Taking the Chairlift at Disney’s Blizzard Beach (Photos + Experience)

If you’re hoping to make your way to the summit of Mount Gushmore at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, you’ll have two options: taking the stairs or the chairlift. You’re probably wondering what a chairlift is doing at a water park in the middle of Florida. The story goes that Blizzard Beach was initially built when an out-of-the-ordinary snowstorm hit the area. The investors went all in, creating slopes with various attractions. But when things thawed out, they were left with a puddle.

Thankfully, they were able to turn their bad luck around and created a one-of-a-kind ski resort-themed water park. The added bonus was a chairlift that takes guests up the mountains. Instead of skiing back down Mount Gushmore, guests can take the chairlift up to the green slopes and ride one of the many slide attractions back down. Trust me. The chairlift is much better than the 100+ steps to the top unless you spend most of your days on a stair-climber and enjoy the challenge.

Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about taking the chairlift at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, including height restrictions and what rides you’ll find nearby once you reach the top. It’s a fun attraction that doubles as a mode of transportation! However, note that it only takes guests up the mountain. You’ll have to decide which route you want to take to get back to level ground.

The chairlift at Blizzard Beach sits toward the front of the park. It’s between Melt-Away Bay, the wave pool, and Ski Patrol Training Camp. If you’re going to walk up the mountain instead of taking the chairlift, you’ll take the path to the right of it. Once you get past the Cool Runners slides, you’ll see the staircase that leads to the summit.

Disney has a few posted rules for the chairlift:

• You must be at least 32 inches tall to ride the Chairlift. Guests under 32 inches tall can access the top of Mount Gushmore by taking the stairs.
• Guests 48 inches and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
• A gondola is available for Guests with disabilities—please ask a Cast Member for assistance.
• Inner tubes and mats are not permitted on the Chairlift.

Reference

The chairlift’s queue has two options: a line for single riders and groups. Each gondola is boarded in groups of three. So, if you’re a party of two, you’ll likely have a single rider loaded with you if someone is waiting. Cast members ask that younger children (who meet the height requirement) sit in the middle. You’ll also be asked to secure any loose items.

A wait time for the chairlift might be posted. Years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to run into a 30-minute line. Back then, my son and I would split up, join the single rider, and regroup at the top of the mountain. You might consider doing so if you encounter a long line and if that option works based on your party.

Here is a view of the chairlift from the bottom of the attraction.

The ride up the mountain is pretty gradual at first.

Looking down to your left, you’ll see Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher, the park’s two feature thrill slides.

To the right, you’ll see the Cool Runners. If you look closely in the center of the photo below, you’ll see where the staircase starts. There is a landing between each flight, so take as much time as you need if you decide to take the stairs. If you prefer a slope, you’ll find a path at the back of the mountain that leads to Runoff Rapids. That path continues to this same area. (Personally, I think the stairs are more manageable than the incline because you can stop and rest.)

Once you pass the slides, the journey gets more vertical than horizontal. You’ll quickly ascend to the top of Mount Gushmore.

The lap bar lifts at the top, and a cast member will instruct you to put your feet down and quickly walk forward. This is not difficult, but you might have a little nervous anticipation if you’ve never ridden a chairlift. The main thing is to keep moving forward and exit the area. The chairlift does not stop. The photo below shows the large arrows on the ground and a cast member at a nearby control panel. (For the record, this photo was taken from outside the exit. I zoomed in to take it when the area was clear.)

At the top of the mountain, you’re greeted with a sign that reads “Mt. Gushmore Elevations 90 Ft.” The entrance for each green slope attraction is immediately nearby. They are:

• Teamboat Springs (Family Raft Ride)
• Slush Gusher (90′ Drop)
• Summit Plummet (120′ Drop)

You can also continue to Run-Off Rapids (red slope) and the purple slope attractions. However, these attractions are also available from separate paths. You do not have to take the chairlift or stairs to reach them.

The Resorts Gal Spin on the Chairlift at Disney’s Blizzard Beach

We give the chairlift the green light for most guests. However, if you have a fear of heights, you’d probably want to give it the red light. Overall, we enjoy the chairlift and think it’s a simple way to reach the slides at the top.

Final Thoughts

For more information on visiting Disney’s Blizzard Beach, you might enjoy one of the following:

• Cross Country Creek (The Lazy River at Blizzard Beach)
• Melt-Away Bay (The Wave Pool at Blizzard Beach)
• Downhill Double Dippers Slide at Blizzard Beach
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Dining Guide

You might also enjoy the Resorts Gal Guide to Blizzard Beach or our extensive coverage of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. For all of our coverage of the water parks, try the Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Water Parks.

In the Comments

What are your thoughts on the chairlift at Disney’s Blizzard Beach? Would you ride it? Let us know in the comments section below.