With the warm summer weather in full-swing, now is the perfect time to plan a visit to Disney World’s water parks. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach offer acres of water park fun for the whole family. With wave pools, water slides, water coasters and more, either park is a great place to cool off during your Disney World vacation. To help you plan your trip to Disney’s water parks, check out our list of top 10 tips for visiting Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
1. Blizzard Beach Refurbishment
Currently, Blizzard Beach is undergoing their annual refurbishment. While Disney has not announced an anticipated reopening date, it is likely that it will yet be this summer. Keep an eye on our blog for news! In the meantime, you can visit Typhoon Lagoon and enjoy its tropical paradise theme and 11 different attractions.
2. Renting Lockers and Towels
Both water parks have locker and towel rentals available for guests. These are optional to rent, but plan ahead accordingly. Towels are $2 per towel to use for the day; however, if you are a Disney World resort guest the towel use is free (yet another perk of staying on-site!). Locker rentals are $10 per day for a regular size and $15 per day for a large size. A locker rental might be a good option if you have valuables or a large amount of personal items you are concerned about keeping an eye on. At Typhoon Lagoon, you can find rentals at Singapore Sal’s or High ‘N Dry Rentals. At Blizzard Beach, find them at either Beach Haus or Snowless Joe’s.
3. Bring Water Shoes
Despite the many water features and pools throughout the water parks, the pavement gets hot! Walking between attractions or around the park can be hard on your feet. Plan on bringing water shoes for your comfort. Flip flops can work fine, although water shoes with a back can be more secure at times depending on what you’re doing. Note you might have to remove them on certain attractions.
4. Mobile Order Your Food and Drinks
There are a number of dining and snack locations throughout the water parks. A few offer mobile ordering, which can be a huge time-saver on a busy day–take advantage! At Typhoon Lagoon, you can mobile order at Typhoon Tilly’s and Leaning Palms (lunch and dinner quick service locations) as well as Surf Doggies (snack/drink location). At Blizzard Beach, you can mobile order at Avalunch, Lottawatta Lodge and Warming Hut (lunch and dinner quick service locations).
5. Renting a Patio/Cabana or Umbrella
If you want to ensure you have a comfortable and convenient designated spot during your water park day, consider reserving an umbrella or patio/cabana. These separately-charged reservations come with a number of perks, in addition to reserved seats.
At Typhoon Lagoon, an umbrella seating reservation can accommodate up to four guests and includes an umbrella, two reserved lounge chairs, two beach chairs, a drink table and towels. For more space (up to 10 guests), Beachcomber Shacks offer cushioned seats in a private shaded area, towels, a locker, ice water, souvenir refillable mugs and a dedicated service attendant. There are also deluxe and premium plus upgrades available for the Beachcomber Shacks which allow more guests, can include fan, mini fridge, TV, etc.
At Blizzard Beach, guests can reserve a lodge umbrella for up to four guests that includes a beach umbrella, two lounge chairs, two sand chairs and four towels. If you’re looking for a little more space, there are also Polar Patios which include towels, a locker, ice water, souvenir refillable mugs, and a dedicated service attendant. There are also Premium Polar Patios with a fan, mini fridge, roof cover and cell phone chargers.
If you will not be renting a patio area or reserved umbrella, consider arriving early to stake out your claim of a beach chair at your preferred spot. Popular areas fill up quickly! Keep an eye out for the Tip Boards in the park which will let you know which areas have available seats.
6. Plan For Parking
Parking at either water park is free, a great benefit if you will be driving your own vehicle. The lots do tend to fill up during the busy summer months, so consider arriving early to ensure you can find parking! Guests staying at a Disney resort can also enjoy complimentary bus transportation to both water parks. Depending on where you are staying, you may need to transfer buses at Animal Kingdom or Disney Springs.
7. Attend H2O Glow After Hours Event
If a daytime water park visit doesn’t fit into your vacation plans, perhaps purchase tickets for Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon. This separately ticketed after hours event offers guests the chance to experience lower wait times and special offerings for 3 hours at night.
In addition to complimentary ice cream treats, popcorn and select fountain beverages, guests can enjoy DJ dance parties and special character appearances throughout the night. This can be a great evening add-on to enhance your trip and enjoy the water park without the hot sun.
8. Pack a Cooler
Bringing your own snacks or beverages can help save a little money during your water park day. If you’re hoping to bring your own cooler or food carry-ins, note that picnic baskets and coolers are allowed; however, no alcoholic beverages, glass containers or loose ice are permitted. Coolers/baskets must be 24′ long x 15′ wide x 18″ high or smaller.
9. Be Aware Of Attraction Height Requirements
A few of the attractions at both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach have height requirements:
Typhoon Lagoon
- Bay Slides – Guests must be 60 inches (152 centimeters) or shorter
- Crush ‘n’ Gusher – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
- Humunga Kowabunga – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
Blizzard Beach
- Chairlift – Guests must be 32 inches (82 centimeters) or taller
- Downhill Double Dipper – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
- Slush Gusher – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
- Summit Plummet – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
If you are bringing little ones, keep in mind that Ketchakiddee Creek at Typhoon Lagoon and Tike’s Peak at Blizzard Beach are excellent play areas offering plenty of wading pools, water slides and water fun for little ones 48 inches and under.
10. Stay Hydrated!
As always, to maximize your enjoyment of the water parks, make sure you are staying cool and hydrated. Take breaks in the shade, drink lots of water, and make sure you’re wearing sunscreen.
Do you have any tips for visiting Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach? Tell us in the comments!
Written by
Leia Cullen
Leia is a proud mom of two boys. She has been in love with Disneyland and Disney World since her first visit to the parks many years ago, and she continues to relive the magic now with her family. She is passionate about creating helpful content that shares news or information about all things Disney, in the hopes it helps others create their own magical moments.
