It’s been almost an ENTIRE YEAR since Walt Disney World initially shut down due to the global health crisis, and though the resort’s four theme parks reopened back in July, the two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, have remained closed.
Welcome back!
That all changes TODAY! It’s March 7th, which means Blizzard Beach has OFFICIALLY reopened!
We are here LIVE to see the new new health and safety procedures, check out what’s new, and of course, hit the slopes, err, slides!
Check the map
Entering the Water Park
Upon entering the water park, we had to go through a temperature screening, just like we have to do at the theme parks.
Temperature screening
Then we were in!
Blizzard Beach opens today and will be sharing all of the new updates with you! pic.twitter.com/7t4fzMkE1T
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) March 7, 2021
The main entrance has the same social distancing markers we’ve seen all over Disney World. These markers indicate that groups should stay six feet from other groups.
It’s time to have some fun in the sun!
And if you need help getting around — maps are readily available!
Need a map?
Restrooms and dressing rooms are readily available, but with social distancing protocols in place.
Restrooms and dressing rooms
Locker Rental is available — every other machine, though, is blocked off to allow for social distancing. Lockers are $10 per day.
Locker rentals
Crowds
Upon opening, things were pretty quiet on the slopes!
Blizzard Beach is pretty quiet right now! pic.twitter.com/aFtT8x93vX
— AJ Wolfe (@DisneyFoodBlog) March 7, 2021
SUPER quiet…
No one around
And that leads us to…
Wait Times
So far, most wait times for slides are around 15 minutes.
Wait times
This didn’t really change much as they day went on — crowds were very light today!
Health and Safety Procedures
Guests go through a temperature screening when entering the park. There are also plenty of signs around the water park reminding guests of the face covering policy. Those signs even appear on trash cans.
Trashcan sign
You can buy a disposable mask from a machine for $2, too, in case you need it!
Need a mask?
We were also informed that masks are not required on the ski lifts.
Masks not required on ski lifts
And guests don’t have to stay masked when walking around between rides or sitting at their chairs.
Here’s What It’s Like to Wear a Mask in a Disney Water Park All Day
Ride Updates
Where to? All slopes are open!
Where first?
There are a few people in the lazy river, where they are limiting how many tubes go out.
Lazy river
Cast Members ask that you remain in your tube at all times to keep groups distanced.
Blizzard Beach
Throughout the water park, inner tubes are getting wiped down every 30 minutes or so.
Inner tubes
At Cross Country Creek, guests are told to flip their inner tubes upside down when getting out to sanitize the handles. Signs tell guests to only take tubes that are upside down and have their handles submerged.
Inner tube sign
At Tobaggan Racers, you won’t be racing right next to strangers — a lane is kept empty between parties as they go down the slide.
Tobaggan Racers
In areas with lounge chairs, signs ask guests not to move chairs because they’ve been placed specifically to keep to social distancing guidelines.
Don’t move chairs
At TeamBoat Springs, where the large inner tubes seat 2-6 people, you must have 2 people to ride. Before the closure, parties would be combined, but because of health and safety guidelines, that’s not possible now. So single riders are out of luck. That was totally us, btw. 😢
Dining Updates
We checked out a few of the dining locations, starting with Cooling Hut. Social distancing markers have been put in place in front of each location.
Cooling Hut
Here, Refillable Mugs are available for $11.99.
Refillable mugs
We were surprised, though, to see that the Refill Stations aren’t manned by Cast Members, as we’ve seen throughout Disney World previously. Instead, here, you take care of your own refills.
Take care of your own refills? Wha?
The nearby seating area was set up so that tables were spread out to allow for social distancing.
Seating at Cooling Hut
Some dining and beverage locations have — wait for it — BEER REFILLS?!?!?! You can buy a souvenir cup and get $7.50 craft beer refills or $6.50 domestic beer refills during your day at Blizzard Beach.
Beer refills? Say what?
Save for the drink refills, everything is very similar to what we’ve seen throughout Disney World.
Mask Requirements for Water Parks in Disney World
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Can’t wait!!
Are you sure the beer refills are free? There were prices next to the Beer Refills on the sign.
It was very chilly this morning….probably has something to do with the low attendance at Blizzard Beach.
Lisa, you’re correct; beer refills are listed at $6.50. I’ve had the team update.
We are headed there late March, would you suggest we arrive early? i see there are no reservations
Michelle, I’m not sure what capacity levels are. We didn’t notice it being overly busy, but if you want to be sure to get in, you might want to plan to be there at opening.