Arrival Day!

Well i suppose a lot of you are wondering what to expect on your first day at disney. Well check in is caotic yet well organized at the time. You will want to arrive about 1 1/2 to 2 hours early because they let you in early for check in at least they did for may 24th people. The first thing you will do is get a name tag (its not the disney one) so the other castmembers know who you are! next you will get your program guide which you will need for the first week so bring it every where with you. After that you will go to a table and fill out some paper work no its not hard but they have to do it. Next you will go into a building where you get assigned roommates and where you will be living! I got chatham square! Its beautiful here! You get balconys and its not to quiet but its not that loud either! It is also right next to mickey's retreat! After that however you get your apartment keys and then you get your picture taken for your I.D.! After that you have to fill out some more paper work to prepare for castings! Sounds easy right well it is! just a little crazy! Get there early is all I'm going to say! You can also dress really casual just make sure that your shoulders are covered for your I.D picture!

While filling out that last bit of paper work you will get the time of your casting meeting the earlier you get their the sooner castings will be! I however was the first batch which is nice. It's nice because I got to get to castings and do the background check done, finger prints, get looked at by disney look, get photopass, get assigned your bank account, and all of that good stuff! oh i forgot you FIND OUT WHERE YOU WORK! I WILL BE WORKING AT MAGIC KINGDOM EAST SIDE STANDS! Yes i am excited about that! A little hint though if you want to ge through castings fairly quick sit towards the front of the bus! Later that day is the housing meeting which is long but has good information! Well I hope this helps you a little bit!

HAVE A MAGICAL DAY!

Random things

Hey guys i just figured I would talk about random things. So far I have packed most of my stuff except for my traveling bag in the car. I have my lamp packed, bedding, toothepaste, toothbrushes, and shome bathroom stuff as well as kitchen stuff. When i get there i plan on buying batteries, nylons, alarm clock, a router and some of the stuff so id on't have to worry about that stuff. We are driving so the less i pack the better. In these next couple of days i plan on finishing packing and then to relax and enjoy the time i have left with my family and my boyfriend. Some things that i fel are a must bring in order to talk to your family and friends are:

1. Computer

2. Web cam

3. Cell phone

Some other things that might come in handy are:

1. Camera

2. MP3 player

I also plan on bringing some games with to have around so we have some stuff to do before traditions seeing how we can't get into the parks until after traditions.

Downtown Disney-Market Place

THE MARKET PLACE
Downtown Disney Shopping

If you're looking to shop for all things "Disney" or just want a break from the theme parks, the Marketplace is a terrific destination. There's a great selection of shops and restaurants located here. All of the Walt Disney World resorts offer transportation to Downtown Disney. The best time to visit Downtown Disney is during the day. As evening approaches, be prepared for crowds, particularly on weekends.

Basin - Bath & Facial Products This is bit off the beaten path and towards the rear of the World of Disney store. Featuring natural skin and bath products. There are wonderful hand cut soaps, bath crystals and salts, shampoo bars, scented candles, etc. Visitors are encouraged to try out the products with the testers found throughout the shop. This shop can be potent with all the varieties of smells.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

For all those little girls dreaming of being a Disney Princess, this latest addition to the World of Disney is the perfect fit. More of a salon than a store, there are 10 salon stations where girls can get their hair, nails and makeup done. A second Boutique is located at Cinderellla's Castle in the Magic Kingdom. Reservations are strongly recommended. The number to call is: 407-WDW-STYLE.

Package Prices:

COACH: Hair style and shimmering makeup - $53.20 with tax
CROWN: Hair style, shimmering makeup and nails - $58.53 with tax
CASTLE: Hair style, shimmering makeup and nails plus full Princess costume with accessories and photo package (one 6x8 and four 4x6 pix) - starting at $202.30 with tax

DISNEY SECRET STAR MAKEOVER: Hannah Montana Wig, T-Shirt, Guitar purse, microphone headset (prop), Backstage Pass makeup kit, photo shoot (1 - 6x8 photo with themed holder) - starts at $117.20 with tax

COOL DUDE: Hair style, colored gels and a Mickey stencil - $7.50 (w/o tax)

With the addition of the Boutique, there's been an expansion of Princess merchandise.

