Legend has it that a freak winter storm dumped tons of snow over the western end of the Walt Disney World Resort property. Here was a great opportunity to open the first ski resort ever in the state of Florida! Ski runs and chair lifts were hurriedly constructed, but before the resort opened the temperatures soared back up and the ice and snow rapidly melted. The ski operators were devastated and didn't know what to do, until they noticed a playful alligator slipping and sliding down one of the many newly created waterfalls. The operators quickly realized that the melting snow had created the tallest and wildest water slides that anyone had ever seen, and so Blizzard Beach was born!

This imaginative tale is the backdrop to the newest water park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Ski jumps and toboggan runs are everywhere in this one-of-a-kind water park that's sure to give you the wettest and wildest thrills that you've ever experienced!

The main focal point of Blizzard Beach is Mount Gushmore, home to the following attractions:

Summit Plummet
If you're looking for high speed excitement, look no further! This 120 foot high "ski jump" (OK, it's a water slide but it looks like a ski jump from a distance!) sends you hurtling down the side of Mount Gushmore at speeds of 60 mph!

Slush Gusher
A 90 foot high double-humped slide.

Teamboat Springs
The world's longest family white-water raft ride. Three to six passengers can climb in a large raft for an exhilarating ride down the twisting and turning 1,200-foot long flume.

The Toboggan Racer
A head-first eight lane race course.

The Downhill Double Dipper
The world's only side-by-side tube racing slides.

Snow Stormers
Three mat-slide flumes that race down the mountain through a series of slalom gates.

Runoff Rapids
Three high-speed tube flumes that can be ridden solo or with one or two friends.

Other attractions include:

Melt-away Bay
A one-acre wave pool at the base of Mt. Gushmore. The waves here are gentle, unlike the towering 8-foot behemoths that can be found at Typhoon Lagoon!

Cross Country Creek
A lazy river ride that takes you on a relaxing trip around the park, with an occasional waterfall to add a bit of excitement.

Ski Patrol Training Camp
Kids can have some cool fun climbing on floating icebergs, riding the T-bar drop or trying one of the junior water slides.

Tike's Peak
A specially designed play area for children under 4 feet. You'll find a variety of kid-sized pools, slides and play fountains.

You'll also find plenty of lounge chairs scattered throughout the resort where you can relax or work on your tan (but whoever heard of getting a tan at a ski resort?).