Huge news for Disney adults and families looking to enjoy Walt Disney World this upcoming spring and summer! For the first time in forever, all six Walt Disney World parks will be open at once. All four theme parks, plus both water parks too. As a Walt Disney World local, I’m thrilled by this news! I like to use the Disney Water Parks like others would use a community pool. When it’s warm outside, my family and I visit as often as we can.
What is Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park?
Both of the water parks at Walt Disney World are often confused, so here’s the breakdown. Blizzard Beach is a winter wonderland … at the beach. There are cute snowmen, sandcastles made of snow, nods to wintertime holidays and fun puns. Here, they have a fun ski-lift style ride and the main attraction is Summit Plummet, a near-vertical body slide. Plus, the Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course is located right on the same lot, so you can easily visit both in one trip.
What is Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park?
Over at Typhoon Lagoon, things are a bit less kitschy and a bit more tropical. This is a gorgeous lagoon where a giant ship, Miss Tilly, was washed up during, you guessed it, a typhoon! Here, there are fun nods to the Society for Explorers and Adventurers for those super Disney Parks fans, like myself, like the Miss Adventure Falls group-tube water slide. Guests can also enjoy the lazy river, the wave pool and Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a fast and fun water coaster!
Best tips for the Disney Water Parks
While Disney does have two unique water parks, for the past few years the vacation destination has only had one water park open at a time. That meant it could get quite crowded. With reduced crowds expected (between the two park options), I’m sharing all the best tips and tricks to enjoy the Walt Disney World Water Parks.
At both parks, the parking lot is small, so arrive early! If you’re not planning to spend the entire day, I suggest spending the first half of the day at the park so you can get in and out. Especially If you’re looking for a comfortable beach chair setup and a good parking spot, getting to the parks as they open at 10 a.m. is the way to go.
In my opinion, getting a good beach chair set up is essential to enjoying your day at the water parks, whether you’re going alone or with a whole group of friends and family. Snagging a prime spot to sit is just the first step. I also recommend bringing your biggest beach towels along to make sure your chair is comfortable to sit on, and to keep dry after enjoying the water.
What to bring to the Disney Water Parks
Also in your bag, make sure to pack a hat, sunscreen and if you want to enjoy a lot of the attractions, some watershoes. Hats and sunscreen are much more expensive at the parks, and shade can be hard to find, so it’s important to protect your skin. Watershoes are optional, but they are allowed and highly recommended if you’re a thrill-seaker. Those planning to just enjoy lounging and the lazy river might not need water shoes. But those looking to enjoy all the attractions will spend more time walking and standing on the concrete. It can get hot on those sunny days, burning your feet, so go prepared for a more enjoyable wait in line.
While you’re at the park, you’ll also want to make sure you’re taking good care of your electronics, like your phones and e-readers. The parks do offer lockers, which are an affordable way to keep your items safe. For phones, many like to bring along waterproof pockets that go around their neck. These are not permitted on all attractions, but can be a great option, just be sure to purchase one that is truly waterproof to ensure that your device is safe and secure.
Saving money on food at Walt Disney World
After all that fun in the sun, you’re sure to be hungry, and as a self-proclaimed Disney foodie, I have a few tips for dining at the Disney Water Parks. The first thing to note is that food from outside of the park is allowed inside. It’s a great opportunity to cut costs, or to just bring the foods that work best for you and your family. It’s hot in the Florida sun. When bringing treats that need to stay cool, come prepared with a cooler and enough ice packs to keep your food safe for consumption.
For our family, it’s a must to bring our metal water bottles, to keep our water ice cold, even in the sun, and snacks, like fresh cut fruit and small bags of chips and cookies. If we’re bringing something for lunch, our favorites are cold subs from Wawa, but grabbing lunch options from grocery stores like Sprouts and Trader Joe’s is also possible with some locations close by the water parks as well.
Of course, a Disney Parks trip is always made more fun with a Disney snack, and the water parks are no exception to this rule! In fact, the Disney Water Parks have exclusive snacks you can’t find anywhere else on Disney property. Sweets like the hot and fresh mini doughnuts with three dipping sauce options and the iconic Dippin’ Dots are fan favorites found at both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. In addition, each park has some fun, themed quick service options as well, and we really love the food. From classic Disney Parks chicken tenders to really delicious flatbreads and salads, there’s something for everyone to eat inside the parks if you don’t feel like packing a lunch.
Whether you’re heading into the parks this warm weather season to sit by the pool and read your book with a frozen drink in hand, or to experience the thrills with your whole family, I hope this guide helps you to make the most of your day at the parks.
If you are looking for more tropical summer inspiration, may I suggest some snacks? I got to test the new HI-CHEW Getaway Mix, with Mai Tai, Yuzu Lime, and Mango Chamoy flavors.
