Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach: Comparing Walt Disney World's Water Parks

By Kate Cohen
June 11, 2025

 

On a hot Orlando day, there’s nothing better than splashing and playing in cool, refreshing water.  

While it’s always an option to hang by your hotel pool at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista and visit our splash pad, you can make your trip extra special with a trip to one of Orlando’s awesome water parks.  

 

A boy and girl in bathing suits holding hands cross a rope bridge with a marooned fishing boat perched on top of a mountain in the distance.

 

Walt Disney World Resort is known for its four iconic theme parks, but it also has two beautifully themed water parks well worth visiting: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. 

Typically, the water parks are open in rotation, so one is always open while the other is closed seasonally for refurbishment and cleaning.  

This summer, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are open at the same time, through Sep. 7, 2025. At that time, Blizzard Beach will close and Typhoon Lagoon will remain open.  

Wondering which Disney water park to choose for your summer visit?  

 

Here is a look at Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach to help you decide.  

 

Key Takeaways

 

Typhoon Lagoon  

 

A boy and girl in blue and white inner tubes splash in a pool surrounded by rocky outcroppings and tropical greenery.

 

The legend of Typhoon Lagoon is centered around a massive storm responsible for a variety of shipwrecked items and theming throughout the water park.  

The most recognizable is Miss Tilly, a marooned fishing boat balancing precariously atop a craggy mountain peak in the distance.  

Scattered throughout the park you’ll find shipwrecked decor that gives the park its tropical repurposed vibes that are perfect for a day of themed relaxation and play.  

 

Rides and Attractions 

 

The typhoon lagoon surf pool, with crystal clear blue water, a fishing boat perched on a mountaintop in the distance, and an orange buoy bobbing in the water.

 

There is something for every vacationer to enjoy at Typhoon Lagoon, whether your goal is beachy relaxation or slippery thrills.  

If exciting water slides are your jam, check out the Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a coaster-like ride with a 400-foot tube slide designed to resemble an abandoned fruit-processing plant.  

Gangplank Falls is a Whitewater rafting ride that sends guests careening through rocky caverns, gushing waterfalls, and beneath wooden bridges.  

Other raft rides like Mayday Falls, Miss Adventure Falls, and Keelhaul Falls are ideal for a splashing good time, especially on a warm Florida day.  

If you’re the kind of person that enjoys a more leisurely water park experience, check out Castaway Creek, a scenic lazy river perfect for a relaxing afternoon winding around the entire park.  

 

A man and woman in bathing suits laugh as they share an inflatable raft labeled COCONUTS and PINEAPPLE, floating on a pool surface with a large water slide in the background.

 

Body surf on incoming waves and 6-foot swells at the Surf Pool, the signature attraction of the water park. You can even take surf lessons (for an additional charge).  

Surrounding the Surf Pool are white, sandy beaches, perfect for lounging, sunbathing, and soaking in all the tropical vacay vibes. 

Little ones under 4’ are sure to enjoy Ketchakiddee Creek, a special area designed with smaller kids in mind. There you’ll find mini waterslides, whimsical animals, and a mysterious cave with a waterfall.  

Kids can also have fun tackling Bay Slides, two smaller waterslides with scaled-down thrills so even little adventure-seekers can get their fill of excitement.  

These, and a variety of other attractions, await at Typhoon Lagoon.  

 

Dining 

 

Two men and two women in bathing suits laugh and surround a blue Monsters Inc. themed inner tube, with the typhoon lagoon ship teetering on a mountain in the distance.

 

There are plenty of places to find delicious snacks, entrées, and treats at Typhoon Lagoon. 

The largest restaurant in the water park is Leaning Palms, which has a variety of fast-food style menu items like pizza, hot dogs, burgers, chicken nuggets, and fries.  

They also serve sandwiches and wraps that are ideal for refueling at midday.  

Typhoon Tilly’s is a great go-to for quick salads, chicken fingers, and fried fish, as well as cocktails, beer, and wine for guests over the age of 21.  

The only thing better than splashing at a water park on a hot day is cooling off with a bucket of ice cream.  

Head to Happy Landings for sundaes, floats, and their specialty, the Sand Pail, made of two kinds of soft-serve ice cream and topped with waffle cone and cookie pieces, sprinkles, hot fudge, and more. 

There are a few other stands throughout the park – including one peddling hot mini donuts – that are perfect for a pickup during your day at Typhoon Lagoon.  

 

Upgrades and Experiences 

 

A man, woman, and teenage girl stand in a pool at night as a wave crashes behind them.

 

Looking for a way to make your day at Typhoon Lagoon even more special? 

Private cabanas known as Beachcomber Shacks are available for a VIP experience.  

Each shack accommodates up to ten guests, with cushioned seating for up to six people. They also come equipped with a locker and towels, as well as cold water and select soft drinks. 

Attendants are also on hand to take food and drink orders so you can spend more time playing and less time waiting in line.  

For the ultimate upgrade, consider the Premium Plus Beachcomber Shacks, which also come with extra space, a mini fridge, flatscreen TV, outlets, and an oscillating fan.  

Another unique way to experience Typhoon Lagoon is H2O Glow, an after-hours event held on select evenings throughout the summer.  

During the separately ticketed event, you’ll get to experience the water park after dark, including lower wait times for popular attractions.  

