Disney’s Blizzard Beach versus Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – by Dawn Gosdin

First things first, both water parks are distinctively different aesthetically. Typhoon Lagoon has more of a tropical island vibe whereas Blizzard Beach has a winter snowstorm feel. Both exciting in their own right, now let’s see the differences between the two: 

I would like to mention three very different attractions that Typhoon Lagoon has versus Blizzard Beach:

• Shark Reef – Snorkel in this 362,000 gallon tank filled with stingrays, tropical fish and don’t forget SHARKS-eek!
• Surf Pool – Catch a wave in this gnarly wave pool with surf lessons available before park opening. If you would like to take part in this unique adventure call 1-407-939-7529, the cost is $165 per person. Get your wave on!
• Crush ‘n’ Gusher – a multi-person water-coaster ride, hold on tight!

Now the attractions Blizzard Beach has that Typhoon Lagoon does not:

• Chair Lift – Gondola style ride to the top of Mount Gushmore, hope you’re not afraid of heights, lol.
• Teamboat Springs – a multi-person whitewater raft ride, great for the entire family.
• Summit Plummet – 12o foot long slide resembling a ski jump with a daring 12 story drop at speeds of 60 MPH, Holy Guacamole’!

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is also the older of the two water parks with its grand opening June 1989 and Blizzard Beach following in April 1995. Disney’s Blizzard Beach is the larger of the two water parks.

Water park Tip: Try to bring your own beach towels to the water parks or you will pay a $2.00 fee to rent a towel and who really wants to do that, not me!

Both water parks have locker rentals; small $8 a day plus $5 refundable key deposit and large for $10 a day plus $5 refundable key deposit. Both have private Cabana rentals. Typhoon Lagoon has Beachcomber Shacks and Blizzard Beach has Polar Patios with room for six, they include beach towels, attendant on call, private locker and drink mugs with shaded comfy patio furniture. Full day rental costs $345.06 and half day is also available, if interested call~407-WDW-PLAY. Both water parks also have umbrella and chair rentals available and plenty of free lounge chairs located all over the water park.

Attractions – Fun, fun, fun in the sun, is what you will have at these thrilling water experiences.

Typhoon Lagoon has 11 attractions:

• Bay Slides
• Castaway Creek (Lazy river 2,000 foot long route with 5 landings along the way)
• Crush ‘n’ Gusher
• Gangplank Falls
• Humunga Kowabunga
• Keelhaul Falls
• Ketchakiddie Creek
• Mayday Falls
• Storm Slides
• Shark Reef
• Surf Pool

Blizzard Beach has 12 attractions:

• Chair Lift
• Cross Country Creek (Lazy river 3,000 foot long route with 7 landings along the way)
• Downhill Double Dipper
• Melt-Away Bay
• Run Off Rapids
• Ski Patrol Training Camp
• Slush Gusher
• Snow Stormers
• Summit Plummet
• Teamboat Springs
• Toboggan Racers
• Tikes Peak

Dining: Whether or not you’re hungry for a snack, a meal or you just need to quench your thirst, check out both water parks dining establishments.

Typhoon Lagoon has 6:

• Happy Landings Ice Cream
• Leaning Palms
• Let’s go Slurpin’
• Lowtide Lou’s
• Snack Shack
• Typhoon Tilly’s

Blizzard Beach has 8:

• Avalunch
• Cooling Hut
• Frostbite Freddy’s Frozen Freshments
• I.C. Expeditions
• Lottawatta Lodge
• Mini Donuts
• Polar Pub
• Warming House

Shopping: If shopping is something you can’t shy away from, then you’re in luck at both water parks, since each of the water parks have 4 shopping spots.

Typhoon Lagoon:

• High ‘N Dry Rentals
• Magic Ink & Beads Artisan
• Pearl Factory
• Singapore Sal’s

Blizzard Beach:

• Beach Haus
• Magic Ink & Beads Artisans
• Shade Shack
• Snowless Joes

I really don’t think you could go wrong visiting either water park. Transportation is provided to both water parks and if purchasing tickets separate from your park passes with the water parks fun & more option – admission to both parks starts at $58. They both seem amazingly gnarly. Do you hit up the water parks when you visit Walt Disney World? Which one is your favorite?