Disney's Blizzard Beach
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Blizzard Beach is a water park located within the Walt Disney World resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
The park opened in April of 1995 and was the third WDW water park after River Country and Typhoon Lagoon. The theme of the park is the "Disney legend" of a freak snowstorm in the area, leading to the construction of Florida's first ski resort. Naturally, the snow didn't last long, leaving behind a collection of waterlogged but snow-less ski jumps and chair lifts. The failed resort was in the process of closing for good when an alligator was seen sliding down a flume and splashing into a pool of water, screaming "Yahoo!!!!" Thus the "ski resort" was reborn as a water park, with the alligator (named "Ice Gator") as mascot.
The majority of the major attractions at the park are hosted atop of Mount Gushmore, an artificial hill with a total elevation of 220 feet, making it the fifth highest point in Florida. Mount Gushmore is split into three colored slopes to aid guests navigating around the park: Green, Red and Purple.
The "Mountain" also serves to hide the park's pipes.
All water areas are heated (at approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit) with the exception of the melting snow in the ice cave of Cross Country Creek.
Green Slope
Overview
The Green Slope attractions are found at the uppermost point of Mount Gushmore. They can be accessed by foot, or by chairlift. The chairlift is a one-way ride, except for guests with disabilities.Attractions
Purple Slope
Overview
Access to the Purple Slope attractions is from a pathway next to the catch pool of Downhill Double Dipper.Attractions
Red Slope
Overview
The Red Slope is found at the very rear of the park, containing only one attraction.Attractions
Ground Level
Attractions
Food & Beverage
- Avalunch: Offers light snacks and refreshments. Located next to the entrance of the Chairlift.
- Lottawatta Lodge: Ski lodge providing outdoor covered seating and is the main counter service area.
- Polar Pub: Bar located on the beach by the wave pool.
- Sled Dogger: Offers deserts and refreshments. Located near the Chairlift.
- The Cooling Hut: Offers light snacks and refreshments. Located in the Village
- The Warming Hut: Offers snacks, lunch and dinner. Located near the bottom of Downhill Double Dipper.
Merchandise
- North Pearl: Jewelry store featuring pearls. Located in the Village across from the changing rooms.
- Snowless Joe's: Rental location offering locker and towel rentals and complimentary lifejackets. Located in the Village next to the changing rooms.
- The Beach Haus: Main merchandise store offering souvenirs, swimwear, footwear, etc. Located in the Village in-between the Main Entrance and Lottawatta Lodge.
External links
- * Satellite image from [WikiMapia], [Google Maps] or [Windows Live Local]
- * Street map from [MapQuest] or [Google Maps]
- * Topographic map from [TopoZone]
- * Aerial image from [TerraServer-USA]
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