Disney’s Water Park Blizzard Beach: Everything You need to know to make the most of your day
In 2025, guests staying at a Disney Resort Collection hotel receive a free water park day on their arrival day—a perk that Disney likely introduced to encourage visitors to return to the water parks after COVID. And let me tell you, the water parks are worth every penny (even when they’re not free!).
Before we dive into the details of Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, let’s talk about how to incorporate a Disney water park day into your vacation. Whether you’re reading the Typhoon Lagoon guide or the Blizzard Beach breakdown, this part applies to both! And the blog introductions will be the same!
How to Work the 2025 Free Water Park Day into your Disney Vacation
So here’s the deal: If you’re staying at a Disney Resort Collection hotel, you get one free water park day on your check-in day. Now, here’s where it gets even better—if you’re doing a split stay (meaning you’re staying at two different Disney resorts during your trip), you get two water park days! This is a great way to stretch your vacation value.
To make the most of your free water park day, I recommend arriving in Orlando as early as possible. Since the water parks typically open at 10 AM, you have time to fly in, check in, and head straight to the water park.
Here’s how to make that happen smoothly:
Take an early morning flight and head directly to your Disney resort.
Use Bell Services to store your luggage if your room isn’t ready.
Pack a small bag with everything you need for the water park (I have a whole system for this—check out my packing blog!).
Change at the resort before heading out. Every Disney resort lobby has restrooms, or you can use the pool area’s changing rooms.
Hop on a Disney bus to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach—transportation to the water parks is back!
Budget-Friendly Alternatives for Late Arrivals
If you’re flying in the night before, another great option is to book a budget-friendly hotel for the first night and then check into your Disney resort early the next morning.
A friend and I recently stayed at SpringHill Suites Lake Buena Vista Theme Park Resort for $125 a night, and it comfortably slept a family of six. We checked out early in the morning, transferred our bags to our Disney resort, and jumped right into our Disney vacation.
If you arrive late at night, you might also consider staying near the airport for the night and heading to Disney in the morning. Since the water parks don’t open until 10 AM, you’ll still have plenty of time to check in, store your bags, and start your vacation in a more relaxed way.
What to Pack for a Disney Water Park Day
Packing smart for a Disney water park day can make the difference between a stress-free experience and a scramble to find what you need. Whether you’re visiting Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, you’ll want to be prepared for a full day of sun, water rides, and relaxation. Since you’ll likely be heading straight from the airport or your Disney resort, it’s best to have everything packed in a separate bag so you can grab it and go. Towels are free for any disney resort guest at the water parks, and they are avaliable for rent for those who are not at a Disney Resort Collection hotel. And don’t forget, sunscreen is your best friend! Florida sun is no joke, and even on cloudy days, you’ll want to reapply frequently.
Water Park Packing List
✔️ Swimsuits – Wear them under your clothes for an easy transition to the water park
✔️ Change of clothes – You really do not need this if you are going to a Disney resort, but when my kids were babies and toddlers I liked to change them out of wet clothes. Now that everyone is older we just wear our coverups and rash guards on the bus.
✔️ Water shoes or flip-flops – The pavement gets HOT, and some rides require footwear. We wear crocs and they are the shoes we usually take during the winter months, in the summer because we go to the water park several times we take Nike Sunray water shoes.
✔️ Sunscreen – Reef-safe if possible; spray sunscreen is easier to apply throughout the day
✔️ Hats & sunglasses – Protect your face from the sun when you’re not in the water
✔️ Towels – Towel are FREE for on-site guest! so you do not need to bring towels from your resort. For off-site guests Disney offers towel rentals.
✔️ Waterproof phone case – So you can take photos! This is a must! I linked the one I use!
✔️ Goggles – Especially helpful for kids who prefer them in the water
✔️ Refillable water bottle – Stay hydrated throughout the day and there are refillable water stations.
✔️ Snacks – While outside food is limited, small, sealed snacks (like granola bars) are allowed
✔️ Ziploc bags – For keeping your phone, wallet, and other small items dry
✔️ Portable fan or cooling towel – Great for staying cool in the sun
✔️ MagicBands or park tickets – Needed for park entry. We use Magic Mobile for the water parks, your magic band is water proof but we do not want to risk losing it at the water park, so we use magic mobile to get into the parks so no one has their band on them.
