Hey Thrill Seekers,
Fancy swapping the roller coasters for some seriously impressive water slides? Disney’s Blizzard Beach is one of Walt Disney World’s two water parks, and it’s a brilliant addition to an Orlando holiday if you fancy a day away from the traditional theme parks.
The story behind Blizzard Beach is one of Disney’s more unusual creations. According to the park’s backstory, a freak snowstorm hit Florida, creating the perfect conditions for the state’s first ski resort. Unfortunately, the temperatures soon rose, the snow began to melt and the ski resort was transformed into a water park!
What remains is a wonderfully themed collection of snowy mountains, ski lifts, toboggan runs and icy-looking buildings, all surrounded by the Florida sunshine.
There are some seriously exciting attractions here, too. Summit Plummet is the headline act, offering a near-vertical 12-storey drop, while Slush Gusher, Downhill Double Dipper and the family raft ride Teamboat Springs provide plenty more opportunities to make a splash.
Younger visitors haven’t been forgotten, with Tike’s Peak and Ski Patrol Training Camp offering gentler water-based fun.
Blizzard Beach is also a little different when it comes to planning. Disney operates its two water parks on a seasonal schedule, with refurbishment closures and weather-related changes potentially affecting which park is open.
So, grab your swimwear and sunscreen. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Disney’s Blizzard Beach in 2027.
👀 At a glance: Disney’s Blizzard Beach
- Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
- Best for: Families, water-slide enthusiasts and anyone wanting a break from the theme parks.
- Best thrill ride: Summit Plummet, with its 120-foot, near-vertical drop.
- Best family attraction: Teamboat Springs, a white-water raft ride for groups.
- Best area for younger children: Tike’s Peak, with smaller slides and splash areas.
- Best relaxing experience: Cross Country Creek, the park’s lazy river.
- Coming in 2027: No major new attraction has been confirmed at the time of writing.
- Top tip: Check which Disney water park is operating on your chosen date. Blizzard Beach is not guaranteed to be open every day of the year.
🌎 What is Disney’s Blizzard Beach?
Blizzard Beach is one of two water parks operated by Walt Disney World, alongside Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
It covers approximately 66 acres and is themed around a melting ski resort, complete with snow-covered mountain scenery, ski lifts, icy-looking buildings and plenty of water attractions.
The park is built around Mount Gushmore, a large central mountain divided into different slopes and areas. Several of the biggest slides begin at the top, with the chairlift providing an easier way to reach some of the attractions.
Blizzard Beach offers a mixture of high-speed body slides, family raft rides, racing slides, a lazy river and a large wave pool.
It’s a good choice for families with different ages and interests. Thrill-seekers can head for Summit Plummet, while younger children can enjoy Tike’s Peak and Ski Patrol Training Camp. Those looking for something more relaxing can spend time floating around Cross Country Creek or enjoying the sandy beach at Melt-Away Bay.
One important thing to remember is that Blizzard Beach doesn’t necessarily operate all year round. Disney rotates refurbishment periods between Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, so one water park may be closed while the other is open. Weather can also cause temporary or full-day closures.
We recommend checking the official park calendar before making plans.
🌎 The areas of Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is organised around Mount Gushmore and its surrounding themed areas. Rather than traditional theme park lands, the different slopes and pools each have their own attractions.
1. Mount Gushmore
Mount Gushmore is the centrepiece of Blizzard Beach and home to some of its most exciting attractions.
The mountain is divided into different coloured slopes, with attractions ranging from extreme body slides to family raft rides.
Summit Plummet
This is the attraction most thrill-seekers will want to experience.
Summit Plummet is one of the tallest and fastest freefall body slides in the world, featuring a 120-foot drop from the top of Mount Gushmore.
Riders begin at the top before plunging almost vertically down the slide, reaching high speeds as they race towards the splash pool below.
It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted!
- Minimum height: 48 inches (122 cm).
Slush Gusher
If Summit Plummet sounds a little too extreme, Slush Gusher offers another exciting way down Mount Gushmore.
This 90-foot-high speed slide features a series of drops and rises, creating a sensation of airtime as you travel down the mountain.
It’s still a thrilling experience, but generally feels more approachable than its bigger neighbour.
- Minimum height: 48 inches (122 cm).
Downhill Double Dipper
Fancy racing someone else down the mountain?
Downhill Double Dipper features two side-by-side enclosed slides, allowing guests to race against each other towards the finish.
It’s a fun attraction for friends and family members who enjoy a little competition.
- Minimum height: 48 inches (122 cm).
Chairlift
The chairlift isn’t a water slide, but it’s one of Blizzard Beach’s most distinctive experiences.
