This article compares the two Walt Disney World water parks: Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach.

Everyone knows about the four main theme parks at Walt Disney World, but did you know there are two additional parks on Disney property? The water parks! Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon was the first of the two Walt Disney World water parks to open in 1989. And, Typhoon Lagoon did well enough that in 1995, Disney opened its second water park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach.

Both water parks have plenty to offer, but is there one that better suits your family’s next vacation? We’re breaking down the differences (and some similarities) between each water park, our likes and dislikes, and what parts may be better for kids or adults.

Pricing

Both water parks have the same admission pricing. Currently, water park tickets cost $74 plus tax per adult and $68 plus tax per child ages 3-9. Discounted tickets with block-out dates and seasonal passes are available at certain times throughout the year. And, beginning in 2025 any Disney World Resort guest will get FREE admission to the water parks on their check-in day.

Theming

Both water parks have a distinct theme and couldn’t be more different!

Disney’s Blizzard Beach is themed to immerse you in Florida winter…with snow! The backstory goes that a freak snowstorm covered Florida in snow which inspired the creators of Blizzard Beah to set up a ski resort for the occasion! Icebergs, toboggan slides, a chair lift, snowy mountains, and more round out the theme of the frozen wonderland of melting snow.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon follows a completely opposite storyline. The backstory is that a wild storm came ashore, throwing boats, surfboards, trees, and equipment all around the park. Once the storm passed, a tropical oasis was formed, setting the tone for a perfect beach day in Central Florida.

As expected when it comes to Disney, both themes are executed well. The Blizzard Beach theme is catchier and more open, selling itself as being different from all other water parks. The rides even keep the snowy storyline going. On the other hand, though Typhoon Lagoon’s theme is well done, it is a more traditional water park theme, focusing more on the little, intricate details throughout the park. The real “winner” here is going to depend on your preference. Those who live up north and want to escape winter may prefer the tropical escape that Typhoon Lagoon offers, while those who live in warmer climates may want to indulge in Blizzard Beach’s whiteout.

We are giving the theme category to Blizzard Beach solely because the overall decor is more immersive.

WINNER: BLIZZARD BEACH

Attractions

Each park offers many different styles of attractions, from lazy rivers to thrilling body slides. Comparatively, how do the attractions within each park stack up?

Lazy Rivers

Castaway Creek at Typhoon Lagoon is a 2,000-foot-long winding stream that circles the entire park. Greenery simulating lush rainforests, caves, and waterfalls gives guests the island oasis they are looking for when they are looking for peak relaxation. Additionally, island music plays throughout the creek for guests to enjoy.

On the other hand, Cross Country Creek at Blizzard Beach is much longer, reaching almost 3,000 feet in length and taking almost thirty minutes to float the entire creek. Guests make their way around the water park through icy caves, melting snow, and ski chalets. Don’t worry, though—the water temperature doesn’t reflect the theme! Christmas tunes keep guests caroling along, even in the heat of summer.

Wave Pools

Melt Away Bay at Blizzard Beach is a relatively calm, medium-sized wave pool. Bobbing waves come and go, allowing guests to swim or relax in a raft. Mount Gushmore’s waterfall ends in Melt Away Bay, where guests can swim out to the waterfall for a refreshing change of scenery.

Whereas, Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool is one of the largest wave pools in the world, but it is also one of the roughest at times. The wave pool is one of the most popular attractions at the park, putting out 6-foot swells every 90 minutes, with bobbing waves in between. Surfing lessons are even available with advanced reservations! Gnarly swells keep guests in the pool on their toes, and unlike Blizzard Beach, inner tubes are not allowed in the Surf Pool.

Since Typhoon Lagoon is known for its wave pool, it takes this category.

WINNER: TYPHOON LAGOON

Family Rides

Though heading to a park with a large group is fun, different people often have different interests and thrill levels. Luckily both of Disney’s water parks offer family raft rides where everyone can ride, allowing the entire group to experience these rides together!

