Quick answer: Blizzard Beach is one of two water parks at Walt Disney World, themed around a melting ski resort built on Mount Gushmore. As of this writing, it’s open for the 2026 dual-park summer season, which runs through September 8, 2026, alongside Typhoon Lagoon. Hours run roughly 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer. A one-day ticket costs $74 for adults and $68 for children ages 3 to 9. The park has 12 attractions, headlined by Summit Plummet, a 120-foot, 60 mph near-vertical body slide with a 48-inch height requirement.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach is famous for its origin story: a ski resort that got hit with an unlikely Florida snowstorm and started melting into a water park. That theme shows up everywhere, from a chairlift up “Mount Gushmore” to a slide called Summit Plummet built to look like a ski jump. Here’s everything you need to plan a visit in 2026.
Is Blizzard Beach Open Right Now?
Walt Disney World alternates which of its two water parks is open for most of the year, so this is genuinely the first thing to check before you plan a day here.
For 2026, the pattern has been:
- Blizzard Beach reopened February 15, 2026, after its seasonal refurbishment, while Typhoon Lagoon was open.
- Typhoon Lagoon then closed for its own refurbishment and reopened in mid-May 2026.
- Both parks are running simultaneously from mid-to-late May through September 8, 2026 (Labor Day), which is the current dual-park summer window.
- Disney Resort hotel guests get complimentary water park admission on their check-in day for arrivals between May 26 and September 8, 2026.
- After Labor Day, expect Disney to shift back to one park open at a time, typically with Typhoon Lagoon taking the fall and early winter slot and Blizzard Beach closing for its own refurbishment period.
Because these dates shift year to year and Disney doesn’t always announce far in advance, always confirm which park is open on your specific travel date using Disney’s official park hours calendar before you buy tickets or plan your day.
Blizzard Beach Hours
Hours vary by season:
| Season | Typical Hours |
|---|---|
| Off-season (winter/early spring) | 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Peak summer | 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
Hours can also shift for special events, capacity, or weather, so check the official hours for your exact date before you go. The park can close temporarily for lightning, and closes to new arrivals once it reaches capacity on the busiest days, which happens most often in summer.
Blizzard Beach Ticket Prices (2026)
| Ticket Type | Adult (10+) | Child (3-9) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Water Park Ticket | $74 | $68 |
| 1-Day Water Park Ticket (blockout-date/off-peak version) | $64 | $58 |
| Water Park & Sports add-on (per day, added to a multi-day theme park ticket) | $70-$80 flat rate | Same flat rate |
A few things worth knowing about tickets:
- Children ages 0 to 2 are admitted free and don’t need a ticket.
- Standard Disney World one-day and Park Hopper tickets do not include water park access. You have to add it separately, either as a standalone water park ticket or as the Water Park & Sports option on a multi-day ticket.
- The Water Park & Sports add-on is usually the best value if you already have a multi-day theme park ticket, since it also covers Oak Trail golf course greens fees and Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland mini-golf before 4 p.m.
- Disney periodically offers a seasonal water park pass valid for months at a time outside of summer, typically priced around $85 to $90, with blockout dates during the busiest spring weeks. Availability and pricing change each cycle, so check Disney’s site for the current offer.
- Disney Resort hotel guests get one free water park visit on their arrival day during the 2026 dual-park window (May 26 to September 8).
- Parking at Blizzard Beach is free for all guests.
Blizzard Beach Attractions
Blizzard Beach has 12 attractions spread across three color-coded slopes: green (mild), red (moderate), and purple (thrill).
| Attraction | Type | Height Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Summit Plummet | 120-ft near-vertical speed slide, up to 60 mph | 48″ minimum |
| Slush Gusher | 90-ft double-humped body slide | 48″ minimum |
| Downhill Double Dipper | Side-by-side racing tube slide | 48″ minimum |
| Teamboat Springs | World’s longest family raft ride (~1,200 ft), rafts of 4-6 | None (must be able to sit and hold on) |
| Toboggan Racers | 8-lane belly-mat racing slide | None |
| Snow Stormers | Switchback slalom-style mat slides | None |
| Runoff Rapids | Open and enclosed inner tube slides | None |
| Cross Country Creek | Lazy river encircling the entire park | None |
| Melt-Away Bay | Wave pool | None |
| Ski Patrol Training Camp | Tween activity area with rope swings and slides | None, except the Fahrenheit Drop slide (60″ maximum) |
| Tike’s Peak | Frozen-themed splash zone for young kids | 48″ maximum |
| Blizzard Beach Chairlift | Transportation up Mount Gushmore | 32″ minimum; guests 48″ and under must ride with someone 18 or older |
Attraction highlights:
- Summit Plummet is the park’s signature ride and one of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides in the world. Riders drop 120 feet at speeds up to 60 mph, with a digital speed readout at the bottom.
- Teamboat Springs is the longest family raft ride in the country, sending rafts of up to six people through a series of cascading waterfalls. There’s no height limit, but Disney does typically combine smaller groups to fill a raft.
- Runoff Rapids is the only attraction on the Red Slopes and can be reached by the chairlift or by walking up from the lazy river.
- Tike’s Peak and the Ski Patrol Training Camp are the two dedicated kids’ zones, giving families with a wide age range something for everyone without leaving the park.
- Flotation devices are not permitted on Slush Gusher or Summit Plummet. Free life jackets in a range of sizes are available throughout the park.