It transports guests towards the top of Mount Gushmore, offering a convenient alternative to climbing the steps.
It also provides some lovely views across the park.
- Minimum height: 32 inches (81 cm).
- Guests 48 inches and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Our tip: If you’re planning to ride Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher, head towards Mount Gushmore early. The chairlift can become busy, and the steps are a less appealing option in the Florida heat.
2. Green Slope
The Green Slope is home to a selection of racing and individual water slides.
It’s a good area for anyone who enjoys a little competition or wants to experience different types of slides without tackling the biggest drops.
Snow Stormers
Snow Stormers features three twisting downhill flumes, with guests lying face-down on mats as they race towards the bottom.
The winding course gives the attraction a different feel from the more straightforward body slides.
Runoff Rapids
Runoff Rapids offers three different enclosed and open water slides, each with its own twists and turns.
Guests ride individually in inflatable tubes, with sections of the slides taking you through darkened tunnels before emerging into the daylight.
It’s a good option for visitors who enjoy a mixture of twists, turns and splashes.
Our tip: Try the different Runoff Rapids routes if you have time. Each one offers a slightly different experience, so don’t assume they’re all identical.
3. Purple Slope
The Purple Slope is home to Toboggan Racers, one of the park’s best attractions for a bit of friendly competition.
Toboggan Racers
This multi-lane water slide allows guests to race side-by-side down a series of bumps and turns.
You’ll lie face-down on a mat and race towards the finish, making it a fun experience for families and groups.
It’s a good alternative to the bigger thrill slides, particularly if you want to challenge someone in your party.
Our tip: Toboggan Racers is a good attraction to enjoy with friends or family members. See who can make it to the bottom first!
4. Family Area: Teamboat Springs
Teamboat Springs is one of the best attractions at Blizzard Beach for families and groups.
Guests board a large circular inflatable raft and travel together down a winding white-water course.
The ride features twists, turns, drops and plenty of splashing, with enough space for several people to enjoy the experience together.
It is a particularly good choice if some members of your group aren’t keen on the bigger body slides.
Our tip: Teamboat Springs is popular with families, so keep an eye on the queue times and try to ride when the wait is manageable.
5. Tike’s Peak
If you’re visiting Blizzard Beach with younger children, Tike’s Peak is the place to head.
This colourful children’s area is themed around a miniature version of Mount Gushmore, with smaller slides, shallow pools and water-play features.
It’s designed specifically for younger guests who aren’t quite ready for the bigger attractions.
The area includes smaller versions of the mountain’s attractions, giving children the opportunity to enjoy their own water park adventures.
Guests must be 48 inches (122 cm) or shorter to enjoy Tike’s Peak.
Our tip: Make sure you allow plenty of time here if you’re visiting with toddlers or preschoolers. It’s a great place for little ones to enjoy themselves without the intensity of the main slides.
6. Ski Patrol Training Camp
Ski Patrol Training Camp is another excellent area for children who have outgrown the very youngest attractions but aren’t yet ready for the biggest slides.
It features a collection of interactive water activities, obstacles and smaller slides.
What to look out for:
- Slush Gusher-style slides: Smaller water slides designed for younger visitors.
- Icebergs: Floating obstacles that children can attempt to cross.
- Zip Line: A water-based zip-line experience that finishes with a splash.
- Interactive play: Plenty of opportunities to get involved rather than simply sitting in a pool.
Guests must be 48 inches (122 cm) or shorter to enjoy Ski Patrol Training Camp.
Our tip: This is a great area for children who want a little more excitement than Tike’s Peak but aren’t tall enough for the main thrill slides.
7. Melt-Away Bay
Melt-Away Bay is Blizzard Beach’s large wave pool and a great place to relax between the slides.
It features gentle waves rather than the more intense surfing-style experience found at some other water parks.
There is a sandy beach around the pool, giving families somewhere to sit, relax and enjoy the sunshine.
It’s also a good option if you want to enjoy the water without climbing up Mount Gushmore.
Our tip: Find a spot around the beach early if you want somewhere convenient to leave your belongings and take a break between attractions.
8. Cross Country Creek
Cross Country Creek is Blizzard Beach’s lazy river, offering a relaxing way to explore the park.
Guests can climb into an inflatable tube and drift along the winding waterway, passing through themed landscapes and under bridges.
It is a lovely contrast to the bigger slides and a great way to spend some time relaxing in the Florida sunshine.
You can join and leave the river at different points around the park, making it easy to fit into your day.
Our tip: Save some time for Cross Country Creek. It’s one of those attractions that can be enjoyed by almost everyone, and it’s a great way to slow down after the bigger slides.