The Art of Disney

Whether you're a collector of Disney Memorabilia and artwork or not, this Downtown Disney shop is worth a visit. There's a vast collection of limited edition Sericels, lithographs, original paintings, sculptures, collectible figurines including the Walt Disney Classics Collection, crystal, Lenox, etc. The range of prices makes this appealing to both the serious collector and those wanting something special on a modest budget.

Disney's Days of Christmas

The Days of Christmas is a must see shop at anytime of the year, but make certain that you visit during the Holiday season. You can find a wide variety of Disney character ornaments, Santa hats and Christmas stockings.

The more collectible items include the Disney Village pieces, Christopher Radko ornaments, Disney Railroad Train Sets, Snowbabies, and the Walt Disney World Showcase Collection. This store has an extensive selection of Christmas movies and books, including The Polar Express and Jolly Old Santa Clause. The traditional glass Mickey head, in an array of colors and themes, can be personalized for just $3.00 per word.

Holiday goodies such as cocoa, coffee, cookies and peppermint bark are also found here. If you celebrate the Festival of Lights check out the Disney Hanukkah decorations and the large selection of blue and white ornaments. The small section of non-Disney ornaments includes glass Santas, snowmen, birds, the Fleur de lis, and Christmas pickles. Decorations for Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Easter can also be found here seasonally.

Disney's Pin Traders

This open air shop is where you'll find almost every Disney pin imaginable. There are hundreds of pins displayed by themes as well as Limited Editions. Pin trading sessions are also hosted here. Even if you're not into collecting pins, it's always fun to look through the selection of pins. Pins are an inexpensive souvenir.

Disney Design-A-Tee

Design, customize and personalize your own Hanes tee shirt. This store has several large user friendly computers that will walk you through the entire design process. First you choose the size and and the color of the shirt you want. Depending on the size you choose, the variety of color may be limited. Then your select your art from several Disney categories, such as Celebrations, Characters, Princesses, Tinker Bell, Pirates, Pixar, Disney Films, and Holidays. The final step in the design process is personalizing your tee with custom text. There are several fonts, styles, and colors that you can choose from. When you're done you print out your ticket, pay, and then come back in about 30 minutes to pick it up.

EuroSpain/Arribas Brothers

This crystal specialty shop offers a wide variety of unique gifts. It's a bit off the beaten track, located between Team Mickey and Basin. Skilled craftsmen work on various pieces in view of guests. A wide variety of items can be personalized.

Goofy's Candy Company -A fantastic interactive candy shop that's certain to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether or not you have a sweet tooth, you have to visit Goofy's Candy Company in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Its so much more than a candy store. It's bright and colorful, as you'd expect. There are rows and rows of self serve bins where you can get treats at $2.98 a quarter pound. (A limited selection of sugar free candies are available.) There are pre-packaged candies and novelties for sale as well as glass displays filled with tempting confections.

Hands Arts Memories- Your handprint can be personalized by the artists in this shop into a hand-painted one-of-a-kind treasure.

Lefty's - The Left Hand Store- Offering all types of items for those guests that are left handed. The store has a wide variety of items such as cooking utensils,
pens, pencils, and more.

LEGO Imagination Center

Almost every type of Lego is available here. From the simplest set of blocks to the latest kits, clothing and games, you're bound to find something for all ages at this store. Outside of the shop is a 3,000 square foot play zone. There are amazing lego creations found around the shop, including a "sea serpent" in the lake. This is a great photo spot.

Mickey's Mart - Everything Ten Dollars and UnderLocated near Pooh Corner, this shop offers some great values. There are grab bags and "4 for $10.00" bins. Each week there's a featured item on sale.

