Lake Buena Vista, Florida — Disney’s ski-themed water park is operating once again.
This week, Walt Disney World reopened Blizzard Beach, one of the two water parks at the “Most Magical Place On Earth.” The park will be open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. It was closed for refurbishments from March 17th until November 3rd. Typhoon Lagoon, WDW’s other water park, is now closed for its annual refurbishment.
The legend of Blizzard Beach goes a little something like this: a colossal snowstorm supposedly hit Orlando on January 11, 1977. Developers jumped at the chance to open a ski resort, adding a lift and other winter attractions to Mt. Gushmore. However, the snow melted quickly, leading the operators to get ready to pack their bags and move on. While preparing to leave they saw the future mascot, Ice Gator, slide off one of the melted ski jumps, inspiring the operators to build a water park there instead.
The Blizzard Beach water park opened in 1995. Its water slides, pools, buildings, and dining options are themed to a ski resort that’s slowly melting away. Blizzard Beach’s signature attraction is Summit Plummet. Themed to a ski jump, Summit Plummet is one of the tallest and fastest body slides in the world. Frequently regarded as one of the best water parks on the planet, Blizzard Beach is genuinely one of Walt Disney Imagineering’s most outstanding achievements.
No new attractions have been added during the refurbishments, but there are some new menu items at their eateries. According to WDW News Today, these include a BBQ pork sandwich at the Warming Hut, an apple pie churro and a praline sundae at I.C. Expeditions, and a peppermint shake at the Lottawatta Lodge.
So, if you’re looking to go somewhere warmer this winter but still want a ski-themed experience, Lake Buena Vista is an option.
Image/Video Credits: Walt Disney World, Theme Park 101, Canobie Coaster
