If you want to know what the BEST Disney water park is, then look no further as we go into the ULTIMATE showdown between Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach!
Walt Disney World is home to four incredible theme parks, but did you know there are also two exciting water parks at the sprawling resort?
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park offer an exciting day of splashing around in the sun.
It’s a great place to cool down for a fraction of the price compared to the traditional theme parks!
But which one is actually the best?
That’s a hard question, but with a little insight, I think you can pick which one is best for you after you read this guide.
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Location: Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach
Everything at Walt Disney World is about location, especially the water parks. Both parks are near a few Disney hotel options.
Typhoon Lagoon’s Location
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is located across the street from Disney Springs. In fact, you’ll see the entrance to the park as you drive past Disney Springs.
Disney Springs is packed with activities for the solo traveler and an excellent place to end your day!
The hotels closest to this water park are Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort.
Blizzard Beach’s Location
Have you noticed the towering ski jump on the Walt Disney World property? That’s Blizzard Beach!
The park is located between Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s All-Star Resorts.
However, because of the location of Typhoon Lagoon near many of the Disney theme parks, hotels, and activities, I choose Typhoon Lagoon for the better location.
Category Winner: Typhoon Lagoon!
Themeing: Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach
Both of the Disney water parks have distinct themes, so picking the best Disney water park may be easier if you want a certain vibe for the day.
Typhoon Lagoon Themeing
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is a tropical-themed water park with all of the island vibes you’re likely looking for in a water park day.
There’s a large wave pool at the center of the park that beckons you in. You’ll also see a large mountain, called Mount Mayday, with a boat on top of it.
As the story goes, the boat was swept up in the wind of a hurricane and landed at the top of Mount Mayday.
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Blizzard Beach Theming
A blizzard in Florida?
Blizzard Beach is built around the story of a freak snowstorm in Florida.
An entrepreneurial gator set up a ski resort, but the snow started to melt and created Blizzard Beach.
Unique, right?
Everything here is bright white and you’ll definitely hear Christmas music around the water park if you listen closely.
So as you can see, Blizzard Beach wins this category!
Category Winner: Blizzard Beach!
Attractions and Rides: Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach
There are plenty of rides for the entire family, or for single riders at the Disney water parks. Both parks have some of the same attractions and a few different options.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Attractions and Rides
Typhoon Lagoon has the most family rides of the two water parks. Here, you’ll find group raft rides and duo raft rides.
There’s also a large wave pool, a massive lazy river, and a kids splash area. If you’re looking for rides that everyone can do together this is the Disney water park for you!
How Many Rides Does Typhoon Lagoon Have?
There are currently 11 attractions and rides at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. Here’s the current list:
- Bay Slides: 60″ (152cm) or shorter
- Castaway Creek: All Ages, Any Height
- Crush ‘n’ Gusher: 48″ (122cm) or taller
- Gangplank Falls: All Ages, Any Height
- Humunga Kowabunga: 48″ (122cm) or taller
- Keelhaul Falls: Any Height
- Ketchakiddee Creek: 48″ (122cm) or shorter
- Mayday Falls: Any Height
- Miss Adventure Falls: Any Height
- Storm Slides: Any Height
- Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool: Any Height
Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget to sign up for surf lessons on your next visit to Typhoon Lagoon!
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Attractions and Rides
Blizzard Beach is known for its individual body slides where friends and family can race against each other, but not ride together — a great fit for solo travelers.
The biggest attraction at the water park is the 120-foot tall Summit Plummet, where guests fly down the slide at speeds up to 60 miles an hour.
There is also a smaller wave pool and a frosty lazy river here.
Although Blizzard Beach has one of the best water rides there, Summit Plummet, Typhoon Lagoon comes out on top because of its wide array of rides for everyone!
How many rides are at Blizzard Beach?
There are currently 12 attractions and rides at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. Here’s the current list:
- Chairlift
- Cross Country Creek
- Downhill Double Dipper
- Melt-Away Bay
- Runoff Rapids
- Ski Patrol Training Camp
- Slush Gusher
- Snow Stormers
- Summit Plumett
- Teamboat Springs
- Tike’s Peak
- Tobaggan Racers
Category Winner: Typhoon Lagoon!