Once Upon a Toy Store

This store is for the child and the child at heart. The exterior appears to be constructed out of Lincoln Logs and Tinker Toys. Every Disney themed toy imaginable is featured here. There are incredible displays including the Monorail system in miniature. All of Disney's DVDs currently available for sale can be found here. In addition to an extensive display, there's a binder that contains the full listing of 300+ titles.

Rainforest Cafe Shop - Adjacent to the Rainforest Cafe. A full line of Rainforest themed merchandise including clothing, mugs, jewelry, private label condiments, postcards, toys, candy, mugs, etc.

Team Mickey Athletic Club

The perfect shop for the sports enthusiast. Disney themed sportswear for virtually all sports including golf apparel and accessories, athletic jerseys and footwear, ESPN brand merchandise and a limited selection of sports memorabilia. There are wonderful Disney themed bowling balls that are sure to make you a league standout. You can find a large selection of sports gear with your favorite College or Professional team.
Rawlings Making The Game shop is where you can purchase customized baseball bats, ball and mitts.

Lathe Bat - Engraved: $74.99
Maple Bat - Engraved: 64.99
Full Size Bat - Engraved: $49.99
Blank Bat: $29.99
Mini Bat - Engraved: $24.99
Bat Case: $14.99
Authentic Helmet: $49.99
Replica Helmet: $29.99

Tren-D

The newest shop, Tren-D, at the Downtown Disney Marketplace is just that, trendy! All of the merchandise for sale here is chic, hip, and sometimes eco-friendly. Disney hit a home run with this store which offers Disney Couture clothing and handbags, Tarina Tarantino and Judith Jack jewelry, and earth friendly candy wrapper purses. They carry cool Mickey t-shirts along with clothing from Roxy, Element, Billabong and Lucy Love. You will also find Wicked Wahine lotions and perfumes, Swan Creek candles, and H2O bath products. The hottest item in the store would have to be the seatbelt purses by Harvey for Disney Couture. These handbags are made from reclaimed seatbelts and covered with Mickey Mouse comic strips. The Pop inspired artwork that covers the walls, ceiling and columns is all original and unfortunately not for sale. If you choose to try on your selections, Edna ‘E’ Mode, is on the wall next to the dressing rooms to let you know that you look marvelous. The décor alone makes a stop here a must do for every female Disney fan.

World of Disney - This is the ultimate Disney Character store. You'll find themed sections throughout the 50,000 square foot shop:

- Magic Room: Photo frames, towels, snowglobes.
- Princess Experience Room: Princess outfits, dolls, accessories, toys and the Bibbidi, Bobbidi Boutique where your little girl can be transformed into a Disney Princess
- Enchanted Dining Room: Kitchen items, mugs and photo frames
- Adventure Room : Clothing for boys
- Villains Room: Jewelry, watches, clocks, trading pins and collectibles
- Map Room: Computer software, CDs, stationery and Disney souvenirs featuring pens, pencils, magnets, key chains, etc
- Carnival Room: Plush toys
- Bird Room: Men's clothing
- Snow White Room: Infant/toddler clothing and accessories
- Great Hall: Women's clothing, sleepwear and accessories

World of Disney KIDS - Formerly Pooh's Corner, now offering a wide assortment of merchandise including clothing, plush toys and collectibles. This shop is located opposite the Days of Christmas.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY DINING

Cap'n Jack's Oyster Bar

Located on the waterfront with windows overlooking the Village lake, this restaurant features seafood specialties. Open for lunch and diner from 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
New England clam chowder, crab cakes, Chicken Caesar salad, ribs, steaks and Seafood Pasta are among the selections.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

Featuring a wonderful menu of ice cream sundaes, malts, shakes and floats as well as the Ghirardelli line of chocolate. Now offering sugar-free and fat-free ice cream. This popular spot can get extremely busy, particularly in the evening.

McDonald's

Features typical McDonald's fare. There are some cute touches including sound effects. Open from 8:00am - 1:00am, this location gets very busy once the Pleasure Island crowd lets out.

