What Does the Reopened Blizzard Beach Look Like? Here’s Our Gushing Review!

Pssst! Hey friend, lean in real close! I gotta secret. Did you know there’s an actual ski resort at Walt Disney World? Yup, it’s even complete with ice and snow. And it plays Christmas music all year round.

You’re probably thinking I’ve lost my dam mind and this would have to be something you’d have to sea for yourself. Full disclosure, this post is logged with lots of watery puns…get my drift? You’ll just have to try and keep me at bay. 😂

Ok, ok.

All joking aside, it’s totally true.

The anomaly I’m talking about today is a little place called, Blizzard Beach. If you’re new to Walt Disney World or haven’t been in a while, Blizzard Beach is one of two water parks located on Walt Disney World property. I referred to it as an anomaly, because well, it totally is. The legend tells of a freak Orlando blizzard, that inspired an impromptu ski resort, which of course melted as quickly as it came…resulting in the slushy gushy creation of Blizzard Beach.

Intrigued?! Well, lucky for us Blizzard Beach just recently reopened since the COVID closures and we were there to check it all out. In this post, I’ll be diving into the legend of Blizzard Beach, prices, location and transportation, attractions, food & merchandise details, and lots of otter info you’ll want to know before your visit.

Ready to get started? Let’s go chill at Blizzard Beach together!!

The Legend of Blizzard Beach

As with all Disney Imagineering, there’s a story behind each of its creations. Blizzard Beach is no exception. There’s a mythical legend behind the place and it’s a really fun one to buy into. It goes a little something like this…

In the winter of 1977, a freak snowstorm hit the northern end of Walt Disney World. With the intent to capitalize on the snow, the creation of a full-blown ski resort was quickly underway…complete with a chairlift and toboggan runs. But before the creators even had a chance to strap on a pair of snow skis, the temperatures returned to normal, resulting in a melty mess of a resort. The creators were prepared to cut their losses and walk away, until the arrival of Ice Gator, that is. Hearing a bunch of hoopin’ and hollerin’, the creators noticed a blue gator sliding down on the melting ski slopes – and having the time of his life, apparently. It was a Eureka moment! The melting ski resort was actually being transformed into a water park, and thus the makings of Blizzard Beach…A.K.A., “the most slushy, slippery, exhilarating water park anywhere!”

Theming & Atmosphere

Kinda fun, right? I actually wasn’t sure how the theming of snow and ice would really flow with a water park. Cuz let’s just be honest…when at a pool, beach, or water park, I want that summertime feel. Ya know, with sandy beaches, palm trees, ocean waves, and a fun cocktail with an umbrella in hand. Amiright?

But upon our arrival, I was taken aback at just how adorable and unique Blizzard Beach is! First off, the resort has a Swiss chalet-style to it. You definitely get the ski resort vibe but with a summer twist. You’ll see snowcapped ski slopes, snow mounds, melty snowmen, but also a gorgeous beach with white sand, and waves. Lots of waves. It sounds just like you’re sitting right on the beach. Not to mention there are ski slope-themed waterslides, attractions, and obstacle courses. Somehow snow and ice just work here and we’re not mad about it.

Plus, it’s not every day that you see snow in Florida. If I’ve gotta deal with snow, this is the way to go!

Location & Transportation

Blizzard Beach can be found in the Animal Kingdom area of Walt Disney World. From the top of Summit Plummet, you can see Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom – another snow-covered mountain that we all love so much.

If you’re staying on property, your only transportation option is a Disney Bus. You’ll have to check if your resort actually has a bus line that takes you directly to Blizzard Beach. If not, you can simply take a bus over to Animal Kingdom first, and catch a transfer bus over to Blizzard Beach.

Of course you can always drive your own vehicle or catch an Uber or Lyft.

Parking is FREE at Blizzard Beach. (Hooray for something being free at Disney.)

Tickets, Pricing, & Hours

There are several different ticket options that allow you to access Blizzard Beach.

• Park Hopper Plus Option – This ticket option gives you the choice of visiting more than one park per day, plus entry to Blizzard Beach water parks, Typhoon Lagoon water park (currently unavailable), ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course(one round; prior to 4:00 PM, Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (one round; prior to 4:00 PM/Currently Unavailable).

