Ski at a Water Park!

Disney's Blizzard Beach is basically a ski resort themed water park. An interesting idea! Don't worry, the water is not freezing. Still, it's a great way to cool down on a hot day.

The water park essentially is built in the shape of a mountain, with light and steep rides. In fact, there is a 'chairlift' like one at a ski resort to lift you to the top of the mountain. The lines are rather long for this, however, even in May.

Blizzard Beach is part of the Walt Disney World Resort, so if you plan to go, you can simply buy Disney World tickets with the Water Park Fun and More option, which will allow for days in the Disney water park.

The rides are thus:

Cross Country Creek - a lazy river with multiple exits across the park.

Downhill Double Dipper - a tube slide that goes straight down (with one bump) - a pretty unique ride. The lines are pretty long for this ride, so do this ride near the beginning or end of the day.

Melt-Away Bay - a wave pool

Run-off Rapids - A tube slide, but probably the longest tube slide I've been on.

Slush Gusher - a vertical body slide with a few bumps, moves very fast.

Snow Stormers - A mat slide with curves, simulating a ski obstacle course.

Summit Plummet - a straight, vertical body slide, going down a 120 foot slope, according to Disney's website. I skipped this ride as I was too nervous for this.

Teamboat Springs - a water family raft ride. Skipped this ride as I was traveling alone.

Toboggan Racers - a straight mat slide. A little different than other mat slide rides I've been on, as there were no curves or enclosed tubes to start with. Lines can look intimidating, but move quickly.

The water park was more crowded than other May-season water parks, but that's probably because it's at Disney World.

Food: Mostly your typical fast-food served at a water park. They had good chicken nuggets if you don't want a burger. Additionally, there was great soft-serve ice cream. If you leave the park, there's many fine restaurants around Disney World.

Transportation: Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO). If you're staying at a Disney World hotel, which I recommend you do if you're planning to visit Disney World, there is free transportation from the airport (Disney's Magical Express), and there are busses from the Disney hotels to Blizzard Beach. You can also fly into Orlando-Sanford (SFB) but it is farther away and you'll probably need to rent a car.

Overall: While somewhat crowded even during the "off-season", a very enjoyable and good-looking water park. Recommended!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.