Amenities: Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach
Both water parks offer additional services like cabanas, lockers, and umbrellas for an additional fee.
Typhoon Lagoon Amenities
At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon you can rent a Beachcomber Shack or a Typhoon Lagoon Umbrella.
Each is an additional cost on top of the park ticket, but might be worth it depending on your group size and needs.
The Beachcomber Shack is a semi-private cabana with room for up to 10 guests, towels, seating for six, a locker, refillable mugs, and cold water.
Each shack also comes with a host or hostess who can bring you drinks or food from around the water park.
Beach umbrella rentals come with large beach umbrellas, two lounge chairs and two beach chairs, a drink table, and towels.
Both of these services should be booked in advance since they are limited and do book up quickly. Reservations are by phone only.
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Blizzard Beach Amenities
Disney’s Blizzard Beach has its own version of cabanas and umbrellas, called Polar Patios and Lodge Umbrellas, respectively.
Polar Patios each come with room for up to six guests, towels, seating, a locker, refillable mugs, cold water, and a host or hostess who can assist with drinks and food.
Lodge Umbrella rentals include a large beach umbrella, two lounge chairs, and two beach chairs, a drink table, and towels.
Reservations for both of these should be made in advance by calling Walt Disney World’s guest phone number.
Since both Disney water parks offer similar amenities, we’ll give this category to them both!
Category Winner: TIE!
What to Know Before You Go the Disney Water Parks
Now that you know what to expect at both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, here’s what to know before your visit.
How many Disney water parks are there?
You’ll be happy to know that there are currently two Disney water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach.
Is Blizzard Beach open?
At the time of publishing this guide, Blizzard Beach is currently open but it will close for a short time on March 17, 2024 for refurbishment.
Is Typhoon Lagoon open?
Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed but will reopen on March 17, 2024 in operation and open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (times may change so check before you go).
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Are Disney water parks included in my theme park ticket price?
No, automatic entry into the Disney water parks is not included with your theme park ticket. But you can purchase a water park visit as an add-on to your theme park ticket.
Walt Disney World Annual Passholders should also look out for discounts on water park tickets during the summer months.
How busy are the Disney water parks?
It depends on the day, but a good rule of thumb is that the water parks are most busy on weekends, and less busy during the week.
How do I get to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach?
To get to both water parks there are a few options. The Disney buses drop off at both water parks, with direct service to and from all of the Disney hotels.
You could also drive yourself or take a ride share service. 3
If you want to drive yourself, just know that on busy days parking can be limited, but it is free, unlike the theme parks.
I prefer to drive myself, mainly because after being in a water park all day I don’t want to have to keep track of my wet things in a bus when I can just throw them in the back of my car and be finished.
Where can I eat at the Disney water parks?
There are plenty of places to eat at the Disney water parks.
While there’s no table service restaurant at either of the parks, there are plenty of snack stands, bars, and quick service locations around the park.
Many of these places offer mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app, which can be helpful on busy days.
Just be warned, most of the food options at the water parks close around 4:00 p.m. to 5: p.m., which is one hour before the water parks close.
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What should I bring to a Disney water park?
There are a few essentials that you’ll want to bring to the Disney water parks, including:
- Towels
- Sunscreen
- Change of clothes
You’ll also want to pack a waterproof phone case, and a pair of water shoes in case your feet are sensitive to walking on hard concrete.
And, of course, don’t forget your MagicBand!
Overall, What’s the best Disney Water park: Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach?
If you’re asking my opinion, I love Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park the most.
The theming is great, and I love that there are more thrilling rides I can do with friends and family instead of by myself.
The lazy river is also my favorite spot to enjoy in the afternoon after I’ve done most of the bigger attractions.
Which Disney water park do you like best? Let us know in the comments section below!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Megan is a theme park expert and frequent traveler to magical places. She covers all things Disney and Universal and runs marathons for fun.
She thinks you can tell a lot about someone by the name of their signature lipstick, and hers is NARS Dragon Girl.
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(Original Article Date: August 17, 2022/Updated by Editor on March 2, 2024)