Enjoy ice cream novelties, popcorn, and snacks with the cost of your ticket, as well as live music and meet-and-greets with beloved Toy Story characters.  

 

Blizzard Beach 

 

A large ski lodge on a hill with a colorful chair lift suspended in the air.

 

If Typhoon Lagoon is a tropical paradise, Blizzard Beach is a refreshing flurry of fun.  

This wildly creative and unique water park tells the story of a fictional freak snowstorm in Orlando that led Disney to build a dynamic ski resort.  

But when the snow melted, it left behind a slushy array of alpine attractions that turned out to be perfect as a reimagined water park.  

This wintry wonderland water park is a fantastic destination for a day filled with sun, fun, and play. 

 

Rides and Attractions 

 

A man in a yellow bathing suit lays at the top of a very steep white water slide with his hands crossed over his chest.

 

Throughout the park, you’ll find plenty of ski lodge-inspired attractions and decor.  

For example, the Chair Lift offers a leisurely ride to attractions like Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher, and Teamboat Springs, shaded by umbrellas for a cool and comfortable ride.  

Summit Plummet is the ultimate thrill water slide with a steep 12-story drop down a dark tunnel that ends with a whitewater splash.  

Slush Gusher is an uncovered slide that sends riders winding through snow drifts for an invigorating experience.  

Grab your friends and family (up to five people) and head to Teamboat Springs for an oversized raft ride down 1,200 feet of twists, turns, rapids, and rotations.  

Toboggan Racers is an eight-lane slalom-style waterslide that sends riders racing headfirst to the finish line to see who can take first place.  

 

Girls in bathing suits carrying purple mats walk at the base of a multi-lane water slide beneath an orange FINISH sign

 

If you prefer a tamer approach to your day at the water park, Blizzard Beach has plenty for you to enjoy, too.  

Cross Country Creek is a 3,000-foot lazy river that winds through snowbanks, rustic caves, and illuminated grottos.  

Meltaway Bay is a comfortable heated one-acre wave pool that laps ashore onto a sandy beach lined with comfortable lounge chairs.  

A very kid-friendly water park, Blizzard Beach is also home to Tike’s Peak, a Frozen-themed play area with wading pools, a junior tube ride, mini water slides, and more immersive elements. 

With a handful of other rides to tackle, too, Blizzard Beach has plenty of entertainment to keep you laughing, shrieking, and sighing with relaxation all day long. 

 

Dining 

 

An orange cocktail in a martini glass with a pink umbrella and straw sits in the foreground with a large water slide ski ramp out of focus in the background.

 

Whether you prefer something hearty or something light, Blizzard Beach has something delicious for everyone.  

Warming Hut serves dishes that satisfy whether you’re skiing or swimming, including a Winter Harvest salad, elote nachos with pork, and veggie-friendly options. You can also indulge in orange dole whip for a nostalgic treat. 

Lottawatta Lodge is an alpine chalet offering quick service dishes like burgers, flatbreads, milkshakes, and more. It’s also a great destination for frozen alcoholic beverages, perfect for a sunny day. 

Avalunch Snack Bar is great for picking up a specialty hot dog with toppings like chili and mac and cheese, paired perfectly with a cold beer.  

These and other grab-and-go snack bars will keep you, your family, and friends energized for a full day of water park fun.  

 

Upgrades and Experiences 

 

Three girls in bathing suits play in a shallow pool in front of an igloo with statues of young Anna and Elsa from Frozen.

 

Blizzard Beach’s cabanas, known as Polar Patios, are a great way to avoid crowded beaches and vying for the best lounge chairs.  

Polar Patios offer an almost identical experience to Typhoon Lagoon’s Beachcomber Shacks, with amenities like cushioned seating, towels, cold water, and soft drinks.  

They also offer a premium option with the addition of a TV, outlets, and a breeze-worthy fan.  

This summer is the perfect time for a family vacay to Blizzard Beach, since 2025 is Cool Kid Summer!  

Enjoy cool kid perks like dance parties and games throughout the water park, as well as a special appearance by Goofy in his beach attire.  

 

Typhoon Lagoon vs. Blizzard Beach  

 

A girl sits and smiles in a colorful inner tube on the water with a large ski jump in the distance.

 

In the end, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach offer creative theming, thrilling water slides, relaxing beaches, and plenty of Disney Magic.  

Some visitors believe that Blizzard Beach is the better choice for guests with younger kids with its more playful theming and a slightly larger toddler-friendly area.  

But the truth is, visitors of all ages will love spending the day at either water park.  

 

Stay at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista for a Splashing Good Time  

 

A large splash pad area with colorful fountain pipes, with a pool and hotel building just behind it.

 

If you’re planning on visiting a Disney water park soon, it just makes sense to stay at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista.  

Not only is our location ideal for Disney-going guests, but we also offer complimentary shuttles to Disney’s four primary theme parks for extra convenience.  

From the theme park of your choosing, you can hop aboard a Disney bus to access either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach.  

Have a little downtime? Take advantage of our seasonally heated swimming pools and kid-friendly splash pad, Ozzie’s Splash Zone.  

We also offer onsite dining with a Kids Eat Free program, where little ones five and under eat free with a paying adult.  

You’ll get all these wonderful amenities at a fantastically affordable rate, and you’ll never pay a resort fee.  

We look forward to hosting you on your next trip to Orlando.  

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