Blizzard
Beach
As legend has it, Blizzard Beach was created by a
freak winter storm that dropped snow over the western side of the Walt Disney World
Resort. A ski resort was quickly erected to take advantage of the snow.
However, Temperatures soared, and as snow began to melt, and cascade down Mt. Gushmore, the
first ski resort themed water adventure park was born!
Mount
Gushmore is the park's centerpiece. This 90 foot high mountain houses
the majority of the park's slides, both on the front and back sides.
Paths (and lots of stairs) lead the way to the slides. Bobsledding down the snowy slopes of Mt. Gushmore
or plunging straight down Summit Plummet at 60 mph will give you the spine-chilling
thrills of a northern ski resort. But the Blizzard Beach water adventure park is pure
tropical fun in the sun. It's like no other water park in the world.
Intercot Tips:
Arrive early if you hope to score a lounge chair. If you are staying at a
Walt Disney World resort hotel, bring towels from your room or pool so you
won't have to rent them. Just be sure to bring them back to your resort when
you leave!
Walkways can get pretty hot in the summer months. Luckily, Disney has
graciously provided irrigation systems to keep most paths wet, which helps
cut down on burned feet. However, you may want to consider wearing water
shoes or lightweight flip flops to protect your feet. Shoes must be removed
and held while going down most slides, so keep that in mind.
Attractions
Mt. Gushmore |
Summit
Plummet
At 120 feet high, it's the world's tallest, fastest free-fall
speed slide, a breathtaking 60 mph plunge straight down to a splash
landing at the base of the mountain. Visible from almost anywhere in the
park. Must be at least 48 inches tall. |
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Slush Gusher
This double humped slide, located next to Summit Plummet, provides a
tamer ride than its partner on the mountain. This 90 foot slide
provides plenty of thrill without the intimidation of the Plummet.
Must be 48 inches tall. |
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Downhill Double Dipper
The world's only
side-by-side racing slides allow passengers to travel at speeds of up to 25 mph in this
thrilling water adventure. These partially enclosed slides feature
racing flags, time clocks, and a buzzer. Guests ride in inner tubes on
this one. Must be 48 inches tall. |
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Toboggan Racers
An eight lane, 250 foot slide where guests "race" to the finish down
a series of dips.
Guests must lie head first on a mat. |
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Snow Stormers
Three flumes descend from the top of the mountain and follow a
switchback course that includes ski-type slalom gates. Guests must
lie head first on a mat. |
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Chair Lift
Wooden-bench chair lifts sporting colorful overhead umbrellas and
snow skis on their underside, converted from ski-resort to
beach-resort use. These functional chairs carry Guests over the
craggy face of Mt. Gushmore, from its base at the beach to its
summit. No infants may ride. Up to 3 guests may ride in a single
chair. Although fun and scenic, it's definitely the slowest way to
the top of the mountain. |
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Runoff Rapids
An
inner-tube run, where guests careen down twisting, turning flumes.
Two open slides and one enclosed "black hole." Guests may ride
single or double. The enclosed slide is for single tubes only.
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Teamboat Springs
The world's
longest family whitewater raft ride takes up to six passengers down
a twisting, 1,400-foot series of rushing waterfalls.
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At the Base
of
Mt. Gushmore |
Melt Away Bay
A one-acre
bobbing wave pool, nestled against the base of Mt. Gushmore, that is
constantly fed by "melting snow" waterfalls. This pool is a tamer
version of a true wave pool. |
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Cross Country Creek
A
lazy creek circling the entire park, carrying floating Guests
through a bone-chilling ice cave. Once inside the mysterious cave,
guests are splashed with the "melting" ice from overhead. This 3,000
foot lazy river is quite a relaxing way to enjoy the park or use it
as transportation to get to different areas. Signage will indicate
which slide entrances are nearby. Guests may enter and exit only at
designated locations. Inner tubes will be floating freely for guest
use.
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Tike's Peak
A kid-size
version of Mt. Gushmore, including scaled-down attractions. In
addition, this area features a snow-castle fountain play area and
pop jets. Children must be UNDER 48 inches to play here, and adults
must be accompanied by children who meet the height limit.
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Blizzard Beach Ski Patrol Training Camp
Designed
for pre-teens with inner-tube slides, a T-bar, a culvert pipe slide, and a challenging ice-floe:
walk along slippery, floating icebergs. Although this area is fun, be
aware that the water is VERY deep in certain locations and children must
be strong swimmers to play here. |
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The Village
At the east end of the beach, the
Village is your Guest Services location for locker and towel rental, and first aid. Within
the Village is the Beach Haus, a specialty shop offering souvenirs, towels, bathing suits,
sunglasses, and other essentials for a day on the slopes! Lottawatta
Lodge is located here as well. The park's only full counter service
locaton, this icicle adorned lodge serves up combo meals, beverages, and
desserts.
Dining
Click on links for menus!
Lottawatta Lodge - Counter
service featuring burgers, hot dogs, pizza, deli sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and beverages.
Avalunch - Snack bar
featuring hot dogs, nachos, snacks, and beverages.
Warming Hut - Snack bar
featuring nachos, ice cream, snacks, and beverages.
Polar Pub -
Soft drink and spirits
Frostbite Freddie's Frozen Freshments-
Frozen lemonade, fresh fruit
Cooling Hut - Soft pretzels, popcorn, frozen ice cream
treats, hot and cold beverages
I.C. Expeditions - Ice cream stand serving up floats,
sundaes, waffle cones, and more
Mini Donuts - Located near
the park entrance, this stand serves up addicting mini donuts by the
dozen or half dozen. Fried fresh and rolled in cinnamon sugar, these
donuts are amazing plain, although raspberry, chocolate, and white
chocolate dipping sauces are available. Soft drinks, coffee, tea, and
hot chocolate also available.
Cabana Rentals
Guests can now rent premium cabanas at Blizzard Beach. These cabanas,
called Polar Patios, accommodate up to six guests and cost $250 per day.
They include an attendant, beverages, towels, and more. Premium Umbrella
spaces are also available to rent. For more details, or to make a
reservation, call 407-939-7529. Prices may vary seasonally.
Locker/Towel Rentals
Lockers can be rented near the main entrance. Locker rooms/restrooms are
equipped with showers. Other locker/restrooms can be found around the
park. There are both large and small lockers available to rent, as well
as towels. Life jackets and inner tubes are available at various
locations around the park, free of charge.
Location/Transportation
Located near Disney's All-Star Resorts. Guests may
take Walt Disney World buses from various locations throughout Walt Disney World.
Buses share the route with Animal Kingdom. When leaving Blizzard Beach,
guests may take a bus back to their resort OR to either Epcot or
Hollywood Studios. If
driving, exit I-4 at Magic Kingdom®, exit, and follow the signs. Parking
is free at Blizzard Beach.
Tickets Admission is included with some Theme Park passes. Single
day tickets and annual passes are also available. You can view the
various options by visiting the link below.
Walt Disney World Ticket Information
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