• Water Park and Sports Option – This is the same as the above ticket but without the Park Hopper option. You’d only be able to visit one park per day, but still have access to all of the water parks, golf, and ESPN Sports Complex.

To compare tickets and prices which vary seasonally, you can click here.

• 1-Day Water Park Tickets – with or without blockout dates (blockout dates are from May 29 to October 3, 2021).

With blackout dates: Ages 10+ – $64, Ages 3-9 – $50

Without blackout dates: Ages 10+ – $69, Ages 3-9 – $63

• Annual Passholders – Platinum and Platinum Plus passes include water park benefits.

Annual Passholders who do not have water park benefits included can receive 20% off admission. This can only be done at the ticket window at Blizzard Beach. (Even Cast Members with iPads weren’t able to do this for us. It had to be done at the window.)

Hours:

11am – 6pm daily (Subject to change, so check back often.)

Attractions

The attractions in the park are organized by slopes. So clever! There are three different levels of slopes; green, purple, and red.

Green Slopes

The green slopes include the headliner attractions. This is where you thrill-seekers head first! The Chairlift takes you up to the top of Mt. Gushmore, and there you have the option of three different thrilling slides. (But you can also climb the stairs up to the top, too.)

• Summit Plummet – This is the tallest and most thrilling slide in the whole park. In fact, it’s the third tallest and fastest waterslide in the entire world. At 12 stories high, you’ll plunge at record speeds on a near vertical drop.

• Slush Gusher – Another exhilarating waterslide, but this one plunges you down a 90-foot drop. Instead of a straight drop, this one includes a few hills along the way.
• Teamboat Springs – This is a family raft ride that can seat up to six and is reminiscent of a white-water raft ride down one of the world’s longest raft runs.

Purple Slope

• Toboggan Racers – is an 8-lane slalom-style racing slide. Belly down and head first, you’ll zip down a 250-foot long race while on a mat.
• Snow Stormers – this is one of three racing waterslides where you’ll use a toboggan-style mat and zigzag down a 350-foot long racecourse to the bottom of Mount Gushmore.
• Downhill Double Dipper – This was my son’s favorite! He loved being able to race against us and said the drop was, “SUPER INTENSE!”

Red Slope

• Runoff Rapids – located toward the back of the park, this attraction includes three different slides. One is a tube slide where you careen down a 600-foot run to a big splash. The other two waterslides are inner-tube slides that twist and curve all the way down to the bottom.

Ground Level

• Melt-Away Bay – is a 3-acre wave pool and beach area. It’s absolutely gorgeous and has gently rolling waves like your most perfect day at the beach.
• Cross Country Creek – relax and float your cares away around the entire water park. Look out for Ice Gator’s house, dark caves, and melting ice waterfalls.
• Ski Patrol Training Camp – this the preteen area, and where my kids (ages 8 and 10) spent most of their time. Ski Patrol Training includes intermediate waterslides, racing slides, obstacle courses, and a tunnel slide in the deeper area of the pool.
• Tike’s Peak – for children 48″ and under, includes side-by-side downhill slides, junior inner-tube ride, snow chutes, wading pools, and a splash area. There’s a beach area that’s perfect for building sandcastles.

Lounge Areas & Pavilions

Lounge chairs and seating areas are located throughout the entire park, minus the village area. With health and safety measures in place, you’ll find that the chairs have been placed in clusters of 2-6 and are spaced out at least six feet from other groups. Signs have been posted asking guests to not move the chairs in order to maintain physically distancing from others.

The best place, in my opinion, to grab a seat is on the beach in front of Melt-Away Bay. Here you get an amazing view of the beach area and can put your toes in the sand. Towards the back of the beach are covered pavilions if you’d like to try and keep out of the sun. Keep in mind that this is prime seating, so get there early to make sure you nab a spot.

