Disney Water Parks: Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon Guide
Everything you need to know about Disney World's two iconic water parks — from Summit Plummet to the world's largest wave pool.
2 Unique Water Parks
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon offer completely different themed experiences.
World's Largest Wave Pool
Typhoon Lagoon generates six-foot swells in a tropical surfers' paradise.
Ski Resort Meets Water
Blizzard Beach turns a melting snow resort into a one-of-a-kind water adventure.
Family-Friendly Zones
Dedicated kiddie areas, gentle slides, and shallow splash zones for little ones.
Free Disney Transport
Complimentary buses connect all Disney resorts to both water parks.
- Family Appeal: 10/10
- Thrill Factor: 8/10
- Dining Options: 6/10
- Value for Money: 8/10
- Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
- Season: Open year-round (one park at a time, weather permitting)
- Hours: Typically 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (seasonal variations)
- Ticket Price: Included with Park Hopper Plus or from $69/day
- Best For: Families, sun-lovers, and water slide enthusiasts
- Highlight: Summit Plummet — 120-foot free-fall body slide
Two Parks, One Unforgettable Splash
Disney’s water parks are far more than simple pools with slides — they are fully themed, story-driven aquatic playgrounds that rival the creativity of the four main theme parks. Walt Disney World operates two distinctly different water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Only one operates at a time during off-peak seasons, so which one you visit depends on when you go.
Typhoon Lagoon is a lush tropical paradise themed around a shrimp boat marooned atop a mountain by a catastrophic storm. It features the world’s largest outdoor wave pool, a lazy river that encircles the entire park, and some of the best family raft rides anywhere. Blizzard Beach takes the opposite approach — it imagines a Florida ski resort that melted, leaving behind a chaotic water park of slushy slides and chairlift-accessed summit drops. It’s home to Summit Plummet, one of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides in the world.
Both parks offer complimentary towels, life jackets for kids, and that signature Disney attention to detail. Whether you’re racing friends down a six-story drop or floating peacefully around a tropical island, Disney’s water parks deliver a refreshing break from the crowds of Magic Kingdom.
Explore Disney's Water Parks
Disney's Blizzard Beach
A melting ski resort turned water park. Brave Summit Plummet's 120-foot near-vertical drop, race down Toboggan Racers, or float along Cross Country Creek. The chairlift carries guests to the top with views of the entire park. Best for thrill-seekers and older kids.
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
A tropical paradise with the world's largest wave pool and a lazy river that winds through caves and waterfalls. Crush 'n' Gusher water coaster defies gravity, while Miss Adventure Falls is a family raft ride through sunken treasures. Best for all ages.
Planning Your Disney Water Park Day
Disney’s water parks operate on a seasonal rotation schedule — typically only one park is open at a time outside of peak summer months. Always check the official calendar before your visit to confirm which park is available.
Arrive at opening (usually 10:00 AM) and head straight to the signature attractions — Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach or the Crush ‘n’ Gusher at Typhoon Lagoon — as lines build quickly by late morning. Renting a locker is essential for valuables, and Polar Patios (Blizzard Beach) or Beachcomber Shacks (Typhoon Lagoon) provide private shaded areas with towels, lockers, and server service — worth every penny for families.
Disney provides complimentary towels at both parks, so you can leave bulky beach towels at the hotel. Water shoes are highly recommended — the pavement gets scorching hot under the Florida sun. Outside food and drinks are permitted, making these parks one of the more budget-friendly Disney experiences.
Must-Do Slides and Experiences
At Blizzard Beach:
Summit Plummet is the headliner — a 120-foot body slide with a near-vertical drop that reaches speeds of 60 mph. Slush Gusher is a slightly milder double-hump slide for those not ready for the big one. Teamboat Springs offers one of the longest family raft rides in the world at 1,200 feet. The Ski Patrol Training Camp is ideal for tweens, with ziplines and a floating iceberg course.
At Typhoon Lagoon:
Crush ‘n’ Gusher is a water coaster that uses water jets to propel rafts uphill — a rare thrill that blends roller coaster physics with splashdown fun. The Surf Pool generates six-foot waves and offers surfing lessons before park hours on select days. Castaway Creek is a 2,100-foot lazy river that completely encircles the park. For little ones, Ketchakiddee Creek features pint-sized slides and splash zones with zero-depth entry.
Best Hotels Near Disney's Water Parks
Disney’s water parks are located within the resort but are not connected to any specific hotel. All Disney resort hotels offer complimentary bus transportation to both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
Disney’s Coronado Springs and All-Star Resorts are among the closest budget-friendly options. For a mid-range choice, Caribbean Beach Resort provides excellent Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios while remaining a short bus ride from the water parks. If you’re staying off-property, the Disney Springs Area Hotels offer official Disney perks and are conveniently located near the water park access roads. Free parking is available at both water parks if you choose to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are both water parks open at the same time?
Only during peak summer months (typically June–August) and holiday weeks. The rest of the year, Disney operates one park at a time while the other undergoes refurbishment. Check the official calendar before your trip.
Are towels provided?
Yes, complimentary towels are available at both parks. You can also rent lockers to store dry clothes and valuables.
Is there a height requirement for Summit Plummet?
Yes, riders must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall to experience Summit Plummet. Other slides have varying requirements, but most family rides have no height minimum when accompanied by an adult.
Can I visit a water park on the same day as a theme park?
Yes, with a Park Hopper Plus ticket. Standard Park Hopper does not include water parks — you need the “Plus” upgrade. Water park admission can also be purchased separately.
Are life jackets available for kids?
Yes, complimentary life jackets are available in multiple sizes at both parks on a first-come, first-served basis. They’re located near the main entrances.