Rainforest Cafe

One of the two Rainforest Cafe's that are located at Disney. The other is found at the Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

This chain restaurant features animatronic wildlife and a "thunderstorm" that occurs every 22 minutes. The sights and sounds place you in the middle of a tropical rainforest. There's an amazing saltwater fish tank with vibrant tropical fish, as well as waterfalls and banyan trees.

The menu is fairly standard with seafood, steak, sandwiches. salads and pasta. The children's menu includes mac & cheese, burgers and mini-hot dogs.

There's a large bar under a 38 foot "Magic Mushroom." It's a great spot to relax and unwind while enjoying one of their specialty drinks. A retail shop is located here that offers Rainforest themed merchandise.

Wolfgang Puck Express

A "quick service" version of the popular Wolfgang Puck Restaurant at Downtown Disney West Side. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast: Wood-fired breakfast pizzas, French toast, pancakes, waffles, fruit, cereal, omelets, bagels, muffins, pastries, coffee, juice.

Lunch/Dinner: Wood-fired pizzas, salads, soups, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken. Ice cream, cookies and assorted items from Puck's Pantry, and beverages.

Moderate pricing and a great spot to enjoy an above average counter service meal.

Earl of Sandwich

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Freshly prepared sandwiches with specialty sauces and spreads. Salads, wraps, pre-made "Grab 'n Go" selection. Also offering a selection of turnovers, scones, cookies, brownies and ice cream sandwiches. Menu

Beverage offerings include beer, soft drinks, smoothies, juice, tea and their trademark Earl's Grey Lemonade. Counter service with inside seating. Another Marketplace "gem" for a reasonably priced meal.There's a selection of merchandise for sale.

Kiosks offering Margaritas, snacks, soft drinks, smoothies, specialty coffee drinks are located throughout the Marketplace

DOWNTOWN DISNEY RECREATION

Boat RentalsLocated at Cap'n Jack's Marina, you can rent a personal watercraft and explore the Village Lake. There are Sea Raycer's for one to two guests which can be rented for 30, 45 or 60 minutes, Canopy Boats for up to 8 guests and Pontoon Boats that can hold a maximum of 10, both of which can be rented for either 30 or 60 minutes.

Specialty Cruises and Bass Fishing Excursions are also available from this location.

When renting watercraft you must be 18 or over and present either a Walt Disney World Resort ID or valid driver's license. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY, by touching 57 on a Walt Disney Resort phone or at the marina.

Classic Carousel - Handcrafted in Italy, this carousel has two carriages and 19 horses. There is a minimum height of 42". Children not meeting this requirement must be accompanied by an adult.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon!

WELCOME TO DISNEY'S TYPHOON LAGOON!

This 56-acre water park would most likely be the choice of FISH if they could choose an amusement park, as Typhoon Lagoon features some of the wettest and wildest attractions at Walt Disney World. Before Blizzard Beach opened, Typhoon Lagoon was the largest water park on property. It is still immensely popular, with its twisting tides, roaring rapids, wonderful waterways and relaxing rivers. Typhoon Lagoon also features a special area where guests can snorkel among live sharks and other tropical fish. Excluding the snorkeling area, all water is heated to a toasty 75-80 degrees year-round.

Attractions

Castaway Creek - This 2100-foot continuous river raft ride lets guests aboard inner tubes meander through rain forests, caves, open grottos, waterfalls and a waterworks area. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gangplank Falls - Huge inner tubes holding four guests careen down rapids and through special water effects and rock formations on this 300-foot family raft ride.

Humunga Kowabunga - Travel at speeds up to 30 mph as you are whisked down one of the triple enclosed slides and through caves on this 214-foot ride. Must be 48 inches to ride.

Keel Haul Falls - Hop aboard your inner tube and slide down one of the "soft foam" slides, passing through caves, waterfalls and special effects along the way.

"Crush "N" Gusher" - Themed around an abandoned and decaying tropical fruit processing center, this thrill ride is unique to North America.

Guests ride in two person rafts, choosing between three different slides that range from 410 to 420 feet long, the Banana Blaster, Coconut Crusher or Pineapple Plunger. Each section propels you through twists and turns, tunnels and spillways as you slip and slide towards the final thrilling plunge into Hideaway Bay. You'll encounter water jets that will push you backwards while careening down this wild waterway.

