For the first time in years, both Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park are open at the same time! I know that many Walt Disney World visitors will be happy about it this summer! Ultimately, it’s best to visit both on your Walt Disney World vacation. But if you can visit only one, how do you decide?
The first thing to ask is how long it’s been since you’ve visited Walt Disney World. If you’ve only visited during the summer the past few years, Typhoon Lagoon was your only choice. If you’ve been during the colder months, it was more likely Blizzard Beach. You might want to mix it up.
Theming is another factor. The story behind Blizzard Beach is that there was a freak snowstorm in Florda so they built a ski resort. Then the snow melted so they turned it into a water park. The Typhoon Lagoon backstory is just that, it’s the remnants of a typhoon. The themes are pretty much opposite, but they’re both a lot of fun.
Both Disney Water Parks have thrills. That said, if you’re looking for the ultimate water park thrill, head to Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Summit Plummet is not for the faint of heart! It’s one of the tallest and fastest body slides in the world. (Ladies, please read this warning!) If waves are more your thing then you might want to visit Typhoon Lagoon. Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool is the largest wave pool in North America. There’s a six foot swell every few minutes that can knock over even strong swimmers!
If you’re looking to just chill, both Disney Water Parks have great lazy rivers. There are areas for the kids. If those kids love Frozen, consider Disney’s Blizzard Beach.
You can’t go wrong with either of the two Walt Disney World Water Parks. There’s one thing to keep in mind, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. Just because both Disney Water Parks are open right now doesn’t mean that it will always be that way. Traditionally, one water park will close for several weeks during the cooler months for refurbishment. Once that reopens, the other will close for a few weeks. In the past, they’ve rotated which one closes first so that people who visit the same time each year will have a chance to experience both in two years. While nothing has been announced, I expect the same thing to happen this year.