Disney World Florida: Water Parks & Other Attractions
Something you may not know about the Walt Disney World group of attractions in Florida is that there are also two fantastic waterparks, a mini-golf course, a sports stadium, and even a shopping centre. In the Floridian heat, it can be refreshing to take a plunge down a waterslide or a swim in the wave pool, or it might be nice to do a little retail therapy in some dependable air-conditioning. Read on to find out more about the water parks and other attractions.
Typhoon Lagoon
One of two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon offers fun for all the family. The centrepiece of the park is an old ship which has been impaled by a rock in low tide; it sits high above the pools but sprays water from its funnel every half hour, down onto the attractions and swimmers below. The theming is centred on the fictional story of a typhoon hitting the area and leaving wrecked ships and driftwood all over the site. Typhoon Lagoon’s main attraction is the huge wave machine with state-of-the-art technology which creates a huge sweeping wave. In addition to this, there are multiple slides, a lazy river, and a children’s play area; so there really is something for everyone.
Blizzard Beach
The second water park is Blizzard Beach, the theme of which is based on a freak blizzard which has hit Florida and started to melt. As cold as it might look, the water is warm and this park can provide a plethora of thrills and chills. It plays host to the sixth tallest waterslide in the world, Summit Plummet standing at a daunting 120 foot tall. The freefall body slide will plunge you at 55mph, taking just 4 seconds to drop that height. There are also plenty of opportunities to relax here, with an abundance of sun loungers and a tranquil river ride.
Tips for the Water Parks
- All swimwear must be family-friendly and not feature ‘buckles, rivets, zippers, or exposed metal’. Also prohibited are denim of any sort, and wetsuits on certain attractions. Health and safety regulations dictate that young children who are still of nappy-wearing age must wear plastic underwear or swimming nappies.
- You can rent lockers and towels in both waterparks (Singapore Sal’s and High 'N Dry Rentals in Typhoon Lagoon and Beach Haus and Snowless Joe’s in Blizzard Beach).
- The parks are only open 9 months a year, each undergoing renovations and safety checks for three months, but there’s always one open at any one time. Typhoon Lagoon usually closes in the spring and Blizzard beach in the autumn.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney, is a large shopping centre where you can buy merchandise in franchise specific shops, as well as high end jewellery, homeware, food, and drink. There’s a huge shop at the end of the road called ‘World of Disney’ which is marked by a giant Stitch at one entrance - be warned, he spits water at unsuspecting passers-by! - and more characters at the other entrance. There’s even a gift shop here where it’s Christmas every day of the year.
Top Tip: If you snatch up so much that you can’t carry any more, you can ask the Welcome Centre to keep hold of your bags for you until you’re ready to leave the complex.
Winter Summerland Mini-Golf
Winter Summerland is a unique mini-golf experience situated just outside of Blizzard Beach where allegedly, Santa landed on his way back to the North Pole one Christmas, bringing snow and giving the gift of mini-golf. He and the elves were divided between wanting a summer theme and a winter theme, so there are now two 18-hole courses you can follow. Every hole is different, each with fun (and funny) obstacles.
ESPN Wide World of Sports
This sports centre covers 220 acres of land and features ten world-class sports venues which play host to both professional and amateur sports events every year. Some events in the past have included the National Cheerleading Championships, NFL Pro Bowl Week, and various basketball championships. It is one of Disney’s lesser known attractions, despite having been opened in 1997.
Discover more about all things Disney World Florida, and take a look at our range of Disney Cruise Line cruise and stay holidays. To find out about the rest of the theme parks, simply click on its name below: