Beyond the four main Walt Disney World parks lies two more examples of Disney’s Imagineering Genius-Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Unlike anything you’ve ever seen each of these unique properties is beautifully designed, intricately themed, and fabulously fun.
Many people may think the water parks are not for them. Perhaps they are first timers, and are overwhelmed with how much there is to do; or they have small children that aren’t ready for a waterpark. In an effort to save money (and time) many families decline the “waterparks fun and more” ticket option. If you aren’t ready to take the plunge into that ticket upgrade (which also grants you access to DisneyQuest, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, and golfing at Oak Trail for an additional $57.51 per base ticket) and would rather just get your feet wet, you can purchase a one-day one water park admission ticket ($47.93 per adult, $42.54 per child).
Another common misconception about the Disney waterparks is that they are only for extreme adventure seekers, not true! Like every Disney park, there is something for everyone! At Typhoon Lagoon the young can visit Ketchakiddee Creek (for children 48” and under) for the young at heart, visit Castway Creek, a lazy river where you can relax in an inter-tube as you float around the property.
Typhoon Lagoon was created when A terrible typhoon swept through 56-acres of Florida. The typhoon caused all sorts of mischief: surf boards in palm trees, pools with 9-foot waves, it even stranded a shrimp boat (Miss Tilly) on top of a volcano! Listen carefully and you’ll hear Miss Tilly’s whistle blow as a geyser shoots out of the volcano.This little island left behind by a tropical storm brings aquatic adventures to the next level with one of a kind experiences such as Shark Reef (swim with sharks!), surf lessons, the worlds largest wave pool, and nine water slides.
Blizzard Beach was the cause of yet another storm, a freak Blizzard that covered a mountain in snow in mere minutes. When the sun came out the snow began to melt, a half frozen, half thawed not-so-winter-wonderland appeared. An operational ski lift still remains and will take you to the top of Mount Gushmore; where many adventures await! Summit Plummet is a perilous peak, a 120-foot high slide that plummets you down 12-stories at a speed of 60MPH. If a peek isn’t what you seek, try Cross Country Creek where you can pick up a snowflake raft and float around the lazy river. Tike’s Peak has mini adventures for the little one’s and Ski Patrol Training Camp offers mid-sized adventures for those not-so-little one’s. Snow packed with single rider slides, team rafts and toboggan races, Blizzard Beach is a great way for the whole family to stay cool on a sunny day!
If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, Disney transportation buses will take you to whichever park you please. To maximize your water filled fun, try to arrive during Extra Magical Hours and enjoy cooler temperatures and shorter lines.
If you find yourself stranded at the parks without your essentials, don’t worry…both waterparks offer stores with everything you could have forgotten but have-to-have: sunscreen, water shoes, towels, goggles, even bathing suits! Rent a locker, stash your valuables and be on your way. Don’t forget to try a treat, found only in Disney’s waterparks are Mini Donuts (sugared or plain) and ice cream filled sand pails complete with sand shovels, these make a perfect afternoon snack or a great way to end the day.
If you’re ready to give the waterparks a try, check the calendar for dates and operating times, these parks do close seasonally for annual maintenance.
Related articles
- Disneyworld Planning 101 – Shopping smart for tickets (chipandco.com)
- Disney World Quick Tip – Only Buy As Much Park Ticket As You Will Use (chipandco.com)