HEIGHT RESTRICTION: 48 Inches

Fun Facts:

-Each slide averages over 400 feet
-One slide can fill a regular home pool in a minute
-The Crush 'n' Gusher can fill the 2.7 million gallon wave pool in about 3 hours
-The water jets put out 1350 gallons a minute
-In addition to the "water coaster" there is an expanded beach area and wading pools at Hideaway Bay.

This new section of Typhoon Lagoon is located adjacent to the Shark Reef attraction.

Ketchakiddee Creek - This children's play area features ten different activity areas with slides, floating boats, music and ball fountains, waterfalls and squirting animals. Designed just for children under 48 inches tall.

Mayday Falls - Similar to Keel Haul Falls, travel down the "soft foam" slides and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Shark Reef - This coral-reef environment features an observation area, both above and under the water. This is your chance to snorkel with live sharks and other tropical fish. Guests may not use their own snorkeling equipment, but equipment is available at no fee at Hammer Head Fred's Dive Shop. 30 minute scuba tanks are also available to rent for $20- ask about SAS(Supplied Air Snorkeling). Life jackets are available at High & Dry Towel Rental (must leave driver's license for deposit).

Storm Slides - This series of body slides propels guests through caves, waterfalls, geysers and features a 36-foot drop into bubbling pools.

Wave Pools - Surfs up at this body-surfing wave pool with waves up to six feet tall. A continuous two-hour cycle begins when the park opens (subject to change) and features 90 minutes of surf waves, five minutes of calm, ten minutes of bobbing waves, five minutes of calm, ten minutes of bobbing waves and finally ten minutes of calm.

Blizzard Beach

WELCOME TO DISNEY'S BLIZZARD BEACH!

Disney's Blizzard Beach is home to one of the highest and the fastest water slide. Yes you guessed it. Summit Plummet! Summit plummet can reach up to speeds of 70 miles an hour and it only lasts 3-5 seconds. That is intense. I have never done this attraction but I may build up the nerve to do it while I am working as a Cast Member at Walt Disney World!

The Disney World pools stay busy all summer long and the water parks stay even busier. Of the two water parks, Blizzard Beach is usually the most crowded because it’s the newest and has better slides. Typhoon Lagoon has awesome theming, a great wave pool, and a shark reef, but Blizzard Beach has the real thrill slides, making it one of the top water parks in the country.

Blizzard Beach Attractions With great slides, come long lines. There are no Fast Passes at the Disney water parks, so a 60 minute wait means a 60 minute wait. It’s no secret that you should do the most popular slides first, but I am saying it again, do the popular slides first. The longest waits are Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher, Downhill Double Dipper and the Chair Lift.

Summit Plummet is the big daddy and is one of the world's tallest and fastest free-falling slides. Standing 120 feet tall and 13 stories high, this is an adrenaline rush. I’ve done it numerous times and my heart still races every time I do it. Going 60 mph straight down a water slide is no joke. Children have to be 48” tall to ride.

A tip for ladies: Wear a one-piece bathing suit on this attraction or you may arrive at the bottom before the top of your bathing suit does.





While not as intense as the nearby Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher is another great speed slide at Blizzard Beach, and the line is just as long. Children also have to be 48” tall to ride. Here, you go over two "moguls" reaching speeds of up to 50 mph, catching air on the second one. Your body will leave the slide a little bit on the second drop. A tip for adrenaline junkies - To catch ultimate air on Slush Gusher, raise your crossed-legs just before you reach the second hump and keep straight.