Typhoon Lagoon has two family raft rides, Miss Adventure Falls (the newest attraction between the two water parks) and Gang Plank Falls. Both are white-water rafting simulation rides that are fun for all ages, introducing the thrill of the slide without being too thrilling. The rafts fit up to 5 guests (if your party is less than that, you may be seated with other parties).

Teamboat Springs is the family raft ride at Blizzard Beach, holding 4-6 people per raft. This open-aired white-water journey sends families down the snowy mountain with unpredictable twists and speeds.

None of these rides require a specific height, but children cannot sit on laps. Children must be able to sit independently and hold on to the handles, so infants cannot ride.

All in all, Typhoon Lagoon has two family rides versus Blizzard Beach’s one, so we’re also giving the family ride category to Typhoon Lagoon!

WINNER: TYPHOON LAGOON

Thrill Rides

Between body slides, tube slides, and toboggan racers, there is no shortage of thrills throughout either of these water parks.

Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach offers the popular Summit Plummet, which is potentially one of North America’s most thrilling body water slides. You take the Chairlift to the top of Mount Gushmore and slide 12 stories straight down, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. This is one of the fastest body slides in the world. And, if you want something a bit tamer, Slush Gusher is similar to Summit Plummet. Coming in at 90 feet, this body slide sends guests down the snowy slopes, hitting some embankments along the way. Both have a height requirement of 48 inches.

Additionally, Downhill Double Dipper is an inner tube slide race to the finish line, mimicking a downhill ski race. And, Runoff Rapids consists of three tube slides combining open-air and enclosed sections as you race down the mountain.

Lastly, families can grab a toboggan mat and race down Mount Gushmore on eight lanes of slalom-style slides at Blizzard Beach.

Typhoon Lagoon

While Typhoon Lagoon doesn’t have any slides that compare to Summit Plummet-level thrills, there are still some great options.

Humunga Kowabunga is three body slides that drop guests five stories in complete darkness at a 60-degree angle. And, Crush ‘N” Gusher may be one of the most innovative attractions at Typhoon Lagoon. This water coaster tube ride sends guests through sudden drops, uphill climbs, and twists and turns while being propelled by water jets. Both rides require a 48-inch height requirement.

Keelhaul Falls and Mayday Falls are one-person tube rides down Mount Mayday, with Mayday Falls being the most intense. Storm Slides are three-body slides that twist and turn guests through the mountain and exit through a three-story drop.

You can’t really go wrong with either water park when it comes to fun, but we are giving the edge to Blizzard Beach because it has a wider variety of slides and more thrills!

WINNER: BLIZZARD BEACH

Kid’s Areas

We know the main attraction of the water parks for many guests is the thrill of the water slides, but even the littlest ones in the family need to have fun, too! Both parks offer designated areas for children under 48 inches, making them great for babies and toddlers.

Ketchakiddee Creek is the children’s play area located in the back of Typhoon Lagoon. Water cannons, mini slides, fountains, a small sandy beach area, a waterfall cave, and even a mini raft ride are just some of the activities for kids in Ketchakiddee Creek. Plus, leaky tugboats and relaxing crocodiles help to keep kids occupied, and the space is secluded enough that kids won’t get distracted by attractions they may be unable to participate in.

Tike’s Peak is the equivalent kid’s area within Blizzard Beach. What would a frozen wonderland be without Anna, Elsa, and Olaf? That’s right, your children’s favorite characters from Disney’s Frozen appear all around the updated Tike’s Peak area! Shallow wading pools, water jets, mini body slides, a mini raft ride, and snow banks will have your child wanting to hang out with the Frozen pals all day.

In addition to Tike’s Peak, Blizzard Beach also offers something that Typhoon Lagoon does not for your kiddos. Blizzard Beach’s Ski Patrol Training Camp is dedicated to pre-teens who may not yet feel ready for slides like Summit Plummet. Body slides, tube slides, a zip line, and more allow older kids to ease their way into the waterpark.

We have to give Blizzard Beach the edge in this category, as this water park has more areas designated for kids.

