Are Disney’s Water Parks Worth Visiting?

Typhoon Lagoon 1
Typhoon Lagoon 1

Water Parks

Walt Disney World is synonymous with magic but many guests seek out these moments only at Disney’s theme parks. We here at Disney Addicts think there’s a whole lot to love about Disney’s two water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach.  Both parks are meticulously crafted, full of adventure and fun for all ages.  Here’s a brief rundown of what both have to offer.

Q. What is the theming like at the water parks?

A. Both Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach have unique backstories that lend to their theming. Legend says that Disney’s original waterpark, Typhoon Lagoon, which opened in 1989, was created after a treasure hunter, Captain Mary Oceaneer, was caught in a destructive sea storm and stranded at Typhoon Lagoon. Consequently, guests can experience a lush, tropical, beachy setting that’s dotted with some leftover wreckage from the storm, including Mary’s wrecked ship. Likewise, Blizzard Beach, which launched in 1995, was said to be Florida’s first ski resort; but due to soaring temperatures, it quickly melted into a water park. Guests visiting Blizzard Beach will notice the charming architecture, reminiscent of an alpine ski lodge, as well as the massive chairlift that transports guests from the beach 90 feet up in the air to the top of Mt. Gushmore. 

Disney World Water Parks

Q: What are the must-do attractions my family should experience at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon?

A. At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, which boasts 11 attractions, guests migrate to the park’s newest experience, Miss Adventure Falls, which had its grand opening on March 12th! This family raft ride takes guests on a white-water adventure through twists, turns, and dips. It also features the first animatronic characters used at a Disney water park; and at two-minutes, it is also the longest attraction at both parks. Additional “musts-do’s” are Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a water-based roller coaster where you can choose between three different slides; Humunga Kowabunga, a 5-story drop in the dark; and the Surf Pool, a wave pool that can generate 6-foot tall waves in between periods of calm. The Surf Pool also offers surfing lessons taught by surfing experts on select mornings before the park opens. Lessons cost $165 + tax per person and can be reserved by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

Check out this video of the new Miss Adventure Falls:

What are the must-do attractions my family should experience at Disney’s Blizzard Beach?

A. Also featuring 11 attractions, Disney’s Blizzard Beach offers the fastest freefall experience of a Disney water park with Summit Plummet. This 120-foot tall waterslide is set on top of the iconic Mt. Gushmore, and guests daring enough to brave this attraction can reach speeds of up to 60 mph. Equally fun but slightly less extreme is Slush Gusher, which is right next to Summit Plummet and features a single slide with two rolling hills that might give you some serious airtime. Additionally, many families enjoy Teamboat Springs, which is the world’s longest family raft ride at 1,400-feet, where guests will find themselves sliding down a twisting series of rushing waterfalls.

Disney World Water Parks

Q: What attractions are best suited for my children?

A: At both of Disney’s water parks, you’ll find something for children of all ages. Young children and preteens are offered special areas to enjoy in both parks. At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, toddlers flock to Ketchakiddee Creek Children’s Area, which features four small waterslides, a shallow water play area, and interactive elements like water cannons and gentle spray fountains. When venturing to Disney’s Blizzard Beach, little ones will surely love Tike’s Peak, which is a scaled down version of Mt. Gushmore and features gentle slides and a snow castle fountain play area with water jets. As an option for older children ages 5-11, guests can experience Blizzard Beach’s Ski Patrol Training Camp, where moderate level waterslides, an iceberg walk, and a T-bar drop are the perfect option for children too old for the toddler attractions but not quite ready for the park’s headliners.

Disney Water Parks

Q: What dining options are available in the water parks?

A. Both water parks offer delicious quick-service meals, many of which accept Disney’s Dining Plan. Popular options include sandwiches, burgers, and mini-donuts, which come with a choice of chocolate, white chocolate, or raspberry dipping sauce. Guests also won’t want to miss their chance to tuck into one of the famous Sand Pail sundaes (pictured). Think chocolate and vanilla soft-serve topped with waffle cone chunks, cookie pieces, sprinkles, hot fudge, caramel sauce, strawberry sauce, whipped cream and a cherry! Adults can also order a range of alcoholic beverages at several dining locations that feature a full bar. As a reminder, alcohol is not included in any of Disney’s Dining Plans.

Q: Why else should we visit the water parks?

A: To cool off of course! Florida’s warm temperatures often warrant a reprieve from the heat and humidity. Disney’s on-property resorts offer many great pools; however, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach feature acres of unique, thrilling opportunities for family fun. Also, those with Memory Maker will be pleased to know that , Disney’s Photopass Photographers can be found on-site at the water parks to capture even more magical moments from your vacation.

Q: Great. So how much are tickets and how do I get them?

Admission can be booked in two ways, either as a standalone ticket with costs coming out at $65 per adult and $59 per child (ages 3-9) or there’s a cheaper option for guests that aren’t planning on visiting during blackout dates.  The cost of these are $60 per adult and $54 per child.

Guests who have booked a Walt Disney World Vacation package can also purchase the Park Hopper Plus options which visitors the ability to visit as many theme parks as you want in a day and also includes access to both water parks.  The cost of a standalone Park Hopper ticket is $79.88 per person total (for stays of 3-days or longer), adding the Plus option with water park access is an additional $26.63 total.

Water Park tickets can be purchased online at disneyworld.com or by calling your travel agent.

Thinking about a visit to Disney? Click here for your FREE no obligation quote or fill out the form at the bottom of this page!

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at Disney.  Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook

Images copyright Disney.


Are Disney's Water Parks Worth Visiting? 1

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.

Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel

Name(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Disney Addicts Past Writers and Friends
Latest posts by Disney Addicts Past Writers and Friends (see all)