The four main theme parks – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios — usually get all of the love in Disney World, but we’ve just GOT to show some love to the Disney water parks!
Enjoy a day at Blizzard Beach!
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are the two MASSIVE water parks in Disney World and they both have a lot of things that make them pretty darn great. Still, one water park might be better than the other for YOUR family. So, we’re pitting Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon against each other for the ultimate smackdown! Which one is worth YOUR water park day?
First, Some Logistics…
Something to be aware of is that, these days, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach operate on a rotating basis, so when one is open for the season, the other is closed.
Typhoon Lagoon
Though this can always vary, generally speaking Blizzard Beach tends to be open from late fall through mid-spring (November through mid-March, give or take), while Typhoon Lagoon is usually open from mid-spring through late fall (mid-March through October, covering the summer months).
Look Who Visits Blizzard Beach over the Holiday Season! ©Disney
So, all truths told, if you’ve decided you would like to visit a Disney World water park during your vacation and you know when you are going on your trip, your choice may be made for you based on which park is open at that time. That said, perhaps you’re interested — but not entirely sure — if you’d like to include a Disney water park in your vacation. The information gathered here may help you decide if a specific water park is a good fit for your crew and worth one of your non-theme-park days once you know which one is open during your trip.
If You’re Traveling with Kids…
If you’re spending your Disney vacay with kids, you’ll want to make sure they can enjoy the attractions! Of course, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach have GREAT options for young guests, but one is better than the other. Our pick for traveling with kids? Blizzard Beach!
Blizzard Beach
The great thing about Blizzard Beach — there’s fun for all ages! Your littlest will love hanging out at Tike’s Peak where they can play in the “snow” sculpture wading pool, slide down junior slides, and even have a blast on a junior inner tube ride. Oh, and in 2022, this area received a Frozen makeover!
Blizzard Beach Water Park
Now, Typhoon Lagoon has a similar area for little kids, but what REALLY sets Blizzard Beach apart is the Ski Patrol Training Camp. This interactive area is suited for little kids and big kids.
Blizzard Beach
They can test their balance on the thin-ice training course or even drop in on the “T-bar” zip line. This cool “camp” tips the scale in favor of Blizzard Beach if you’re traveling with kiddos!
Check out EVERYTHING there is to do at Blizzard Beach!
If You’re a Thrill-Seeker…
You might be looking for the biggest, baddest water slide in the parks. Typhoon Lagoon has some really good ones, but we have to give the nod to Blizzard Beach when it comes to thrills!
Summit Plummet
The creme-de-la-creme of Blizzard Beach is Summit Plummet — a 360-foot long, 12-story high water slide with a near-vertical drop! If Summit Plummet sounds like a little much to start out with, you can head to the slightly less intense Slush Gusher or one of the three Runoff Rapids slides. But either way, for thrills, we say head to Blizzard Beach!
Check out the BEST RIDES at Blizzard Beach, RANKED!
If You’re Looking to Relax…
On the other hand, maybe you want to go to a water park to relax after a few hectic days of rushing around the parks. Well, if you want to chill out, Typhoon Lagoon is the place to be!
Crush ‘n’ Gusher
Typhoon Lagoon offers more raft rides, which we find to be a little more relaxing than zipping down near-vertical slides on our backs. Pick any of the “Falls” slides — Gangplank Falls, Keelhaul Falls, or Mayday Falls — for a ride that has a good mix of chill and thrill.
Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon also has a stellar lazy river named Castaway Creek that runs through the park. Hop on an inner tube and float your cares away!
Castaway Creek Lazy River
On top of all of that, we think the theming at Typhoon Lagoon is super relaxing! The classic beach feel at this water park puts us in the perfect mood to lay out and catch some rays with our toes in the white sand!
Check out EVERYTHING there is to do at Typhoon Lagoon!
If You Love The Beach…
Speaking of that massive wave pool, here’s another category we’ll give to Typhoon Lagoon! If you love water sports, you’ll want to beeline for the storm-logged lagoon instead of the snowy slopes!
Why? Because you can actually SURF at Typhoon Lagoon. Experienced surfers can enjoy 3-hour Open Surf sessions (held prior to park opening and after closing). Per the Disney World website, “Each surfer is guaranteed at least 10 waves.”
Surf Report at Typhoon Lagoon
Pricing for Open Surf is as follows:
- Morning Open Surf: $229 (tax included)
- Evening Open Surf (Sundays through Thursdays): $249 (tax included)
- Evening Open Surf (Fridays and Saturdays): $289 (tax included)
(Interested guests can email [email protected] for more information or to book, or call (407) WDW-SURF or (407) 560-7873.)
3-hour Private sessions are also available for experienced surfers, and you can learn more here!
Typhoon Lagoon Wave Pool
Even if you don’t splurge on a surfing lesson, you can still get some exercise at Typhoon Lagoon in the largest wave pool in North America! Yup, the Surf Pool can create six-foot swells so get ready to body surf! Hang ten!
