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You may not associate bathing suits with ski slopes, but that's the perfect attire when heading to Disney's Blizzard Beach water park.
You see, once upon a time, there was a freak snow storm in Disney World. Wanting to take advantage of the white stuff, they built a ski resort. Sadly, the temperatures rose and it looked as if their new venture was melting away.
Now alligators aren't known for winter sports, but an adventurous one decided to slide down the slippery slope into the pool that formed below. Realizing that the ski runs could be put to use, Blizzard Beach was born, or so the story goes. This amazing water park is ranked no. 2 in the U.S.
The frosty theme is found throughout the park, with former ski slalom courses and bobsled and sledding runs used as downhill water slides. Chair lifts carry swimmers to the top of the courses, or you can opt to use the stairways and do some "mountain climbing." Melting snow reveals sandy beaches, a pre-teen section, a scaled down kiddie area, and a host of other activities. While you're surrounded by "ice and snow", the water stays a toasty and comfortable 80-82 degrees all year round.
Attractions:
Summit Plummet - Found at the top of Mt. Gushmore, Summit Plummet is the
world's tallest and fastest free-fall slide and definitely not for the faint
of heart. The platform where the slide starts is 30 feet above the peak.
You plummet down the 120 foot vertical portion of the slide reaching speeds
of 60 miles an hour. You continue through a ski chalet before reaching the
bottom in a huge spray of mist. All told, it's 350 feet till you reach the
end. You must be at least 48 inches to ride, and oh yes, you can expect to
have the ultimate wedgie when it's over.
A tip for ladies: wear a one-piece bathing suit on this attraction
or you may arrive at the bottom before the top of your bathing suit does.
Snow Stormers - Three 350 feet long flumes descend from the mountain's
peak and follow a switchback course through slalom gates.
Teamboat Springs - This 1200 foot whitewater raft ride, the world's longest, takes six passengers down a series of twisting and cascading waterfalls.
Runoff Rapids - Climb aboard an inner tube and rush down this 600-foot course through twisting and turning flumes, passing through corrugated steel pipes and falling into total darkness at the end.
Slush Gusher - While not as intense as the nearby Summit Plummet, this is still a challenging course. You'll go over two "moguls" and reach speeds of up to 50 mph as you careen down this 250-foot snow-banked mountain channel. Must be at least 48 inches to ride.
Toboggan Racer - You lie on your mat face down and begin your headfirst slide down the 250 feet waterway. This 8-lane course has some fun dips as you descend the snow slope.
Downhill Double Dipper - Standing 50 feet high and 230-feet long, side-by-side racing slides have you traveling at speeds up to 25 mph as you race against your competitor aboard an inner tube. Time clocks count off each downhill heat and the runs have audio equipment that signal the start of each race. You must be 48 inches tall.
Chair Lift - A real chair lift sporting colorful overhead umbrellas and snow skis on the underside. These lifts will carry you over the craggy face of Mt. Gushmore from its base at the beach to its summit. No infants may ride.
Cross Country Creek - Hop into a complimentary inner tube and enjoy leisurely floating along the 3,000-foot creek that encircles Blizzard Beach. If you happen to forget that you're in a "ski resort" you'll get a jolting reminder when you pass through the ice cave. Watch out for the drips from the melting icicles. Brrr....
Melt-Away Bay - This one-acre pool nestled against the base of Mt. Gushmore is constantly fed by "melting snow" waterfalls. There's gentle wave action, but don't expect to body surf.
Blizzard Beach Ski Patrol Training Camp - This pre-teen area has a rope swing, a T-bar , culvert slides and a fun ice-flow walk along slippery, floating icebergs. This is where you'll find Cool Runners - A wide-open inner tube slide area formed by rapidly-melting moguls.
Tike's Peak - For the little ones, this kid-sized play are features scaled-down elements of Mt. Gushmore and includes a snow-castle fountain play area. Children must be under 4 feet tall.
General Information
Dressing rooms include lockers, dressing areas and showers.
Lockers rent for $5 per day for a small locker and $7 per day for a
large locker, with a $2 key deposit for both types.
Life jackets are provided free with personal ID and a $25 refundable
deposit.
Towels are rented at a rate of $1 per day per towel.
Picnic areas are available, no glass containers or alcoholic beverages
allowed.
TIPS for Blizzard Beach
Here are somet tips. I hope you find them useful
1. If you want a chance to "open" the park you have to have a person willing to go down Summit Plummet. You should get up to the rope and interact with the Cast Member. Humorous banter is what they are looking for. They usually, in the expected Disney fashion, choose a family.
2. Stay to the right at the entrance. Stay to the right again when they let you in and go towards the bridge. Locker rental and loaner life vests are on the right.
3. Send 1 person to get a locker and/or life vests.
4. Send another person to secure chairs, and decide in advance where you plan on sitting.
5. Do not be afraid to move the chairs under the pavilions or wherever you want them to be.
6. Remember what is shaded in the morning will be in the sun in the afternoon. For those who lose their sense of direction - the sun moves from the "front" of Mt. Gushmore around the left side of the park and ends up in the "back" of Mt. Gushmore in the afternoon. Keep that in mind when setting up your chairs.
7. Do big slides early in the day before the lines get too long.
8. Try and sit close to a lazy river entrance.
9. If the line is long at the ski lift - it is usually quicker to take the 8 gazillion steps up the mountain.
10. Our favorite place to sit is on the right side between Tikes Peak and Ski Patrol on the raised area under the pavilion. There are several smaller, but really fun slides that even older teens will like in the ski patrol area, there is a slushy stand not too far, a bathroom and an entrance to the lazy river.
Below is a map of Blizzard Beach highlighting some of the attractions. Click on the map to open another window with a much larger map.
1. Summit Plummet
2. Slush Gusher
3. Teamboat Springs
4. Chairlift
5. Toboggen Racers
6. Snow Stormers
7. Downhill Double Dipper
8. Melt-Away Bay
9. Ski Patrol Training Camp
10. Runoff Rapids
11. Cross Country Creek
12. Tike's Peak
13. Winter Summerland
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