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Opening time 10:00 am. Closing time varies
The second and most recent addition to Disney’s water parks Blizzard Beach is another great day out. This park is more orientated for the more energetic of us with all it’s slides and water attractions. It is located within the Walt Disney World resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Blizzard Beach opened on April 1, 1995 and was the third WDW water park after River Country and Typhoon Lagoon. River Country has since closed. The theme of the park is the "Disney legend" of a freak snowstorm in the area, leading to the construction of Florida's first ski resort. Naturally, the snow didn't last long, leaving behind a collection of waterlogged but snow-less ski jumps and chair lifts. The failed resort was in the process of closing for good when an alligator was seen sliding down a flume and splashing into a pool of water, screaming "Yahoo!!!!" Thus the "ski resort" was reborn as a water park, with the alligator (named "Ice Gator") as mascot.
The majority of the major attractions at the park are hosted on top of Mount Gushmore, a man made “Mountain” with a total elevation of 220 feet, making it the fifth highest point in Florida. Mount Gushmore is split into three coloured slopes to aid guests navigating around the park: Green, Red and Purple.
All water areas are heated (at approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit) with the exception of the melting snow in the ice cave of Cross Country Creek.
Green Slope
The Green Slope attractions are found at the uppermost point of Mount Gushmore. They can be accessed by foot, can be tiring after a few times of climbing your way up, or by chairlift. The chairlift is a one-way ride, except for guests with disabilities.
Slush Gusher is a 90 feet tall, 250-feet (76 m) long snow-banked mountain gully body slide attraction that reaches speeds up to 55 miles per hour (76 km/h).
Summit Plummet is the flagship attraction at Disney's Blizzard Beach waterpark. It is claimed to be the world's tallest and fastest free-fall body slide. It stands 120 feet (36 m) tall and riders reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (88 km/h). The ride, which resembles a giant ski jump, is located at the top of Mount Gushmore. Riders reach the peak by using a ski lift or walking up stairs. There is a minimum height requirement of 48" (122 cm). Not for the feint hearted!
Teamboat Springs is the world's longest "family white-water raft ride" at 1,400 feet (426 m) long. It is located at Disney's Blizzard Beach water park. This attraction sends guests down a twisting series of rushing waterfalls. Water Park guests sit in large blue rubber rafts, which can hold a minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 persons, equipped with handles to hold on to (You’ll need them) while the gushing water takes you down the slide. No infants and other Health Restrictions are advised.
Purple Slope
Access to the Purple Slope attractions is from a pathway next to the catch pool of Downhill Double Dipper.
Downhill Double Dipper is the world's only side-by-side racing slides. It is located at Disney's Blizzard Beach next to Snow Stormers on Mount Gushmore. This adrenaline pumping attraction's slides are 50 feet high and are 230 feet long. Guests travel up to speeds of 25 mph on these twin inner tube runs as they race to the finish line. Time clocks count-off each downhill heat and the runs are outfitted with automated audio equipment that signals the start of each race. Requirements: Minimum height requirement of 48" (122 cm).
Snow Stormers is a "mat slide" consisting of three flumes (350 feet long) located in between Downhill Double Dipper and Toboggan Racers on Mount Gushmore. The attraction descends from the top of the mountain and follows a switchback course through ski-type slalom gates. Guests lay on their stomach on the toboggan style mat as they ride down the flumes. Mat pickup at the top of attraction (Shares Mat Conveyor with Toboggan Racers)
 Toboggan Racers is an 8-lane, 250-foot water slide located at Disney's Blizzard Beach next to Snow Stormers on Mount Gushmore. The attraction sends guests racing over exhilarating dips as they descend the "snow" slope along the side of Mount Gushmore. Guests lay on their stomach on the toboggan style mat as they race to the finish line. Mat pickup at the top (Shares mat conveyor with Snow Stormers).
Red Slope
The Red Slope is found at the very rear of the park, containing only one attraction.
Runoff Rapids is a 600-foot inner tube run at Disney's Blizzard Beach water park, featuring two open and one enclosed tube slides. This attraction zooms guests down twisting, turning flumes, passing through corrugated steel pipes. Tubes available at the bottom of the attraction. The Red slope stairs are the only way to access this attraction.
Ground Level Attractions
This is where all the areas for the smaller kids are and access to the chairlift and steps. There is also Melt Away Bay which is a 1-acre wave pool nestled against the base of Mount Gushmore. This attraction is constantly fed by "melting snow" waterfalls creating "bobbing" (short) waves.
Cross Country Creek
Ski Patrol
Tike's Peak
Chairlift
Food & Drinks
Avalunch: Offers light snacks and refreshments. Located next to the entrance of the Chairlift.
Lottawatta Lodge: Ski lodge providing outdoor covered seating and is the main counter service area.
Polar Pub: Bar located on the beach by the wave pool.
Sled Dogger: Offers deserts and refreshments. Located near the Chairlift.
The Cooling Hut: Offers light snacks and refreshments. Located in the Village
The Warming Hut: Offers snacks, lunch and dinner. Located near the bottom of Downhill Double Dipper.
Coolers are allowed in the water parks. The only no no’s are glass and alcohol. As in Typhoon Lagoon you can buy the refillable Drink Mugs that cost $10 and you can fill it all day from the soda fountains. If you return another day you can get a new sticker for your mug for $7.
More Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon
Wet ‘N’ Wild
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