DON'T TRY TO CARRY EVERYTHING YOU OWN ON A SPEED SLIDE! - The wait times for Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher really depend on how prepared the people are in front of you. Here’s a real scenario... picture someone hesitating at the top Summit Plummet because they’re scared of heights and just realized they’re eye level with the Tower of Terror. The wind is blowing and the slide is so steep they can’t even see it in front of them. They decide to go down 2 minutes later, after some heavy convincing from the ride-operator and the impatient guests waiting behind. When they get to the bottom of the slide, they spend another 2 minutes trying to find their sunglasses, chap stick, 4 one-dollar bills, 5 quarters, a wet Blizzard Beach map and the shoes they were holding. This goes on all day long. Be prepared and don't bring everything you came in the park with on this slide.

Another big one is Downhill Double Dipper (DDD, Triple D), 2 side-by-side 50 feet high racing slides have you traveling at speeds up to 25 mph against your competitor aboard an inner tube. This line is also usually very long during the busy times. Children have to be 48” tall to ride, but make sure they can swim because the water at the bottom is 54” deep. The tube has an open bottom so small children sometimes fall through the hole when they hit the catch pool. Slide History - There was a time when this ride allowed double tubes to go down, but when people started soaring across the water at 20 mph smacking into the catch net, something had to change. Even if you sat in a single tube the right way, you could glide across the entire catch pool to the end. Due to some injuries, they raised the water level and now the ride ends once you hit the water. You'll also notice an inflatable pad at the end of the catch pool, just in case.

The Chair Lift is also very popular. While you might think that you’ll just walk on up and hop on, it’s not an expressway. This is a real Chair Lift that provides a one way trip to the top of the mountain, with access to some slides (Summit, Slush, Teamboat Springs). If you don’t want to ride one the slides at the top of the mountain, then you will have to walk back down. It’s very convenient for those that can’t climb stairs and others that don’t mind the wait, but there is usually long a line. Try the single express line if the wait is too long. Children have to be 32 ” tall to ride.

The lines for Runoff Rapids and Snow Stormers tend to move faster.

Runoff Rapids is a tube ride consisting of 3 different twisting and turning 600-foot slides to choose from. There are 2 open slides that allow double tubes, and a totally enclosed dark slide where you can take a single tube. The enclosed slide is like a water slide version of Space Mountain and is a must do. The single-tube line usually has the longest, b/c the enclosed slide is very popular and can only be ridden with a single tube. All the tubes are picked up at the bottom of the slide and then you carry them up the mountain.

This is the only slide at Blizzard where you have to carry your tube up a flight of stairs. Although there is no height requirement for this slide, a child must be able to sit properly in a tube while holding both handles. Test it at the bottom before you haul the tube up to the top. The double tube allows the parent to sit behind the child. The water at the bottom is just under 4-feet (3 ft. 9in.), so get ready to grab your kid when you flip out your tube.

Snow Stormers is one that I’ve seen children go on dozens of times in a row. Kids love this one! You lay on a toboggan mat face first while you go down one of three 350-feet long twisting and turning flumes that descend from the mountain. These mats do float and can support a small child, but it is not recommended to use it as that. This attraction is for guests of all ages, but I advise parents with small non-swimming children to go first and wait at the bottom for your small child. You can always ask the lifeguard at the top to send them after you, and advise the lifeguard at the bottom that you are waiting for your little one. The water in the catch pool is just under 4-feet (3 ft. 9in.).

The Toboggan Racers are an 8-lane course, where you go headfirst down 250 feet waterway with fun dips. This line moves pretty quick. Some children get discouraged when they lose or don’t slide as far as the parents, so let your little one have head start. This has a zero water depth.

Ski Patrol Training Camp is the pre-teen area of Blizzard Beach for those that can’t and won’t do the bigger slides. There are several attractions in a close proximity to one another, so parents are able to keep a close eye on their children. This area stays VERY active all day long. In the main pool area there are floating icebergs, iceberg walks with above nets that children cross, and 2 very tame slides. The water in the common pool area is 3 1/2 feet. Children 13 and over are not allowed on the iceberg walks. There is also Cool Runners in Ski Patrol, which is a smaller and slower version Runoff Rapids that consists of 2 wide-open inner tube slides.

Just above the main pool area in Ski Patrol there is a T-Bar that zips children down into 8 ½ feet deep water, and a short, steep, enclosed slide that shares the same catch pool. T-Bar is only for children under 60”, but there is no height restriction for the adjacent slide.

