Blizzard Beach vs. Typhoon Lagoon – Which To Choose?

The heat is here, and that means it’s time to slip into a swimsuit and hit up a Disney water park. However, many people are a bit stumped when they find out Disney actually has two water parks. How are they supposed to choose between two equally amazing places? Honesty, this is a hard decision even for us, the Disney experts. However, there are a few factors that may help you make the right decision for your family. Here’s what we’ve learned about these two super fun parks.

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Theme and Atmosphere

One of the things Disney does best is theming, and their water parks are no exception. Wondering which water park has the best theming? Read on!

• Typhoon Lagoon: The story behind Typhoon Lagoon is that a giant wave took out an island, leaving behind a mountain that was the perfect base for winding slides. Overall, the park has a very beachy feel, something that’s pretty typical for a water park. However, we very much appreciate the feeling of being in a tropical paradise, as well as the shade offered by the lush trees.
• Blizzard Beach: Blizzard Beach has a more unusual story. The tale goes that a ski resort was opened after a freak Florida snowstorm. When the snow melted, the resort was transformed into a water park. We love the fun theme at this park. It’s super creative and detailed. However, the white “snow” found throughout the parks tends to reflect the sun, making the park extra hot. Additionally, there is hardly any shade to be found.
• Theme & Atmosphere Winner: Because we appreciate shade and because it feels a bit odd to be swimming when surrounded by snow, we have to give this one to Typhoon Lagoon.

Kid Areas

A good number of people who visit Disney bring kids with them. Therefore, we are going to address the kid areas at each park to give you an idea of what your little ones might have to do.

• Typhoon Lagoon: The kid section at Typhoon Lagoon is aptly named Ketchakiddie Creek. It features fun theming and some tiny slides that are super fun for small children. That said, this area is definitely for the preschool crowd only, with a 48-inch max height limit.
• Blizzard Beach: Blizzard Beach’s Tike’s Peak is quite similar to Ketchakiddie Creek in that it has a 48-inch height limit. The colors and theming aren’t quite as exciting in this section as they are in Typhoon Lagoon’s kid area, but the play area is fun enough. Ski Patrol is the other kid area at Blizzard Beach. This play area is dedicated to slightly older children and features an awesome water obstacle course. Typhoon Lagoon has nothing like Ski Patrol, meaning older kids who don’t enjoy big sides might feel left out.
• Kids Area Winner: We’d say Blizzard Beach wins this category simply because they have something for everyone.

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Slides

Slides are the number one reason thrill seekers visit water parks. Because of this, sides definitely deserve a bit of discussion. Here’s what we think.

• Typhoon Lagoon: While Typhoon Lagoon has just as many slides as Blizzard Beach, they are not nearly as thrilling. For many, this is a good thing. After all, water slides can be fun without scaring the daylights out of a person. The most intense slide at Typhoon Lagoon is probably the Humunga Kowabunga, which reaches a top speed of 30mph. However, the coolest one is easily Crushin’ Gusher, a water coaster that uses jets to propel you up and down hills.
• Blizzard Beach: Blizzard Beach definitely has the more thrilling slides of the two parks. In fact, we’d even go so far as to say some of their slides are downright frightening. Without a doubt, the most intense slide at the park is Summit Plummet. This slide stands a full 13 stories tall and drops riders at an astounding 60mph. Clearly, this slide is only for the bravest of sliders.
• Slides Winner: Overall, we enjoy the sides at Typhoon Lagoon the most, and therefore we’ll give this park the win. However, true adrenaline junkies may feel differently.

Wave Pools

Wave pools are an integral part of any water park. After all, who doesn’t enjoy jumping waves as though they were swimming in the ocean? We definitely have a favorite Disney wave pool. Keep reading to learn which it is.

• Typhoon Lagoon: Surf Pool at Typhoon Lagoon features some of the biggest waves we’ve ever seen of any wave pool. It’s enormously fun to spend time dodging waves or bobbing around in this pool. Some people even choose to take surf lessons here!
• Blizzard Beach: Blizzard Beach, on the other hand, has Melt Away Bay. While this pool is a very relaxing place to be, it’s waves aren’t nearly as big and exciting as the waves at Typhoon Lagoon.
• Wave Pools Winner: Obviously, we much prefer the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon and we give this category to them as well.

Lazy Rivers

Another key feature of any water park is the lazy river. Floating around aimlessly after a day filled with thrilling slides and jumping around in wave pools certainly does have a certain appeal. Here’s what we think of Disney’s two lazy rivers.

• Typhoon Lagoon: This lazy river is referred to as Castaway Creek. It meanders at an easy pace for the most part, but does feature some small waterfalls and rapids. Additionally, guests are sent through caves and lush rainforest areas.
• Blizzard Beach: Blizzard Beach is home to Cross Country Creek. Honestly, this lazy river isn’t much different than Castaway Creek, and also features rapids, waterfalls, and caves. We especially appreciate the dripping ice cave, and the shade is nice as well.
• Lazy Rivers Winner: This one is a tie. The lazy rivers are both fun and are so similar, there’s really no way to determine a winner.

Raft Slides

Finally, we must examine the two family raft slides available at the parks. These rides are some of the most fun out there because they allow you to ride with a whole group of people.

• Typhoon Lagoon: Typhoon Lagoon’s raft ride is one of the newer water attractions and is named Miss Adventure Falls. It features an animatronic bird, a slow ride to the top of the ride, and many other interesting features that make it stand out. This slide definitely has the better theming of the two.
• Blizzard Beach: Teamboat Springs is the Blizzard Beach raft slide. It’s the longest slide in the world, and is tons of fun. The theming on this slide is not nearly as good as that of Miss Adventure Falls, but the slide length and fun factor both help make up for it.
• Raft Slides Winner: This is another tie. While the slides are very different, each brings something super cool to the table, making it nearly impossible to choose a favorite.

In our humble opinion, Typhoon Lagoon is the best water park to visit in most instances. That said, Blizzard Beach is ideal for those with young children or families with children in different age categories thanks to their two kid areas. Thrill seekers may also prefer Blizzard Beach. Either way you go, you’re sure to have a blast!