✔️ Cash or credit card – For locker rentals, food, or souvenirs
Disney Water Park Rentals: Are Cabanas, Umbrellas, and Reserved Seating Worth It?
Let’s talk about renting cabanas, umbrellas, and reserved seating at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach—and whether or not they’re worth the cost for your family.
My family loves Disney’s water parks, and we’ve done it all: rented a cabana at Typhoon Lagoon, shared a Beachcomber Shack with friends, and gone the no-rental route in the off-season when it wasn’t as crowded. Each option has its perks, and whether or not you need one depends on when you’re visiting and what kind of experience you want.
Do You Even Need to Rent a Space?
If you’re visiting from June through August, the water parks are packed—I remember the first time I visited in the summer, and I was completely overwhelmed by the number of people! We were so grateful to have a reserved space because it gave us a central meeting point, guaranteed shade, and a spot to relax when we weren’t riding slides or floating in the lazy river. If you’re visiting in peak season, I highly recommend renting a cabana or at least an umbrella space.
On the other hand, if you’re going in the winter months, you don’t need to rent anything. The crowds are much lower, and there are plenty of free chairs and shaded areas available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you get to the park early, you can grab a good spot near the wave pool, lazy river, or kids' play areas without paying extra.
Blizzard Beach Rental Options
Polar Patios (Private Cabanas) – $$$ But Worth It for Big Families
If you want a VIP experience, Polar Patios are the way to go. These private, shaded cabanas fit up to 10 guests and include:
✔️ A private shaded space with cushioned seating
✔️ Towels, a locker, and refillable drink mugs (a HUGE money-saver if your family drinks a lot of soda or Powerade)
✔️ A cooler stocked with ice and bottled water
✔️ A private server to take your food orders and bring them directly to you
We split one with friends and had our babysitter with us, and it was absolutely worth the cost. Refillable drinks alone were $22 per person at the time, and we all got one included with our rental. Plus, having a private space for the kids to rest, snack, and cool off was a game-changer.
💰 Cost: Prices range from $225 to $500 per day, depending on the season.
📍 Location: Check-in at Shade Shack Rentals inside the park.
📞 Reservations: Call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529.
Lodge Umbrellas – A Budget-Friendly Shady Spot
If you want a guaranteed shaded area without the full cabana experience, Lodge Umbrellas are a great choice. Each rental includes:
✔️ A large umbrella for shade
✔️ Two lounge chairs & two sand chairs
✔️ Four towels
This is a solid middle-ground option if you don’t want to fight for chairs but also don’t need a full cabana.
💰 Cost: Prices vary by season.
📍 Location: Near the wave pool and lazy river.
📞 Reservations: Call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529.
Locker & Towel Rentals
Lockers and towels are available at Beach Haus and Snowless Joe’s, but I recommend bringing your own towels to save money.
✔️ Standard Locker: $10/day (12.5" x 10" x 17")
✔️ Large Locker: $15/day (15.5" x 13" x 17")
✔️ Towels: $2 each
Other Seating Options & Tips
🪑 First-Come, First-Served Seating: Both parks have plenty of chairs and shaded areas that are free, but they fill up quickly in the summer. If you want a good spot, arrive at park opening.
👶 Best Seating for Families with Young Kids: If you have little ones, look for chairs near the kids’ play areas. At Typhoon Lagoon, check out Ketchakiddee Creek, and at Blizzard Beach, head to Tike’s Peak. These areas have seating nearby, making it easy to keep an eye on the kids while relaxing.
Final Verdict: Should You Rent a Cabana or Reserved Seating?
💡 Yes, If:
✔️ You’re visiting in peak summer months (June–August)
✔️ You have a big group or kids who need breaks
✔️ You want shade, a central meeting spot, and a guaranteed chair
💡 No, If:
❌ You’re visiting in the winter months (crowds are low, and seating is easy to find)
❌ You don’t mind searching for a free chair
Ultimate Guide to Blizzard Beach
Disney’s Blizzard Beach is one of two water parks at Walt Disney World, and it has a unique snow-covered ski resort theme—which is ironic, considering it’s in the middle of Florida! This park is packed with thrilling slides, relaxing lazy rivers, kid-friendly play areas, and shaded cabanas to help you cool off from the Florida heat.
If you’re planning a trip to Blizzard Beach, this guide will break down each section of the park, including the best attractions, dining options, and tips for making the most of your visit.