🎢 The best rides at Disney’s Blizzard Beach
If you’re trying to decide which attractions to prioritise, here’s a quick guide to the main experiences.
| Attraction | Best for | Minimum height |
|---|---|---|
| Summit Plummet | Extreme freefall thrills | 48 in / 122 cm |
| Slush Gusher | High-speed body slides | 48 in / 122 cm |
| Downhill Double Dipper | Racing side-by-side | 48 in / 122 cm |
| Snow Stormers | Mat racing and twists | Any height |
| Runoff Rapids | Individual tube slides | Any height |
| Toboggan Racers | Family racing | Any height |
| Teamboat Springs | Group raft ride | Any height |
| Chairlift | Reaching the top of Mount Gushmore | 32 in / 81 cm |
| Cross Country Creek | Relaxing lazy river | Any height |
| Melt-Away Bay | Wave pool and relaxation | Any height |
| Tike’s Peak | Younger children | 48 in / 122 cm or shorter |
| Ski Patrol Training Camp | Older children and interactive water play | 48 in / 122 cm or shorter |
Height restrictions and participation rules can change, so always check the official Disney attraction information before your visit.
What about younger children?
Blizzard Beach is a good water park for families, with dedicated areas for younger children and plenty of attractions that don’t require a minimum height.
The main areas to focus on are Tike’s Peak and Ski Patrol Training Camp.
Tike’s Peak is designed for younger children, with smaller slides and shallow water areas. Ski Patrol Training Camp is aimed at children who want something a little more adventurous, with interactive obstacles and water-based activities.
For a family visit, we recommend:
- Start with Tike’s Peak: Let younger children enjoy the slides and splash areas while they’re full of energy.
- Explore Ski Patrol Training Camp: This is ideal for children who want to try something more adventurous.
- Enjoy Cross Country Creek: A relaxing attraction that can be enjoyed together.
- Visit Melt-Away Bay: A great place for families to spend time in the water without tackling the bigger slides.
- Check height restrictions: Some of the headline attractions have a 48-inch minimum, so it’s worth checking before travelling.
One important detail is that Tike’s Peak and Ski Patrol Training Camp have maximum height restrictions of 48 inches (122 cm), rather than the usual minimum height requirements found on bigger attractions.
🤹♂️ What shows and entertainment are at Blizzard Beach?
Unlike Disney’s main theme parks, Blizzard Beach doesn’t have a traditional line-up of stage shows, parades or character performances.
The water slides, pools and interactive attractions are the main entertainment.
However, there are still plenty of ways to make the day feel special.
Mount Gushmore: The mountain itself is the centrepiece of the park, with its ski-resort theming, chairlift and collection of slides.
Ski Patrol Training Camp: The interactive obstacles and water-play activities provide plenty of entertainment for children.
Themed surroundings: From the melting snow and ski equipment to the mountain scenery, the park has lots of little details that make it feel different from a conventional water park.
Our tip: Don’t plan your Blizzard Beach day around showtimes. Instead, focus on the rides and water experiences, allowing plenty of time to relax between attractions.
🔜 What’s coming to Disney’s Blizzard Beach in 2027?
At the time of writing, Disney has not announced a major new ride or headline attraction specifically for Blizzard Beach in 2027.
That doesn’t mean there won’t be changes. Disney’s water parks undergo regular maintenance and refurbishment, and operating arrangements can change between seasons.
1. Seasonal refurbishment and operating dates
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon operate on a rotating schedule, allowing Disney to carry out maintenance while keeping a water park available for guests.
This means that Blizzard Beach may be closed for an extended period while Typhoon Lagoon operates, and vice versa.
The exact dates can change from year to year, so check the official calendar before booking a visit.
2. Weather-dependent operations
Florida’s weather can also affect water park operations.
Cold temperatures, thunderstorms and lightning can lead to temporary or full-day closures. Some attractions may close individually even when the rest of the park remains open.
If you’re visiting during the cooler months, keep your plans flexible and check the latest information on the day.
3. The wider Walt Disney World water park experience
Disney continues to promote its two water parks as part of the wider Walt Disney World holiday experience.
Blizzard Beach remains the choice for visitors who enjoy the ski-resort theme, mountain slides and thrill attractions, while Typhoon Lagoon offers a tropical setting and its famous wave pool.
For 2027, the most important thing is to check which water park will be operating during your holiday.
Planning for 2027? Don’t assume Blizzard Beach will be open on your chosen date. Check the official Disney park calendar before making it part of your itinerary.
💡 How to plan your day at Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is relatively easy to explore once you understand how the park is laid out.
The main challenge is deciding which slides to experience first, particularly if you’re visiting during a busy period.
Here’s one suggested itinerary.
Morning
- Arrive before opening time and get yourself organised.