Another thing to consider in regards to seating is your family’s preference of activities. While I love Melt-Away Bay, it’s not a good fit for my family because my kids love to spend most of their time at the Ski Patrol Training area. If you have a baby for a toddler, you’re probably going to want to find seats close to Tike’s Peak. My suggestion would be to check out a park map and figure out where you’ll spend most of your time. Then you’ll know exactly where to head once you enter the park. This will save you lots of time and confusion.

Blizzard Beach park map can be found here.

If you’d like to ensure that you have covered seating or need space for a larger family, you may want to consider reserving one of the Lodge Umbrellas or Polar Patios.

Lodge Umbrellas – this option can seat up to four guests and includes a beach umbrella, two loungers, two beach chairs, a table, and towels.

Polar Patios – these private patios can accommodate up to six guests, and comes with towels, cushioned seating, a locker, refillable drink mugs, ice water, and an attendant who will even take and deliver your mobile food order.

I highly recommend that you reserve these in advance. You can do that by calling (407) WDW-PLAY. Pricing varies on the season and demand.

On the day of your visit, you can swim on over to the Beach Haus to inquire about availability.

Dining Options

There are quite a few places to grab a bite or a drink at Blizzard Beach. While you won’t find any fine dining, you’ll definitely be able to enjoy some unique treats, yummy desserts, and refreshing beverages. Alcoholic drinks are also available. Here’s the list of all the goodies you can find…

• Arctic Expeditions – a fun yellow snowmobile located near the Chairlift. Menu options include Piña Coladas, Black Cherry Lemonade, and craft beer.

• Avalunch – specialty hot dogs, nachos, draft beer, and soft drinks

• Cooling Hut – popcorn, assorted chips, Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar, soft drinks, and domestic beer
• Frostbite Freddy’s Frozen Refreshments – Frozen Blue Raspberry Lemonade, bottle water, margaritas, draft domestic and craft brews. (This is also where you can get your complimentary life vest rental if needed.)
• I.C. Expeditions – sundaes, floats, bars, waffle cones, and other frozen desserts

• Lottawatta Lodge – flatbread pizzas, specialty burgers, chef salads, Piña CoLAVA, and a few select desserts

• Mini Donuts by Joffery’s Coffee – this little stand is famous for its freshly made mini donuts. You can order these by the dozen or half dozen. You can also get them with chocolate, raspberry, or white chocolate dipping sauces. Coffee, hot chocolate, and teas are also available here.

• Polar Pub – a full-service bar that includes specialty cocktails such as the Piña CoLAVA or Blue Blizzard, along with bottled and draft brew-skis.😂
• Warming Hut – Shrimp Louie Wrap, Honey Butter-Chicken Sandwich, brownie sundae, churros with chocolate sauce, cookies, fountain drinks, bottled water, and bottled beers

Lottawatta Lodge, Avalunch, and Warming Hut are available for Mobile Ordering.

We grabbed lunch at the Lottawatta Lounge (Not my pun, but man, the name of the lodge is a comical genius!) Honestly, our food was just ok….was it terrible? No. But it didn’t really float our boat either. (I know, I’m terrible!😂) Our flatbread pizzas were pretty bland and the crust was soggy. My burger was dry and lacked flavor. And our fries were over seasoned and mushy on the inside. I’ve had some AMAZING food at Walt Disney World, but this didn’t even come close.

With that being said, credit is always due where credit is due. We were able to place our order on the mobile app. Our pickup window was immediate, our food was ready very quickly, and it was served hot and it actually looked really yummy! But overall, it lacked flavor and quality, especially for the price.

I think you’re better off packing a cooler and bringing your own lunch. (Yes, you can totally do that!) And spend your money on some fun alcoholic drinks and ice cream sundaes or those mini donuts for the kids.

Refillable Mugs are available. A new mug will set you back $11.99 but allows for unlimited beverage refills on the day of your visit. If you visit another day, you can bring your mug back and receive a discount. You will only have to pay $8.50 for the RDFI reactivation.

Merchandise Locations

Towards the front entrance is a little village area. This is where you’ll find the merchandise locations. There’s two spots that are currently available.

• Beach Haus – immediately to your left upon entering the park. Here you’ll find everything you need; swimwear, footwear, sunglasses, towels, sundries, umbrella, and beach rentals.
• Sand Breakers – beach/water footwear by Havaianas.