Blizzard Beach Overview
📍 Location: Near Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
⏰ Typical Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (varies by season)
💦 Best For: Thrill-seekers, families, and anyone looking for a fun way to cool off
🏖️ Theme: A ski resort that “melted” into a tropical water park.
Winter vs Spring Break Crowds
Spring break is when Blizzard Beach really starts to pick up in terms of crowds. While the winter months are usually quiet and relaxed, things start to get noticeably busier from mid-March through mid-April, depending on when Easter falls. Families on school break head to Walt Disney World, and many choose to spend a day cooling off at the water park. It’s one of the busiest times of the season, so if you’re visiting during spring break, plan to arrive early, grab your spot, and consider renting a cabana or reserved seating to make the day more comfortable.
Blizzard Beach Attractions by Area
Blizzard Beach is designed to feel like a melting ski resort, with different sections of the park resembling different parts of a winter wonderland.
Here’s how the park is laid out.
Mount Gushmore: Home of the Biggest Thrills
If you’re a thrill-seeker, this is your section! Mount Gushmore is home to Blizzard Beach’s most extreme water slides, including the tallest body slide in the country.
🏔 Must-Do Attractions:
Summit Plummet – One of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides in the world, standing at 120 feet tall. If you’re brave enough, you’ll drop nearly straight down at speeds of up to 60 mph!
Slush Gusher – A medium-thrill body slide next to Summit Plummet, featuring two dips that give you a little “airtime” as you slide down.
Teamboat Springs – One of the longest family raft rides in the world! This one is great for groups, as the giant raft seats up to six people. I have to laugh—we did this, and the girls screamed the whole way down! Our toddler was probably a little too young, and my twin daughter a little too light. I spent the entire time squeezing my toddler’s hand, just to make sure she didn’t let go and fly out!
🔹 Pro Tip: Summit Plummet has the longest wait times in the park. Ride it first thing in the morning before the lines get too long.
Cross Country Creek: The Lazy River
🚣 Best for Relaxation
If high-speed slides aren’t your thing, Cross Country Creek is the place to be! This lazy river winds around the entire park, offering a 30-minute float through caves, waterfalls, and icy mist zones.
💦 Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Great for all ages
✔️ Plenty of entrance and exit points throughout the park
✔️ You can float as long as you want
🔹 Pro Tip: Grab a life jacket for little kids to make it easier for them to float along with you.
Melt-Away Bay: The Wave Pool
🏊 Best for a Beach-Like Experience
This one-acre wave pool is a great place to cool off if you want to swim and splash in gentle waves. Unlike Typhoon Lagoon’s giant surf waves, Blizzard Beach’s waves are more relaxed, making it a great choice for families with young kids.
This is completely different from Typhoon Lagoon, which will knock you out! We love this wave pool—it’s calm, relaxing, and perfect for the whole family.
Tike’s Peak: The Frozen-Themed Kid Zone
Best for Toddlers & Young Kids
If you’re visiting Blizzard Beach with little ones, Tike’s Peak is a must-visit, and it’s recently been rethemed to Frozen—and it is seriously adorable! This playful area now features baby versions of Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and their friends, all reimagined in toddler form.
It’s designed just for kids under 48 inches, making it a safe, size-appropriate splash zone for little ones to explore and have fun.
Best Features:
✔️ Mini versions of Summit Plummet & Slush Gusher for tiny adventurers
✔️ Gentle water slides & splash areas with Frozen-themed touches
✔️ A sand play area that’s perfect for digging, building, and sensory play
✔️ Shaded seating so grown-ups can relax and watch the fun
🔹 Pro Tip: This area has plenty of lounge chairs and shaded spots, so there’s usually no need to reserve a space. If you arrive early, you can snag a cozy seat close to all the action!
Runoff Rapids & Toboggan Racers: Classic Water Slides
If you love classic water slides, this is your section.
Runoff Rapids – Three unique tube slides with twists, turns, and tunnels. Some are enclosed for a dark and thrilling ride!
Toboggan Racers – A mat-racing slide where you can challenge your family and friends to a race down a snowy hill.
Blizzard Beach Dining & Snack Spots
You can’t spend all day in the water without grabbing some snacks! Blizzard Beach has a mix of quick-service spots and snack stands throughout the park. Here are some main features!
