The Water Parks at Walt Disney World Resort

Nothing beats the heat of the Florida sunshine better than swooshing down a water slide or bobbing gently around a tranquil river aboard an inner tube. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, the water parks at Walt Disney World Resort, offer all that and more with big thrill action for the big kids along with tamer fun for the little ones and plenty of stuff in between. So pack your swimsuit and head for the beach – or was it the mountains?

Blizzard Beach.

Where else can you ride a toboggan in summer or walk on a floating iceberg but at Blizzard Beach, a winter themed water park with plenty of slushy, slippery fun. Complete with its own area reserved for the youngest visitors, Blizzard Beach has rides and water attractions for every member of the family.

Summit Plummet, Toboggan Racers, Slush Gusher and Downhill Double Dipper are for the brave of heart. Summit Plummet is touted as being the world’s fastest and tallest free-fall water slide. From 120 in the air, riders fall at speeds up to 55 mph. On the Toboggan Racer run, you will ride a mat facedown, competing against 7 other riders. The Slush Gusher drops thrill seekers 90 feet, while the Downhill Double Dipper has you racing a friend down the mountain.

If you are looking for thrills a little less wild, head for the Runoff Rapids, Ski Patrol Training Camp, Snow Stormers or Teamboat Springs. On the Rapids you hit the slopes in an inner tube, Teamboat Springs has up to 6 people in a raft wafting down a 1400 foot length of water slide, Snow Stormers lets you pick from three slalom-style slides to plunge down and the Ski Patrol Training Camp is designed especially for pre-teens with specialty slides, the floating iceberg and much, much more.

For the youngest visitors, be sure to hang out at Tike’s Peak, a miniature version of Mount Gushmore, Blizzard Beach’s signature mountain.

Typhoon Lagoon.

Head for the tropics at Typhoon Lagoon, with a chance to swim with the sharks or pick up a surf lesson in the surf pool. Typhoon Lagoon offers wet and wild fun in a lush tropical setting that will have everyone splashing in no time.

If you like extreme water slides make sure you hit the Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a one-of-a-kind water coaster. Its unexpected drops, uphill climbs, and white-knuckle turns will have even the most experienced coaster rider wondering what will happen next. For even more thrills, follow that up with the Humunga Kowabunga, an enclosed water slide that offers riders three different courses of drops and turns.

For slightly milder excitement, snorkel with the sharks at Shark Reef or hit the Surf Pool for some hang-ten fun. Three separate raft rides, Mayday Falls, Keelhaul Falls and Gang Plank Falls offer soakings for everyone and the Storm Slides end with a precipitous drop into a large pool for extra adventure!

Traveling with little ones? Cruise aboard an inner tube at Ketchakiddee Creek or lounge safely at Sandy White Beach.

Seaside Dining.

Whether at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, the water parks at Walt Disney World Resort offer some of the Resort’s more family friendly dining choices. Blizzard Beach serves snacks and desserts at the Avalunch, while Lottawatta Lounge serves hamburgers, pizzas and more for lunch and dinner. The grownups will enjoy a stop at the Polar Pub and Frostbite Freddy’s at the end of the day as well.

At Typhoon Lagoon, the Leaning Palms is your number one choice for hamburgers inside the park while Typhoon Lilly’s makes fish and chips, hot dogs and chicken fingers their specialty.

Travel Tips

Both parks offer lifejackets at no extra charge and coolers are allowed inside the park (no alcohol or glass bottles). So pack the sunscreen and towels and hit the water for Disney style fun in the sun! Also see Wet 'n Wild Water Park.