Delicious dining

Blizzard Beach offers the famous Dole Whip
Image: Joel, Flickr (license)

Blizzard Beach: Six dining locations offer a diverse landscape of offerings. Grab gyros at Arctic Expeditions, specialty hot dogs at Avalunch, a tuna sandwich at the Cooling Hut, Empanadas at the Warming hut, shrimp rolls from Lottawatta Lodge, or your classic turkey leg at Frostbite Freddy’s.

This is also an outstanding spot for indulgent snacks. Frostbite Freddy’s offers the famous Dole Whip, I.C. Expeditions has a full menu of ice cream treats, and the piping hot offerings at the Mini Donut cart are to die for. If you’re getting thirsty, the Polar Pub has specialty cocktails.

Typhoon Lagoon: There are four options for a meal at Typhoon Lagoon. Leaning Palms and Typhoon Tilly’s offer barbecued pork or turkey pesto sandwiches. Leaning Palms also has burgers and pizza, while Typhoon Tilly’s offers fish or shrimp baskets. Lowtide Lou’s and the Snack Shack offer lighter fare like chicken wraps and tuna sandwiches.

For a sweet treat, hit Happy Landings Ice Cream. Let’s Go Slurpin’ features specialty cocktails in this park.

The Winner: The options at Blizzard Beach are far more abundant and diverse. And seriously, the donuts are a must.

Extra features

The chair lift is a unique feature at Blizzard Beach
Image: Michael Welsing, Flickr (license)

Blizzard Beach: Bright chairlifts take you to the top of Mount Gushmore, so you can enjoy the fun feel of a ski resort in the Floridian heat. Guests must be 32” for this ride.

Typhoon Lagoon: The massive wave pool is so powerful you can actually surf in it. Surf lessons are available for $165 per person. Experienced surfers can reserve a time slot before or after park hours to enjoy the ride on up to 100 waves.

The Winner: Blizzard Beach offers more accessible extras with its chair lift that anyone can hop on for stellar views. Though thrilling, the surfing experiences at Typhoon are more exclusive and come with a high price tag.

Final score

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
Image: Jeff Kays, Flickr (license)

Blizzard Beach: 5 / Typhoon Lagoon: 3

Blizzard Beach is the overall winner for its thrill rides, pre-teen adventures, and tasty treats. If you’re looking for an action-packed water park adventure, this is it. However, Typhoon Lagoon is the better pick for smaller children or those who like a more laid-back day in the sun. It offers the same number of water slides with somewhat milder options, as well as an extra kid-friendly slide in the Surf Pool.

Whether you go for chilly waterpark fun at Blizzard Beach, or the warm tropical feel or Typhoon Lagoon, you’re sure to enjoy an unforgettable day of splashes and slides at Disney.