August 24, 2024: Water Park Memories

Slipping, sliding, and splashing. For many, childhood summers spent at water parks are fond memories. As a Texan transplanted from Pennsylvania, I know there are few better ways to cool off from May to September than floating down a lazy river at Six Flags or your Favorite Local Water Park.

Looking out of Texas and into the swampy lands of Orlando, Florida – did you know that the Walt Disney World resort is home to not one, but two epic water parks?

Before I speak about them, I must acknowledge the much-loved water wonderland, River Country, that is now defunct and has been abandoned since 2001. Nothing could beat a day there – swimming just off the shore of Bay Lake in clean-water pools, riding through the White Water Rapids, and dropping rapidly down the Slippery Slide Falls. Alas, it is no longer a part of the 43 square miles of Disney property, and long-time fans miss it dearly.

On to the present – Blizzard Beach opened in 1995 and is themed, rather hilariously, to a ski resort in the northern United States in winter! It is home to tons of fun water attractions, including one of the fastest, tallest water slides in the world: Summit Plummet. (Confession time: Though I have experienced every ride, show, character greeting, and attraction at all six Disney World parks, I have never been brave enough to conquer this 120+ foot monstrosity.)

While it opened many years before Blizzard Beach and is not the newest in the area, Typhoon Lagoon is considered by most to be the best water park in Central Florida. One of the coolest events on property is the H2O Glow Nights After Hours Party. Water parks in general tend to close at dusk, but this special evening lets guests stay until 11:00 pm, thereby avoiding the blistering heat of 100+ degree days. There is only one month left this year to experience the nighttime sliding, dance parties, specialty foods, and meetings with characters wearing their beach best. I'll be there on August 31st and can't wait to share a Beachcomber Shack with my friends.