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Walt Disney World Resort
The Best Disney Water Park for Your Family: Blizzard Beach vs. Typhoon Lagoon
June 3, 2024
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Which Disney Water Park is the best? We’ll talk about themes, attractions, kids areas and more. But more often than not, the winner might come down to which one is open during your Walt Disney World vacation.

Tales are told about Blizzard Beach being a one-time ski resort that melted into soothing, warm water. But the remnants of ski town are still hanging in the air!

Typhoon Lagoon is a beach lover's paradise. But according to legend, it wasn’t always this way. The oasis formed when a fabled rogue storm struck the tropical Blustery Bay and the Placid Palms resort village. As the village’s small fleet of ships were tossed around the sea, bits and pieces of treasure and debris formed the now Typhoon Lagoon water park.

Now let’s dive into even more!

Disney Water Parks Quick Comparisons

Walt Disney World has two water parks—Blizzard Beach and Typhoon LagoonE. Each offers unique theming with classic Disney elements and hospitality added to the mix.

Prices for each theme park are the same, but here are a few of our top things to compare when considering which one is better.

Tickets provide admission to Disney's Blizzard Beach water park OR Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park, whichever is open and no reservations are required. Your ticket comes with full access to the water park attractions and complimentary parking.

While tickets to the water parks are separate from admission to the main theme parks, there are many Disney World vacation package deals that include tickets to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.

You might also consider adding on Disney After Hours tickets for DJ dance parties and exclusive late night menus during H2O Glow at Typhoon Lagoon.

Deep Dive into Disney Water Park Rides

Both Disney Water Parks are full of attractions—if you count them up one by one, you’re still not done. Because many rides have multiple experiences and slide options for you to try. One and done certainly isn’t the case here.

Wave Pools and Lazy Rivers

Iconic wave pools are a staple of classic water parks.
Blizzard Beach has a more relaxing wave pool where innertubes are permitted. Mount Gushmore’s waterfalls cascade into the massive Melt-Away Bay, creating short waves perfect for leisurely floating. It offers a nice intro to wave pools with just enough excitement.

Over at Typhoon Lagoon, the Surf Pool is North America’s largest wave pool. Venture out to the six-foot swells or stay on solid ground close to shore before the waves alarm sounds. No innertubes are permitted in this wave pool.

Both Disney water parks have lazy rivers to float the day away. Blizzard Beach has a 3,000-foot-long lazy river through a polar-themed paradise, Cross Country Creek. Typhoon Lagoon’s lazy river is a 2,000-foot grotto-themed called Castaway Creek.

Multi-Rider Attractions at Disney Water Parks

Blizzard Beach
  • Chairlift is a ski lift-like gondola ride up the mountain to popular attractions. You must be at least 32 inches tall to ride the Chairlift and stairs are available to all other guests.
  • Teamboat Springs is a family affair on one of the world’s longest group whitewater raft adventures, for up to 6 riders. Any height can ride as long as they can hold on to the hand rail in their own spot on the raft.

Typhoon Lagoon
  • Crush 'n' Gusher is a coaster-like raft ride down a 400-foot-long tube slide. Ride with a partner (or go solo) and choose from 3 “fruit chutes”—the Pineapple Plunger, Coconut Crusher or Banana Blaster. Riders must be 48in (122cm) or taller.
  • Family-friendly, 4 person raft ride, Gangplank Falls, takes you on a 300-foot long winding course down the mountain. Any height can ride as long as they can hold on to the hand rail in their own spot on the raft.
  • Miss Adventure Falls puts you in a 4 person raft as an aquatic conveyor belt chutes you into action! Any height can ride as long as they can hold on to the hand rail in their own spot on the raft.

Body Slides at Disney Water Parks

Blizzard Beach
  • Slush Gusher zooms you down an exhilarating 90-foot, high-speed waterslide in the shadow of Summit Plummet. Riders must be 48in (122cm) or taller.
  • Summit Plummet is a near-vertical drop on the tallest, fastest freefall body slide around. Plunge 12 stories through a darkened tunnel and into a massive spray of whitewater. Must be 48in (122cm) or taller.

Typhoon Lagoon
  • Humunga Kowabunga takes you down Mount Mayday for a near-vertical, 5-story drop—in the dark! Riders must be 48in (122cm) or taller.
  • Storm Slides offer 3 bodacious body slides: Jib Jammer, Stern Burner or Rudder Buster. Each one is full of zips, twists and turns ending with an epic 3-story-high waterfall finale. Any height can ride, but recommended for older kids and adults.

