With Disney’s current offer of a free water park day upon check-in, this question is coming up a lot more: If you only have time for one water park, which should it be?
We totally get it. Most people aren’t dedicating multiple days to water parks, so when you’re choosing between Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, you want to make the right call for your group.
We’ve been to both many times and have a lot of thoughts, plus plenty of anecdotal insight from others, too.
You’ll definitely want to keep reading for the full breakdown, but here’s our quick take:
- Blizzard Beach is our favorite for families with young kids, especially if your crew includes kids around 8 or younger. The kid zone (Tike’s Peak) is fantastic, and the snowy ski resort theming is somehow both silly and charming in the best way. It’s fun, creative, and kids seem to love the whole vibe. That said, older kids and adults will still have a good time too, so don’t write it off just yet.
- Typhoon Lagoon is our top pick for teens and adults. The whole park has a more laid-back, island feel, and it feels more vacation-y. It’s home to the only water coaster between the two parks, and the wave pool is a whole thing. Instead of the usual bobbing waves, it sends out one massive 6-foot wave every 90 seconds that you can body surf on. (No, seriously, it’s wild, and you probably don’t want your youngest kids in the deep end for this. They can stick to the shallow area at the front of the pool, which still gives them a taste of the action without the chaos.)
Why We Love Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is themed like a ski resort that melted, which sounds odd, but it totally works once you’re there. The design is fun and clever, and it gives the whole park a lighthearted, slightly ridiculous energy that kids tend to adore. The snowy mountain backdrop, chairlift, and ski-lodge-style details make it feel super immersive.
Blizzard Beach Pros:
- Unique and fun winter-themed setting.
- More attractions overall.
- The kids’ area (Tike’s Peak) is the best of the two parks — perfect for younger kiddos.
- Chairlift up the mountain is a fun novelty.
- We really love Toboggan Racers (but we’re biased because some of our best Disney childhood memories were on this ride).
- There are also more slides in general, so if your group is all about trying everything, BB might have the edge.
Why We Love Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon has a very different vibe from its wintery counterpart. For one, it’s themed like a tropical paradise that’s somehow both a laid-back island getaway and an action-packed adventure. It leans more “adult chill zone” but younger visitors can still enjoy.
Typhoon Lagoon Pros:
- Relaxed, tropical theming.
- That wave pool is unmatched (IT’S SO FUN).
- Home to the only water coaster (Crush ‘n’ Gusher) between the two parks.
- Food and drinks are generally better here, especially if you’re into a good tropical cocktail.
- It can sometimes feel less crowded, depending on the day.
This park also has plenty of space to stretch out and relax if you’re not looking to do rides nonstop. And while there’s a play area for younger kids, we find that it’s not quite as expansive or engaging as the one at Blizzard Beach.
Final Thoughts
Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are a lot of fun, even if they haven’t had updates in years. You’re going to have a blast no matter which one you choose.
But if you’re traveling with little ones who will spend most of the day in the kids’ area, or you want that “classic water park” vibe with lots of variety, Blizzard Beach is probably your best bet.
If your group is older, Typhoon Lagoon offers more excitement, better food and drinks, and a super chill atmosphere to go with it.
Psst! If you’re heading to Blizzard Beach, make sure to check out our itinerary here. No, we unfortunately don’t have one for Typhoon Lagoon yet (but you honestly don’t need it as much because there are fewer attractions to plan around)!
Wait, what about navigating the main Disney World parks? Our itineraries are packed with expert tips, strategy, and pro know-how to make your Disney planning a breeze – and there’s something for everyone!