- Head towards Mount Gushmore and ride Summit Plummet if it’s high on your list.
- Try Slush Gusher and Downhill Double Dipper while you’re nearby.
- If travelling with younger children, head towards Tike’s Peak or Ski Patrol Training Camp.
Midday
- Enjoy lunch at one of the park’s quick-service dining locations.
- Try Teamboat Springs or Toboggan Racers.
- Spend some time at Melt-Away Bay.
- Take a break from the sunshine and reapply sunscreen.
Afternoon
- Explore the Green Slope attractions, including Snow Stormers and Runoff Rapids.
- Enjoy Cross Country Creek.
- Revisit a favourite slide if the queues allow.
- Let younger children enjoy their favourite areas again.
Evening
- Enjoy some final time in the water.
- Collect your belongings and get changed.
- Check your transport arrangements before leaving the park.
This is a flexible itinerary rather than a strict checklist. The beauty of a water park day is that you can enjoy the attractions at your own pace.
💨 Is there a Quick Queue or Express Pass at Blizzard Beach?
Blizzard Beach doesn’t operate a traditional Express Pass or Quick Queue system like some of Orlando’s theme parks.
Instead, Disney offers other ways to make your day more comfortable, particularly if you’re visiting with a family or group.
Locker rentals: Useful for keeping valuables and spare clothes secure while you’re in the water.
Towels: Check the current rental arrangements before your visit. You can also bring your own.
Lodge Umbrellas and Polar Patios: These reserved shaded areas can be a good option if you want a dedicated place to relax and keep your belongings during the day. They are available at an additional cost and should be booked in advance where possible.
Our recommendation: If you’re travelling with a larger family, consider whether a reserved shaded area is worth the extra cost. Having somewhere to return to between slides can make the day much more comfortable.
✅ Practical tips for visiting Disney’s Blizzard Beach
A little preparation can make a big difference to your water park day.
1. Check the opening dates. Blizzard Beach is not guaranteed to be open throughout the year. Check the official Disney calendar for your exact date.
2. Arrive early. Getting there before opening gives you more time to enjoy the main attractions and find a convenient place to relax.
3. Pack swimwear and a change of clothes. You’ll spend most of the day in and around the water, so having dry clothes for the journey home is a good idea.
4. Bring sunscreen. Florida sunshine can be intense, particularly when you’re spending several hours outdoors. Reapply throughout the day.
5. Wear suitable footwear. The paths can become hot in the sunshine, and you’ll be walking between attractions.
6. Use the chairlift. It provides an easier way to reach some of the mountain attractions, although there are height and accompanying-adult rules.
7. Think about your belongings. Lockers are available for valuables and other items you don’t want to leave unattended.
8. Check ride restrictions. Some attractions have minimum heights, while the children’s areas have maximum height limits.
9. Keep an eye on the weather. Lightning and thunderstorms can affect outdoor attractions and may lead to temporary closures.
10. Consider a reserved shaded area. If you’re visiting with a larger group, a lodge umbrella or Polar Patio can provide a useful base for the day.
11. Download the My Disney Experience app. It can help you check park information, operating hours and available facilities.
12. Don’t forget to relax. You don’t need to spend every minute racing between slides. Make time for the lazy river, wave pool and sandy beach.
❓ Is Disney’s Blizzard Beach worth visiting?
We think Blizzard Beach is a great addition to an Orlando holiday, particularly if you’re looking for a day away from the traditional theme parks.
The theming is wonderfully different, and the combination of high-speed water slides, family attractions and relaxing areas means there’s something for most ages.
For thrill-seekers, Summit Plummet is the headline attraction, while Slush Gusher, Downhill Double Dipper and the other mountain slides offer plenty more excitement.
Families with younger children have Tike’s Peak and Ski Patrol Training Camp, while Cross Country Creek and Melt-Away Bay provide a more relaxed experience.
It isn’t necessarily a park that everyone needs to visit, particularly if your holiday is already packed with theme parks and you have limited time. But if you enjoy water parks, it’s well worth considering.
One final thing: make sure Blizzard Beach is actually open during your holiday. Disney’s rotating water park schedule means you may need to visit Typhoon Lagoon instead.
🎟️ Ready to make a splash at Blizzard Beach?
Swap the theme park queues for a day of water slides, wave pools and tropical sunshine at Disney’s Blizzard Beach.
Whether you’re brave enough to take on Summit Plummet or simply want to relax along Cross Country Creek, it’s a great way to add something different to your Orlando holiday.
Explore the available Walt Disney World tickets at Orlando Attraction Tickets and check which options include access to Disney’s water parks.
Explore Walt Disney World tickets at Orlando Attraction Tickets
Smiles included…
Jamie
