A Blizzard of Fun for the Whole Family
By: Rebecca Jones
Blizzard Beach is one of Disney World’s two water parks, and is full of fun for all ages. There are areas set aside for the youngest of travelers, to the most daring of risk-takers.
Once you enter Blizzard Beach, you’ll pass the Beach Haus, which has just about anything you’d need to make a day of it – towels, swim suits, sunscreen, sunglasses, and more. Keep walking, and you’ll pass the largest quick-service dining location at the water park, Lottawatta Lodge. From there, you can turn right and go to the locker rooms and shower areas, or go left and make your way toward Melt-Away Bay, the large wave pool.
Whether you and your family spend most of your day in Tike’s Peak, for those children 48” and smaller, in the Ski Patrol Training Camp, for school-age and preteen children, or riding the intense waterslides like Summit Plummet and the Slush Gusher, your entire family will have a great time. There is a lazy river, and several racing waterslides, where your family can compete for who can make it to the bottom of the slide the fastest. My favorite activity is taking the Chair Lift up to the top of Mount Gushmore, and riding Teamboat Springs, a water raft slide for up to six people, down to the bottom.
Beach chairs and umbrellas abound throughout the park, and you can certainly “stake your claim” with towels and personal belongings. However, to truly have a relaxing day and no worries, I recommend splurging on a Polar Patio. These are designated cabana-type areas for up to six people.
Polar Patios include several amenities. When my family visited Blizzard Beach in the fall, we were greeted upon arrival by a personal attendant, who checked in on us all day, as well as brought us drinks, took our lunch orders and delivered our food. No waiting in long lines! We received all the bottled water we wanted, and complimentary refillable mugs that we then took home with us. There is a locker on the Patio, where we could put our Magic Bands, wallets, and camera. Towels were complimentary, and the padded chairs were much more comfortable than the plastic ones available elsewhere. Most of all, it was nice to have someplace central my family could return to and have time together, without worrying about our belongings.
A few things to note about Disney’s water parks before you go. Unlike your resort pool, towels are not provided at the water parks. You can purchase a towel at the merchandise locations, or rent towels from the park. Also, there are dining locations and all-day refillable mugs available for purchase ($9.99 each), but your resort-refillable mug will not work at the water parks. Lockers are available for rent, as well.
Your Wishes Family Travel concierge agent can help you purchase single-day water park tickets, or consider adding the Water Parks Fun & More option to your theme park tickets. It’s a great way to spend a day at Disney World.