This is also where you can find some really cute photo opportunities. Towards the front entrance, there’s Sonny’s Sleds and the melty snowman family. There’s even a little place where you can set your phone in, and use your timer to take your own family photo.

Restrooms and Locker Areas

There are four separate restroom locations; in the village area, at Lottawatta Lodge, next to the Purple Slopes, and adjacent to the Ski Patrol Training Camp.

Locker rentals can be found at the Beach Haus merchandise location or at the Ski Patrol Training Bathrooms.

Masks are required to be worn in the bathroom and locker areas.

COVID Health and Safety Measures

Just like with anything these days, there are some differences to keep in mind with regards to health and safety measures. I’ve made a quick bulleted list so you can quickly see what you can expect during your visit.

• Floor markings are placed in line queues and in areas where you may find yourself waiting in a line. These show you where to stand so that you remain physically distant from others.
• Temperature screenings are required at the entry to the park. A temperature reading higher than 100.4 will not be allowed entry.
• Masks are required to enter the park and in communal spaces such as the village, dining locations, restrooms, and locker areas. If you’re seated at your designated lounge chairs, in line for an attraction, or are going into the water, you are not required to wear your mask.
• You are not allowed to wear your mask in the water or on any of the water attractions. If you feel more comfortable wearing your mask while waiting in line, you may certainly do so. I recommend bringing along one of those waterproof pockets, so you have a place to stash your mask and keep it dry while you’re in the water.
• Waterproof lanyards are available at Blizzard Beach, but you can save a ton of dough by purchasing beforehand. One of my favorite ones can be found here.
• It’s your job to stay physically distant from others while in the water.
• Enhanced cleaning measures were observed, however, I did not notice any of the inner-tubes being cleaned after each use. I was told that the chlorine should kill any germs or viruses, but that Cast Members do clean them at the end of every day.
• Should your mask get wet, there are vending machines where you can purchase a disposable mask.

More Helpful Information

• Coolers and food are allowed to be brought into the park. However, glass and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
• The chairlift includes a gondola, should you need additional assistance getting to the top of Mt. Gushmore.
• Lost and Found is located at Guest Services.
• PhotoPass photographers are currently not available. Make sure that you have your phone and camera fully charged.
• String back and throng swimsuits are not permitted. It’s not Sea World, honey. We’re not trying to give the kids a show. K, thanks. 😂
• Towels are available for guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort. There are Towel Return bins located throughout the park so you don’t have to carry around a wet towel. All other guests will need to bring their own towels or buy ones from the Beach Haus merchandise shop.
• Strollers larger than 31″ x 52″ and wagons are not permitted.
• Life vests are complimentary and can be checked out at Frostbite Freddy’s.
• All water areas are heated, except for the melting ice waterfalls along Cross Country Creek. And lookout, those are cold! Talk about ice, ice, baby!

Final Thoughts

I know this post is probably only the tip of the iceberg in regards to all things Blizzard Beach. But my family and I had a whale of a time! (Ok, I’ll stop!) But in all seriousness, there was something so refreshing about being at a water park again. There’s no denying that sunshine, fresh air, and water are just good for the soul. Not to mention that I was able to see my kids laugh and smile without a mask on all day. Blizzard Beach has a little something for everyone, even if that just means sunbathing by Melt-Away Bay. From the lazy beach-goer to the thrill-seeker, your day at Blizzard Beach is sure to be hook line and sinker! (I had to squeeze in one more!)

I also want to point out that crowd levels are always much lower at the water parks vs. the theme parks. And being in the water all day, we didn’t even notice the 90-degree temperatures. If you’re on the fence about whether to make Blizzard Beach a part of your vacation, I’d encourage you to GO FOR IT!

Did I forget anything? Have more questions? Feel free to leave it in the comments below. Or reach out to me on any of my social media channels. I love helping others with their Disney questions!

Want more information and tips? Come hang out with me on Instagram. We’re in the parks each week and I take you along in my stories. You’ll able to get a ton of new information for your next trip.

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