Dining at Blizzard Beach
| Location | Type | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Lottawatta Lodge | Quick service | Burgers, flatbreads, salads, vegetarian and vegan options, mobile ordering available |
| Avalunch | Quick-service kiosk | Gourmet hot dogs, mobile ordering available |
| The Warming Hut | Walk-up window (seasonal) | Sandwiches, lettuce wraps, and standout items like a jerk chicken sandwich |
| I.C. Expeditions | Ice cream stand | Includes the park’s well-known “Sand Pail” sundae |
| Polar Pub | Full-service bar | Frozen cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits |
Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed in the park in a soft cooler. Glass containers, loose or dry ice, and outside alcohol are not permitted. Reusable ice packs are fine for keeping a cooler cold.
Lockers, Towels, and Other Amenities
- Lockers: Small lockers (12.5″ x 10″ x 17″) run about $10 per day, and large lockers (15.5″ x 13″ x 17″) run about $15 per day. Both are keyless and use a 4-digit PIN you set yourself, and you can open them as many times as you need throughout the day. Rent them at Beach Haus or Snowless Joe’s near the entrance.
- Towels: Complimentary beach towels are typically provided to guests. Policies on this have shifted in the past, so confirm current towel terms when you arrive if it matters to your plans.
- Life jackets: Free of charge, in a range of sizes, available at Snowless Joe’s and on racks near the dressing rooms.
- First aid and guest services: Located in the Alpine Village hub near the park entrance, along with Beach Haus, a shop for beachwear, sunscreen, and sundries.
Premium Seating: Polar Patios and Lodge Umbrellas
If you want a guaranteed shaded spot instead of claiming a lounge chair at rope drop, Blizzard Beach offers two upgraded seating tiers.
| Option | Capacity | Price Range | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge Umbrella | Up to 4 | Roughly $50-$75 per day | Umbrella, 2 loungers, 2 chairs, table, towels |
| Polar Patio (standard) | Up to 6 seated | Roughly $225-$425 per day, higher in peak season | Cushioned seating, dedicated attendant, private locker, refillable drink mugs, cooler with ice and bottled water |
| Polar Patio Premium Plus | Up to 10 | Roughly $350-$525 per day, higher in peak season | Everything in the standard Polar Patio, plus a roof, mini-fridge, fan, flat-screen TV, and phone chargers |
Park admission is required separately and is not included in cabana pricing. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance through the My Disney Experience app or by calling 407-WDW-PLAY, and same-day availability can sometimes be checked at Beach Haus. Cabana cancellations require 24 hours’ notice, or the full rental is charged; Disney does not charge guests if it cancels a rental due to weather.
Tips for Visiting Blizzard Beach
- Arrive at rope drop. Head straight for Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher first, since their lines grow fastest. By mid-morning, wait times on the headline slides can already hit 30 to 60 minutes on busy days.
- Visit on a weekday. Tuesday through Thursday tend to run lighter than weekends.
- Use the lazy river to beat the afternoon crowds. Cross Country Creek and Melt-Away Bay stay relatively calm even when the slide lines back up, and the creek is also the easiest way to move between different sections of the park.
- Claim shade early. Natural shade is limited. The area behind Lottawatta Lodge and near Tike’s Peak fills first, usually by late morning on busy days.
- Bring a soft cooler. Outside snacks and drinks are allowed, which can meaningfully cut your cost for a full-day visit.
- Check the calendar before you book anything else around your visit, since Disney alternates which water park operates for most of the year and dates can shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blizzard Beach open in 2026? Yes. Blizzard Beach reopened February 15, 2026, and is running alongside Typhoon Lagoon through September 8, 2026, as part of Disney’s dual-park summer schedule. Outside of that window, Disney typically operates only one water park at a time, so confirm which park is open on your specific date before visiting.
What are Blizzard Beach’s hours? Hours typically run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the off-season and extend to as late as 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during peak summer. Exact hours vary by date and are posted on Disney’s official park hours calendar.
How much is a ticket to Blizzard Beach? A one-day ticket costs $74 for guests ages 10 and up and $68 for children ages 3 to 9, with a lower blockout-date price of $64 and $58. Standard theme park tickets do not include water park access; it must be added separately or purchased as a standalone water park ticket.
What is the height requirement for Summit Plummet? Riders must be at least 48 inches tall to ride Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher, and Downhill Double Dipper. The Blizzard Beach Chairlift requires 32 inches, and riders 48 inches and under must be accompanied by someone 18 or older.
How many attractions does Blizzard Beach have? Blizzard Beach has 12 attractions, including thrill slides like Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher, family rides like Teamboat Springs, a lazy river, a wave pool, and two dedicated kids’ areas, Tike’s Peak and Ski Patrol Training Camp.
Is Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon better? Blizzard Beach tends to be the stronger pick for thrill-seekers and families with young kids, thanks to Summit Plummet, the longer family raft ride at Teamboat Springs, and dedicated kids’ zones. Typhoon Lagoon has a larger wave pool and a water coaster, and tends to suit guests who want a more tropical, surf-style atmosphere.
Does Blizzard Beach have free parking? Yes. Standard parking at Blizzard Beach is free for all guests.
Can I bring my own food into Blizzard Beach? Yes. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed in a soft cooler. Glass containers, loose or dry ice, and outside alcohol are not permitted.
Do Disney Resort hotel guests get free water park admission? During the 2026 dual-park season, Disney Resort hotel guests receive one complimentary water park visit on their check-in day for arrivals between May 26 and September 8, 2026.