🍔 Lottawatta Lodge – The main restaurant at Blizzard Beach, offering burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads.
🍗 Avalunch – Home of loaded tater tots (a must-try!).
🍦 I.C. Expeditions – If you love ice cream, don’t skip the Sand Pail Sundae—it’s literally served in a bucket!
🥤 Warming Hut – Great for cocktails, slushies, and snacks.
Water Park Ticket Options 2025
When it comes to Disney water park tickets, there are a few different ways to dive into the fun—so let’s break them down to help you pick what works best for your family. Whether you’re heading to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, you’ve got flexible options to fit your vacation plans and budget.
🎟️ Standard Water Park Ticket Options
1-Day Water Park Ticket:
Includes access to one water park (Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon) for the entire day. Great for a full day of splashing, sliding, and relaxing.
💰 Adults (ages 10+): $74 | Kids (ages 3–9): $681-Day Water Park Ticket with Blockout Dates:
A slightly discounted option if you're visiting on non-peak days. Be sure to check the calendar to make sure your date is eligible.
💰 Adults: $64 | Kids: $58Water Park Seasonal Pass:
Valid for unlimited visits through May 23, 2025 (blockout dates apply). This is a great value for locals or longer vacations!
💰 Adults: $79 | Kids: $73
🌊 Free Water Park Day for Disney Resort Guests
In 2025, guests staying at Disney Resort Collection hotels receive a free water park day on their arrival day—how magical is that? And if you're doing a split stay (moving between two different Disney resorts), you'll get a free water park day for each check-in day. This is a fantastic way to jump into your vacation without using a theme park ticket on arrival day.
🌀 Annual Pass & Park Ticket Add-Ons
If you're a Disney Annual Passholder, you can add the Water Park and Sports Option, which gives you access to the water parks, golf, and other recreational activities. It’s a great upgrade for those looking to squeeze even more fun out of their pass.
If you’re buying regular Disney park tickets, consider upgrading to the Park Hopper Plus Option. This includes everything the regular Park Hopper does (visiting more than one theme park in a day) plus a set number of visits to water parks, mini golf, and more—perfect if you want a mix of park days and water park fun.
🇺🇸 Military Ticket Options
For U.S. Military families, Disney offers specially priced Military Salute Tickets—but if you want to include the water parks, you’ll need to request the Park Hopper Plus option, which is the only military ticket that includes water park admission. Here's the 2025 pricing:
4-Day Military Park Hopper Plus – $429
5-Day Military Park Hopper Plus – $449
6-Day Military Park Hopper Plus – $469
These tickets are a fantastic value, especially if you're planning to visit multiple theme parks and include a relaxing day at the water park. Just be sure to purchase through a base ticket office or Shades of Green and have valid military ID when you go.
How to Plan Your Water Park Day
One of the best parts about a day at Blizzard Beach is that it doesn’t require the level of planning you might be used to with the theme parks—especially during the winter months. Crowds are usually much lighter from November through early March, so you won’t be waiting in long lines for slides or scrambling to find a good seat. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the hustle of the parks and a great opportunity to let your family explore at your own pace.
Blizzard Beach is typically open seasonally, from November through May, since Disney usually operates only one water park at a time. During the summer, Typhoon Lagoon opens while Blizzard Beach closes. The only time you might run into larger crowds is during spring break, which often falls between mid-March and mid-April, depending on when Easter lands. With the 2025 perk offering a free water park day on your Disney resort check-in day, expect to see an uptick in guests on weekends—especially from locals and families arriving to begin their vacations.
Even with the occasional crowd, Blizzard Beach is super easy to navigate. My family never really “plans” this day—we just show up, glance at a map, and go. When you arrive, I recommend grabbing a map at the entrance, finding a place to sit, and deciding whether to rent a locker or pick up towels. Once you’ve settled in, you’re ready to explore. You’ll find large maps posted throughout the area, and the layout is compact enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed or lost.
For a great overview of everything, hop in Cross Country Creek, the lazy river that loops around the entire property. It gives you a relaxing preview of the slides, splash zones, and dining spots—and it’s honestly one of my favorite ways to start the day.
So while you don’t need an itinerary, getting your bearings early can make your day smoother—and then it’s all about soaking up the sun, splashing with your kids, and enjoying a laid-back Disney experience.
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family's favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!
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