Blizzard Beach is one of two outdoor waterparks incorporated into the Orlando area Walt Disney World complex. As is typical with Disney, lots of time and planning went into the experience and the park visitor is the lucky recipient. The back story of Blizzard Beach is that Florida's first-ever snowstorm inspired a ski resort which had to be converted to a water park when the snow melted. As with all things Disney, Blizzard Beach is great for families. Adrenaline junkies can challenge themselves at Summit Plummet. At 120 feet, it is the world's highest free-fall speed slide that reaches 60 mph. For the less action-oriented guest, Cross Country Creek is a lazy tube ride that circles the park. Teamboat Springs takes the whole family in a single raft through a series of whitewater rafting waterfalls over a 1,200 foot course. For younger kids, Melt Away Bay offers hours of fun with a one acre bobbing pool. The lines are long and tickets are expensive but that's typical for Disney theme parks.
Disney's Blizzard Beach
1500 Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
407-939-1289
DisneyWorld.com
In America, the best is often equated with being the biggest. If that is the case with outdoor waterparks, then Noah's Ark has assumed it's rightful spot on this list. Situated in the Midwestern town of Wisconsin Dells, Noah's Ark features 49 rides, two wave pools, two rivers, and four children's play areas. Check out rides such as Black Anaconda, America's longest water coaster; Time Warp, the world's largest bowl ride; Scorpion's Tail, America's first near-vertical looping ride. And we can't leave out the 4-D Dive In Theater, where flying objects come at you from every direction, and smell is incorporated into the show.
Noah's Ark
1410 Wisconsin Dells Parkway
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
608-254-6351
NoahsArkWaterpark.com
This massive waterpark is located in the south Texas town of New Braunfels, about 30 miles south of San Antonio. Broken into three sections with a free tram running to each, the original German-themed Schlitterbahn is now flanked by Surfenberg and Blastenhoff. Surfenberg houses the world's first surfing machine, which allows you to hop onto a modified board and actually ride waves. Blastenhoff's claim to fame is the uphill water coaster called Master Blaster. The original Schlitterbahn is full of tubes, slides, rapids and slow rivers. It is an older yet still world-class facility. Beat the expensive food and drink prices by bringing your own cooler. Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
381 East Austin St.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-625-2351
Schlitterbahn.com