Lifeguard rescues happen here several times a day because children and parents have no clue the water is so deep. I had to rescue an entire family here once. The son came down the T-Bar and couldn’t swim. Just as I jumped in to save him, the father and mother came down the adjacent slide one after another. They couldn’t swim either. If your child can't swim or is a weak swimmer, please please please get them a free life jacket at Snowless Joes.

Tike's Peak is the area reserved just for the little ones. This kid-sized play are features scaled-down elements of Mt. Gushmore and includes a snow-castle fountain play area. The water in this entire area is very shallow and children must be under 4 feet tall to play. There is limited seating here, so save a spot early if you think this is where you'll be.

For the whole family, there's Teamboat Springs which sends you down a series of twisting and cascading waterfalls. This 1200 foot whitewater raft ride is the world's longest family white-water raft ride. The raft holds a minimum of 4 passengers and a maximum of 6. If you have 3 or less in your party, you will be traveling with another family.

Cross Country Creek - This is one of the most relaxing things you can do at Blizzard Beach. Hop into a complimentary inner tube and enjoy leisurely floating along the 3,000-foot creek that encircles Blizzard Beach. It'll take you about 30 minutes to go completely around, but that is only if you stay in your tube and let the current take you. You do not need a tube to enjoy this attraction and you are free to walk, swim, or float. Be prepared for dripping ice water when you pass through the ice cave, and a few other surprising water features. There are total of 7 entry/exit spots to the creek.

Melt-Away Bay - This one-acre pool nestled against the base of Mt. Gushmore is constantly fed by "melting snow" waterfalls. There's gentle wave action, but don't expect to body surf. This does not produce the big wave that Typhoon Lagoon does. Tubes are allowed in the wave pool, but the number is limited and is on a first come first serve basis.

Where do I sit?

Before you ride anything, someone needs to save a spot. Just because you are in the park does not mean there’s a set of four chairs waiting for you at the wave pool. Chairs are prime real-estate and the good locations go fast and probably won’t become available again until later in the day, or until after it rains. I remember witnessing the sea of guests speed-walking through the park throwing their stuff on the first chairs they saw. I would suggest that you have an idea of where you want to sit before you claim territory on a busy path.

Unlike the Theme Parks, you need somewhere to call home base for the day, a convenient spot that you can remember, and a place to lay your stuff down. There are grassy picnic areas, sandy beach areas, covered shelters (in and out the sand), and chairs near overlook spots and slide exits. The wave pool has plenty of seating, but these can go fast. I personally like the area to the far left of the wave pool (near Warming Hut).

You're at the wave pool, close to food and restrooms, near the Polar Pub Bar (for the adults), and by a creek entrance. For the tots, setup camp at Tikes Peak. The Ski Patrol area for preteens is crazy, but if you must sit here, you can find a quieter spot in the upper area (close to the main walkway). Except for main walkways and pools, you can move chairs where ever you want. There are always vacant chairs in the picnic area on the backside of the mountain. Be courteous and only take the chairs you need.

Bleach and Bathing Suits Don't Mix - It’s not funny, but one morning the lifeguards were bleaching all of the chairs on the main beach near the wave pool and were supposed to rinse them off before the park opened. Apparently, a section of chairs escaped the rinsing process and made a group of guests very unhappy. Disney had to replace whatever they were wearing b/c they all had white bleach stripes all over their clothes. Hey, at least you know the chairs are clean.

Premium Seating

4 Premium spaces are available for rental daily. This includes an attendant, private lockers, all day drink mugs, cooler with bottled water, comfortable lounge furniture, tables and rental towels. The Premium spaces accommodate up to 6 guests. Cost is $250 plus tax for the full day (plus park admission). You will need to go to the Shade Shack location to inquire about the availability of the Polar Patios. Advance reservations are currently not available but are expected to be offered through 407-WDW-PLAY in late summer. My advice is to get to the park early and find a good spot for free!!

