small children to enjoy. It features very small water slides and a variety of play areas. An area with fountains, a snow castle, and snow creatures to ride on will help young children enjoy the park experience while older children are sliding and splashing elsewhere.

Overall...Disney vacations often consist of trying to cram a lot into a little time. However, taking a break and enjoying a day in the sun and water can be a great way to recharge after days of park touring. For those who enjoy slides, I recommend arriving early and riding before lines aren’t too long. Enjoy your day at Blizzard Beach, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Check out my other Disney Reviews!
Hotel Reviews
Beach Club: http://www.epinions.com/content_147743018628
Coronado Springs: http://www.epinions.com/content_100521381508
Grand Floridian: http://www.epinions.com/content_175155351172

Attractions
Stitch's Great Escape: http://www.epinions.com/content_175365852804
The Living Seas (Finding Nemo Update):http://www.epinions.com/content_175503478404
Peter Pan's Flight: http://www.epinions.com/content_148621332100
Dinosaur: http://www.epinions.com/content_147863932548

Theme Parks
Blizzard Beach: http://www.epinions.com/content_150122565252
Pleasure Island: http://www.epinions.com/content_148432457348
Magic Kingdom for Adults: http://www.epinions.com/content_173013175940

Recommended: Yes