If you like your rides wild and wet, you'll love Disney's water parks. Blizzard Beach combines the slopes and slaloms of a ski resort with the slides and rapids of a world class water park. At Typhoon Lagoon, you can plunge down waterfalls and rushing rivers and snorkel with tropical fish. Grab your bathing suit and get ready to get wet - there'll hardly be a dry moment when you're having fun at Disney's water parks.
Blizzard Beach is one of the largest water parks in the country. It is also one of the most unique - according to Disney legend, the park formed when a freak storm dumped snow on the western side of Disney World. When temperatures rose, ice and snow began to melt, creating some of the best "natural" water slides in the world. The whimsical park relies on some of the fixtures of traditional ski resorts, like chair lifts to carry guests to the top of water slides. The best parts of the beach are also incorporated - the water hovers around 80°F and pavilions for sunbathing provide an opportunity to soak up some rays when you're not splashing in the water.
Carved into Mount Gushmore is Summit Plummet, the main attraction of Blizzard Beach . Looming over the park at 120 feet, it's the tallest, fastest free-fall water slide in the world. Riders break the speed limit, racing down the slide at 60 miles per hour to meet a tidal wave-sized splash at the bottom. Toboggan Racer is another popular water slide, featuring eight lanes and multiple drops to make your trip down the slope all the more thrilling. Those that would rather stay seated will enjoy Blizzard Beach 's raft rides like Teamboat Springs, which careens six passengers through waterfalls and down a rushing river. Give youngsters a treat at Tike's Peak, where they can splash and play on a miniature version of the landmark Mount Gushmore . After you've worked up an appetite, head to the Lottawatta Lounge, a ski lodge-style restaurant that serves burgers, pizzas, salads and sandwiches. If you want to grab a bite to eat and keep moving, stop by Avalunch, where you can pick up a snack or frosty dessert.
Typhoon Lagoon is a tropical oasis, Disney style. In addition to exciting rides, the park offers premium snorkeling year-round. Like Blizzard Beach , Typhoon Lagoon has a legend behind its creation - long ago, a typhoon tore through Florida and carved out the rapids and rivers that became the trademarks of the park that bears its name.
Castaway Creek is one of Typhoon Lagoon's prime attractions. The over 2000 foot river raft ride winds through the entire park and provides a relaxing tour of everything that Typhoon Lagoon has to offer. Once you're ready for action, head to one of the park's waterfall rides. At Keel Haul Falls , you'll marvel at palm trees, waterfalls and special effects in your own personal inner tube. Thrill-seekers flock to Humunga Kowabunga, a trio of speed slides that zoom riders down through caverns and caves. If you've always wanted to get up close and personal with ocean wildlife, jump into Shark Reef for a snorkeling experience you won't forget. Inside a coral reef-inspired tank, you'll come head to head with live sharks and colorful tropical fish. Typhoon Lagoon's eateries are as good as its attractions. Grab a table at Leaning Palms for hot dogs, burgers, pizzas and ice cream. Typhoon Tilly's features lighter fare, like salads, sandwiches and cool drinks.
Disney's water parks are some of the best the world has to offer. While both are normally open from sunup to sundown, check out the individual calendars of Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon to make sure you have plenty of time to splash around. If you're eager to get wet, stay at the Baymont Inn , Quality Inn Maingate West or Sheraton's Vistana Resort - all are a few minutes drive away from the parks. Whether you decide to go to one park or both, when Disney magic meets world class water rides, you're all but guaranteed to have a great time. |