WINNER: BLIZZARD BEACH

Dining

Though dining at Walt Disney World is an attraction in itself these days, water park dining probably isn’t on the top of anyone’s “must-do” restaurant list when planning their vacation. But, there’s still plenty to eat at the water parks! Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon offer two quick-service dining locations, multiple bars, and at least one dessert location.

Basic quick service offerings of burgers, salads, chicken, and pizzas round out both park menus, with specialty items such as nachos at Leaning Palms in Typhoon Lagoon and shrimp and grits at Lottawatta Lodge in Blizzard Beach.

And, if you’re in the mood for dessert, one of the most famous water park dining options is the Sand Pail Sundae at Happy Landings in Typhoon Lagoon. This souvenir sand pail bucket has multiple soft-serve flavors, cake, and many different toppings. Keep in mind that this same sundae is available at I.C. Expeditions in Blizzard Beach, so don’t make a trip to Typhoon Lagoon solely because you’ve seen this sundae there on Instagram — you can get it at both parks!

Since neither water park has a stand-out dining option, there’s no clear winner for this category. Both water parks will satisfy a quick lunch and any sweet tooth or cocktail cravings.

WINNER: TIE

Location

The location of each water park isn’t really a decisive factor when it comes to deciding which is “better.” They are both on Disney World property and complimentary transportation is offered to and from both parks. However, convenience and time management are large factors in planning and making the most of your vacation days.

Blizzard Beach is located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area. Since the Animal Kingdom theme park is the farthest away from many of Walt Disney World’s main attractions, Blizzard Beach is in its own secluded area. Note that getting to Blizzard Beach sometimes requires a bus transfer. So, you’ll have to take the bus to Animal Kingdom and then transfer there to a Blizzard Beach bus. Because of this, it can take over 20 minutes to get from one side of Walt Disney World property to the other, so plan accordingly.

A plus side to Blizzard Beach’s location is that the water park shares a parking lot with Winter Summerland Miniature Golf. Rope-dropping Blizzard Beach and then heading over to play mini golf in the afternoon is a great way to maximize your day!

Comparatively, Typhoon Lagoon is situated on the opposite end of Walt Disney World near Disney Springs. This makes the water park close to many resorts in the area and a two-minute bus ride from the water park to Disney Springs. Keep in mind that Typhoon Lagoon transportation can require a bus transfer — requiring that you take the bus to Disney Springs and then transfer there to a Typhoon Lagoon bus. Rope-dropping Typhoon Lagoon, then heading to Disney Springs for dinner and shopping, is a great vacation day!

For proximity and time management, Typhoon Lagoon wins the location showdown.

WINNER: TYPHOON LAGOON

Which Park is Best for Your Family?

Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon offer plenty of entertainment for all ages, and you won’t be disappointed with either park. Both parks offer kids areas, thrill rides, relaxation, and sufficient dining options.

However, one park may be better suited for your family than another. Blizzard Beach is the better option for families traveling primarily with kids, big or small since it offers two kids’ play areas versus Typhoon Lagoons one. Plus, there are more family slides here. And, for the big kids, there are more thrilling options at Blizzard Beach than at Typhoon Lagoon.

On the other hand, Typhoon Lagoon gets our vote for the best adult water park due to the sense of relaxation, an extra cocktail bar, and its proximity to Disney Springs. Castaway Creek is the perfect place for adults to unwind after a long week and float in the sun, fully embracing vacation.

Just keep in mind that Disney has only had one water park open at a time seasonally in recent years. When one park is closed for maintenance, the other is open. Typically Blizzard Beach has been open in winter and spring months and Typhoon Lagoon has been open for the summer and fall. Be sure to check Disney’s website for the most up-to-date details on which water parks are open during your visit.

BEST FOR KIDS: BLIZZARD BEACH

BEST FOR ADULTS: TYPHOON LAGOON

Comments

Have you been to Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon? Which do you prefer? Let us know which Disney Water Park you would rather visit on your next vacation.