Frosty Fun in the Florida Sun. Walt Disney World’s Waterpark, Blizzard Beach!

What do you get when a snowstorm hits Florida? A Blizzard Beach, of course! Blizzard Beach is one of two waterparks at Walt Disney World, and is a great way to cool off in the Florida heat.

Blizzard Beach isn’t your typical water park. Set in the heart of sunny Florida, this Disney destination brings together two things you’d never expect to find in the same place, snow covered mountains and sun soaked fun.

The park’s unique concept is what sets it apart. Picture a ski resort that’s been hit by a sudden heatwave, where chairlifts still glide overhead and snowdrifts have melted into waterslides. It’s a playful mix of winter theming and tropical weather, all with that signature Disney attention to detail.

The Story Behind Blizzard Beach

But how did this snowy scene end up in the middle of Florida? Like many Disney attractions, Blizzard Beach has a fun, immersive legend behind it to help explain its quirky, creative theme. Blizzard Beach has one of the most creative backstories of any Disney park. According to legend, a freak snowstorm once hit Central Florida, leading Disney to quickly build the state’s first ski resort. But when the sun returned and the snow started to melt, the slopes turned into water slides and a new kind of park was born.

Just as the ski resort seemed doomed, one brave alligator (Disney’s Ice Gator mascot) dove down the slushy slopes and made a splash. That moment inspired the transformation of the melting resort into a water park unlike any other where snow meets sunshine and every day feels like the best kind of snow day.

From the chairlift in the sky to slippery slopes turned into water slides, every inch of the park tells a story only Disney could dream up.

Top Attractions

Blizzard Beach isn’t just a water park, it’s a frosty playground packed with thrilling slides, splash zones, and plenty of chill time for the whole family. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a lazy river lounger, there’s something for everyone under the Florida sun (and just a touch of snow)!

Summit Plummet:  Ready to take the plunge? This is Blizzard Beach’s most daring ride, a near vertical, 120 foot drop straight down the side of Mount Gushmore! It's one of the tallest and fastest free fall slides in the world. Blink and you’re at the bottom! The Summit is not for the faint of heart, or those afraid of heights. But if you're feeling brave, it's the ultimate badge of Blizzard Beach honor.

Teamboat Springs: Grab the whole crew and hop in a giant inner tube for this family raft ride down a twisty turny, splashy mountain course. It’s fun, fast and full of laughter. It’s like whitewater rafting, Disney style!

Melt Away Bay: The Ultimate Wave Pool Escape.  If you’re looking for the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun while still enjoying some gentle waves, Melt-Away Bay is your go to place at Blizzard Beach. It’s Disney’s signature wave pool, but with a frosty twist, themed to feel like a glacial lake nestled in the melting mountain. Surrounding the pool are melting snowdrifts and frosty rockwork that keep the park’s chilly theme alive. The waves here are rhythmic and mellow, perfect for floating on an inner tube or simply bobbing in the water without the wildness of a big wave pool.

Toboggan Racers:  Race your friends and family headfirst down eight side-by-side lanes on a mat slide that feels like a toboggan ride gone tropical. It’s fast, fun, and guaranteed to bring out your competitive side!

Chairlift Ride to the Top:  Yes, there’s an actual ski-style chairlift that whisks you to the top of Mount Gushmore! It’s the chillest way to reach the big slides,  and the views are worth the ride alone.

Cross Country Creek: Need to slow things down after racing down water slides or conquering Summit Plummet? Cross Country Creek is the perfect way to relax and recharge, Disney style! This 3,000 foot lazy river winds all the way around Blizzard Beach, offering scenic views, snowy surprises, and plenty of cool moments along the way.  As you float along in your tube, you’ll drift through caves, past melting ice caps, under wooden bridges, and even around the base of Mount Gushmore. If you're feeling adventurous, try doing a full loop around the park, it takes about 20–30 minutes. Or if you’re like me, you might want to stay on and float the day away!

Tike’s Peak: Blizzard Beach isn’t just for thrill seekers, Disney made sure its tiniest guests have a frosty fun zone of their own! Tike’s Peak is a dedicated kids’ area designed especially for preschoolers and toddlers, packed with pint sized adventures and snow themed magic that’s just their speed. Tucked away at the base of Mount Gushmore, Tike’s Peak is like a mini version of the rest of the park, complete with gentle slides, splash zones, and snowy theming that lets little ones join in on the wintry fun without the big thrills.

Fueling the Fun: Food & Refreshments at Blizzard Beach

Sliding, splashing, and soaking up the sun can work up quite an appetite and Blizzard Beach has you covered with plenty of tasty treats to keep your energy high and your cravings satisfied!

From frosty drinks to hearty meals, the park offers a variety of quick service spots and snack stands scattered across its snowy slopes. Whether you're in the mood for something filling or just a sweet cool down, there's a little something for every type of snow day snacker. You can find burgers, chicken strips, rice bowls, and refreshing salads for lunch or if you’re craving something sweet and chilly? Blizzard Beach delivers with frozen delights like ice cream sundaes, frozen lemonade, and my personal favorite mini donuts, warm, sugary, and perfect for sharing (or not!). There’s plenty of shaded seating around the park to sit and enjoy some down time as well.

Grown up snow bunnies can chill out with an adult beverage from spots like Polar Pub, where you’ll find frozen cocktails, beer, and other refreshing drinks. It’s vacation, after all!

Remember to stay hydrated!  Don’t forget to drink lots of water. Florida heat is no joke, even in a snow themed park. You’ll find water refill stations and beverages for purchase throughout the park.

Tips for Visiting

*Bring water shoes/flip flops! The pavement gets hot!

*Chairs get snatched up early, arrive at rope drop if you want a shady spot.

*Life jackets are free to use.

*Consider a locker rental for valuables.

*Sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen!

 Closures

Unlike most of Walt Disney World, where the magic never sleeps, the two Disney water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, usually take turns staying open throughout the year. They usually alternate seasons, with one park open while the other takes a little time off for refurbishments, updates, and extra pixie dust.

So, if you're dreaming of snowy peaks and splashy slides at Blizzard Beach, be sure to check the calendar before your trip. It's not uncommon for Blizzard Beach to close during the cooler months while Typhoon Lagoon opens its tropical shores and vice versa.

This year, from May 21 through September 7, 2025, both Walt Disney World water parks will be open simultaneously.  Blizzard Beach is scheduled to close again for its seasonal refurbishment on September 8, 2025, while Typhoon Lagoon will remain open.

From thrilling slides and snowy mountain views to lazy rivers and cinnamon sugar mini donuts, Blizzard Beach is more than just a water park, it’s a story come to life. Every splash, slide, and snowy detail adds to the magic of a park where a winter wonderland meets Florida sunshine in the most unexpected and unforgettable way.

As with all things Disney, the key is to go with the flow (literally), soak up every moment, and let yourself be part of the story, even if it starts with a snowstorm in the middle of summer.

So grab your towel, slather on that sunscreen, and get ready to slide into a snow-day adventure like no other. Blizzard Beach is open, the water’s fine, and the magic is waiting.

See you on the slopes, the slippery, splashy kind!

Terri Lee