Where do I put my stuff?

Rentals

Get a locker! You wouldn’t believe how much money ends up at the bottom of the pools every day. If you are a going to carry money around in your bathing suit, then you need to keep it in a water wallet or in a ziplock bag, something that will float.

There is no way to claim a single 5 dollar bill at Guest Relations. When I was coordinating, we had to swim the catch pools (the pools at the bottom of the slides) whenever someone would lose something. Do you know how hard it is to a find a single prescription glass lens in the catch pool of Runoff Rapids, or a diamond earring in the wave pool? Things will fall off and things will fall out of your pocket, so put what you want in a locker.

A small locker is $13 and a large is $15, but you get $5 back when you return the key, if you don't loose that too.It is Disney, but crimes do happen. If you leave your bag in your spot while you go slide or swim, then try to tie it to one of your chairs, or bring a lock and lock it to a chair. It is a lot harder to steal a bag if there is a chair attached to it.While you’re renting a locker, take a look at your beautiful children and decide whether or not you feel comfortable throwing them in 8 feet of water.

If your answer is no, then please ask the cast member to give you a life jacket. Life jackets are provided free of charge at Snowless Joes with a personal ID and a $25 refundable deposit. The deepest body of water in the park is 8 1/2 feet deep at the T-Bar in Ski Patrol, and is only for children 60” and under. The water isn't only over your child’s head, but it’s over your head too.

If you don't bring your own towel you can rent one for $2. What should I bring from home?
Bring a real bathing suit, not a pair of jeans you cut into shorts. Some rides such as Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher have bathing suit restrictions. You will not be allowed to go down these slides if you have jean shorts or shorts that have metal buttons on them. These buttons can harm the slide making it very dangerous for other guests.

The ground can get extremely hot and very slippery, so wear water shoes or flip-flops. Certain areas of the park are cleaned with bleach every morning, so they can be very slick.

Sunscreen and goggles will cost twice as much at Blizzard Beach than what you will pay at your local store, so bring it with you.

Florida is HOT! Unless you take the chair lift every single time you ride a ride, you will be climbing stairs, another good reason to wear shoes. Unlike Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard is very bright with little shade. Most of the heat exhaustion cases that I had to deal with were at the top of the mountain, mostly a combination of overexertion and lack of water. Don’t be so overanxious that you forget to drink water and eat food. Drink water even if you are not thirsty!! Cross County Creek and the Wave Pool are perfect for relaxing and cooling off. Instead of walking from ride to ride, try using the creek as a shortcut.

The Blizzard Beach StoryYou see, once upon a time, there was a freak snow storm in Disney World. Wanting to take advantage of the snow, Disney built the first ski resort in Florida. Sadly, the temperatures rose and it looked as if their new venture was melting away. An adventurous alligator decided to slide down the slippery slope into the pool that formed below. Realizing that the ski runs could be put to use, Blizzard Beach was born, or so the story goes. That is also why the Blizzard Beach character is called Ice Gator.

The Best Time of the Day to Visit

I would suggest going later in the day if you want fewer people in the park. The guests that get their first thing in the morning usually end up leaving hours before the park closes.

If you do decide to go later in the day, then you have to keep an eye on the weather. Orlando is known for afternoon lightning storms and they will close the park if lightning is in the area. These closings are usually only temporary, but if it continues the park will close for good. If you can stick it out during a temporary rain closing, there will be even fewer people in the park.

Blizzard Beach Useful Information and Facts

Blizzard Beach opened April 1, 1995.

The water at Blizzard is heated year-round between 75 to 80 degrees, with the exception of the melting snow in the ice cave of Cross Country Creek.

-Guests may bring food baskets.

-Coolers of a size that may be safely carried are permitted.

-No glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed.

-No boogie boards, surf boards or personal flotation devices.

-Water toys (beach balls, air mattresses, tubes, kick boards, etc.), that do not attach to the body, are not permitted

-Free life jackets available at Snowless Joes. Refundable deposit required.
Guests may not bring in their own fins, masks or snorkels.