We’ve ranked the BEST RIDES at Typhoon Lagoon HERE!
If You Prefer to Stay Out of the Sun…
If you’ve got sensitive skin or just prefer to stay out of the sun as much as possible, Blizzard Beach is the better option. Both parks have a lot of shady nooks, but in general, you’ll find more coverage at the Blizzard Beach!
Shady Tables at Lottawatta Lodge
Just a tip though, the tops of the slides at Blizzard Beach have NO shade so if you’re planning on limiting your sun exposure, it’s probably best to stick to the lower levels of the park or pack some powerful sunscreen!
Here are some ideas for those non-park days in Disney World!
If You’re Looking For Good Food…
When you think of good eats, Disney water parks might not be the first place that comes to mind. But both parks actually have some pretty great options!
Lottawatta Lodge at Blizzard Beach
For instance, if you’ve got a hankering for Mini Donuts, head to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon (both parks have an actual stand dedicated to these unique options!). These donuts are not your typical donuts you’ll find around Disney World — these are served by the half dozen with a variety of amazing dipping sauces. You wouldn’t think you’d want to head to a water park for donuts, but once you try them, you’ll understand!
Mini Donuts!
But as much as we looooove a mini-donut dunk in either park, Typhoon Lagoon is going to take the win on this one. You can head to Leaning Palms for Chicken and/or Shrimp Rice Bowls or Pork Elote Nachos along with a variety of burger and pizza options.
Nachos!
In fact, on a recent visit, we had our Dole Whip… served up in a BATHTUB!!!
Dole Whip Bath tub Sundae
There are some yummy “Land and Sea” options at Typhoon Tilly’s that fit in perfectly with the theme, AND you can also get the legendary Sand Pail!
Sand Pail
The Sand Pail is a HUGE ice cream sundae that serves up to four people and is served in a real sand pail with a sand shovel spoon. You can also find this massive treat at Typhoon’s resident ice cream stand, Happy Landings.
Oh, but we should also mention… you can also find the Sand Pail at Blizzard Beach! This Disney water park tradition is available at a few spots in the park including I.C. Expeditions.
Want our full review of the famous Sand Pail? Click here!
If You’re a Party Animal…
For all our party animals out there, Typhoon Lagoon in the summertime is your pick! Why? Because you can grab a ticket to H2O Glow Night After Hours! These fun nighttime events get you into the park after dark for all sorts of shenanigans during a glow party!
H2O Glow After Hours
You can find exclusive treats, activities, and character meet and greets as well as lots of blacklight fun in the dark!
Click here to learn more about H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon!
So, Which Park is Better for YOUR Family?
Alright, time to make the big decision! Which water park is best for YOUR Disney trip?
You should go to Blizzard Beach if…
- You want a more unique and surprising theme.
- You love THRILLS.
- You’ve got the kids in tow.
- You’re looking for shady days.
You should go to Typhoon Lagoon if…
- You want to relax!
- You love a good raft ride or want to learn to surf.
- Wave pools are your favorite part of a water park.
- You want to dine on tropical-inspired eats.
Oh, and before we go… did you know there is a NEW PERK for Disney World Resort Hotel guests in 2025 that includes a FREE DAY at one of Disney World’s water parks???
Get ready to explore a Disney Water Park!
For stays starting January 1st, 2025 through December 31st, 2025 Disney World Resort Hotel guests (including Disney Vacation Club properties) will get a FREE park ticket to the water parks for use on their arrival day. You’ll be able to use this perk at either Blizzard Beach Water Park or Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and only on your check-in day. Find the complete details here.
No matter which Disney World water park you end up in, we hope you have a BLAST making a SPLASH!!
Find the ULTIMATE Disney World Water Park Packing List here!
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I love both water parks! If you’ve never gone I highly, highly recommend them both. For me, I think the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon is one of the most fun things on property.
And I actually prefer the lazy river at Blizzard Beach, where you get a little more shade. Plus the chairlift at BB is one of a kind.
Love Blizzard Beach!
Blizzard Beach is my favorite! My family and I go down to Florida once a year just to go to Blizzard Beach. Sad we couldn’t be there for the 25th anniversary! They have sandpails there also!
It has been a long time since we have been at a water park at Disney but on our first trip when we had to pick one water park for our holiday we chose Typhoon Lagoon. It was a crazy hot summer day so we did a splurge and rented a cabana for day so we had comfy shade and lots of cold water. What swayed our decision of which park to pick was the snorkling with the fish which my son did many times! Loved the donuts, too and the wave pool. The lazy river did not feel so lazy the day we went. The kids also loved the raft rides that felt like roller coasters!
Are they even open?
Lynne, no reopening date for the water parks yet.
Typhoon opens up the week of the 17th of March I believe or more or less during that period. I simply adore typhon, the beach and music is better. Going for my birthday trip and I’m going to put my feet up. Can’t wait