Sunbathe in the Snow! (Walt Disney World Resort Florida in general)

Member Name: rachelwestall

Product:	Walt Disney World Resort Florida in general
Date:	11/10/08 (54 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lot's of shade. Slides for all ages.

Disadvantages: Lots of people!

Blizzard Beach is a wonderful water park in Disney's Sunshine State. You could be forgiven for thinking you had taken a wrong turn at the airport as you enter a world of snow capped mountains, christmas trees and tobogan runs.

You would never know that you were in the subtropics, as the 66 acre park resembles a ski resort, complete with its own ski lift that takes you to its main slide runs. These waterslides (of which there are about 5) have been cunningly disguised to look like skiing pistes. The most terrifying run is the Summit Plummit, a freefall speed slide (120ft / 37m). This is not for the feint hearted as you race down a 'ski jump at about 60mph!

The family tube ride 'Teamboat Springs', is a great ride for all. It claims to be the world longest family raft ride, and it doesn't disappoint. Together in a large inner tube you speed round bends and plummet drops (not too large!) Great fun for all.

There is something for everyone at this 'ski resort' in the sun. I enjoyed reading my book under the shade of the trees next to 'Melt away Bay' - a one acre bobbing wave pool. The Cross Country Creek was great too ( a lazy river). I sat in an inner tube for 30 mins, relaxing, watching the park go by!

There is an area for 'littlies' - Tike's Peak and for those a little older - Ski Patrol Training Camp. This has slides for pre-teens, a T-bar drop and an iceberg walk.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink, fastfood and ices, although we didn't eat in the water park. They seemed reasonably priced, but it was definitely cheaper to eat off site. Have a big breakfast before you go and take a few snacks in your bag.

We did however, buy a Blizzard beach refillable cup ($10). This meant we could fill the cup at the refill stations around the site as often as we liked, with soft drinks, throughout the day.

Arrive early to avoid the rush. (It gets really crowded in the early afternoon). Parking is free which is a welcome relief after all the expenses of visiting the Disney Parks. If you don't have the water parks as part of your Disney package, the entrance fee per day is about £20 for adults and £16 for kids (age 3-9). I would reccomend hiring a locker for around £5 - just to put valuables in. Most people leave towels, shoes and books on their sun loungers.

The are plenty of chairs and sunbeads, although as more people arrive it can feel a bit cramped with chairs from other parties very close to your own! There is loads of shade, which is great, but don't forget the sun cream. Just because you can hear 'Frosty the Snowman' singing, doesn't mean you can't get sunburned!!

We visited Blizzard beach twice in our 10 day visit this August and had a thoroghly brilliant time. A must if you're in Orlando!

Summary: A fab water park. Arrive early and leave when the crowds get there!