Inner Tube Rides at Disney Water Parks

Blizzard Beach
  • Downhill Double Dipper are twin enclosed water slides where you can race against a friend on high-speed slides. Riders must be 48in (122cm) or taller to ride.
  • Runoff Rapids offers 3 different inner-tube water slides to propel riders 600 feet down Mount Gushmore. Any height can ride but it's recommended for big kids and older.
  • Snow Stormers has you storming down snowy mountains on a toboggan-style mat on your belly! There are 3 different flumes which make racing friends totally cool. Any height can ride, as long as they can do so solo.
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  • Toboggan Racers is a race for first place on this 8-lane downhill slalom-style waterslide. Ride a toboggan-style mat on your belly. Any height can ride as long as they are comfortable riding alone.
Typhoon Lagoon
  • Keelhaul Falls is way up on Mount Mayday where you’ll enjoy a swift, scenic ride down through caverns and waterfalls—before a big splashdown at the bottom. Ride in a one person inner tube. Any height can ride as long as they can ride alone—no lap children.
  • Mayday Falls is the highest and longest water slide at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. It’s fast and turbulent as you zip down Mount Mayday. Ride on a single-rider inner tube. Any height but more popular with teens and big kids due to its intensity.

Kid-Size Slides and Play Areas

In addition to thrilling water slides for teens and adults, Disney knows how much fun it truly is to be a kid at Walt Disney World. Their water parks are no exception!

Blizzard Beach
  • Ski Patrol Training Camp was built with kids and tweens in mind offering tons of “training” and obstacles in free play form.
  • Tike's Peak is where little ones can chill out in a Frozen-themed play area with pint-sized waterslides and other cool features. Must be 48in (122cm) or shorter for this area.

Typhoon Lagoon
  • Bay Slides are mini versions of the ones Mom and Dad might ride nearby (Storm Slides), but these ones are made for preschoolers and littles who are 60” or shorter. Kids slide right into the waiting arms of their parents or caretaker in a shallow, secluded corner of the Surf Pool.
  • Ketchakiddee Creek offers the perfect space to splash all day at this expansive water wonderland designed just for little ones.

Narrowing Down the Best Water Park

After our thorough deep dive into all the attractions, it’s easy to see why making a decision on Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon is so hard! They both have classic elements like lazy rivers, wave pools and a variety of water slides and play zones.

Another thing to consider is logistics. With so many options when it comes to booking a Walt Disney World vacation, our team is here to help you every step of the way. And remember, no matter where you stay on property, there is free transportation between the resort hotels and all Walt Disney World theme parks.

More Tips for Disney Water Parks

After you’ve booked your best Disney vacation ever, it’s time to add these tips to your list for the ultimate vacation.

What to Bring to the Water Park

1. Waterproof Phone Case
You’ll want your phone with you for navigation, communication, and documenting the adventure. Heading into a park with so much water, the first thing you’ll want to pack is a waterproof phone case. Enjoy floating down a lazy river or lounging by the pool taking photographs of your family without the worry.

2. Bathing Suits
This may seem obvious at a water park, but it’s worth the reminder. If you do not have a swimsuit you will not be able to enter the water. Take care to pack suits that stay in place on waterslides and other attractions for maximum comfort.

3. Sunglasses and Goggles
Proper eyewear is always important! Sunglasses to keep the sun out of your family’s eyes, and goggles for eye protection in the water. Goggles can also really come in handy on splashy attractions like the wave pools.

4. Sunscreen
Nobody likes to be red and sore on vacation. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and re-apply on the whole family every hour or two. When you’re spending the entire day out in the hot Florida sun, a sunscreen mishap can be disastrous.

5. Towels
If you forget towels, they are available for rent at Disney World Water Parks. However, it is best to save your family money and bring your own.

6. Water Shoes
Water park walkways can be hot, slippery, and hard on your feet. Water shoes, water socks, or even flip flops will keep little feet protected and prevent slipping. You may not be able to wear water shoes on all attractions, however, so check ahead of time before getting in line for a ride.

7. Floaties
Floaties give little kids confidence in the water, and ease parent worry. You can rent life vests for free at Disney World Water Parks, but floaties may be less bulky and more comfortable. Even with floaties, it’s best to stay close and keep two eyes on your little ones at all times.

8. Snacks and Water Bottles
Spending a full day getting plenty of exercise in the sun can build up a big appetite. Remember to pack water bottles and plenty of snacks. If possible, bring a cooler to keep everything cool. Note that no glass or alcohol is allowed into the park. If you’d rather purchase your family’s food and drinks, Disney World Water Parks have plenty of dining options available with festive themed options like the Sand Pail ice cream sundae.

9. Sun Hats
For extra protection, sun hats are recommended to keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes. There are plenty of waterproof options if you want to keep hats on in the water.

10. Extra Clothes
Changing out of wet swimsuits before heading back to hotels and resorts makes a big impact on comfort. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes for everyone, including dry underwear.

Plastic Bags
Pack a plastic bag or two to keep everyone’s wet swim clothes from soaking everything else in your bag. A small item but very important at the end of a long day.

Whether you're new to Disney Water Parks or have visited many times, you may never have ventured to these waters, Get Away Today is here for you. You can book all of our vacation packages online including tickets to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon or call and speak to an agent directly at 855 GET AWAY.

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