Melt Your Cares Away at Melt-Away Bay (The Wave Pool at Disney’s Blizzard Beach)
One of the most significant attractions at any water park is its wave pool. Is it even a water park if it doesn’t have a wave pool? I don’t think so. However, from our experience, wave pools vary from park to park. The wave pool at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Melt-Away Bay, is one of the most gentle wave pools we’ve experienced. It’s nothing like the action-packed Surf Pool at Typhoon Lagoon, where the giant waves come one after another for extended periods. Melt-Away Bay is by far the more kid-friendly of the two wave pools.
Below, we’ll discuss the specifics of the wave pool at Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Sitting at the base of Mount Gushmore, it’s considered the heart of the park and a signature attraction. You’ll likely spend a decent amount of your day melting your cares away as the waves gently rock you. It’s the ultimate relaxation attraction.
How Disney Water Parks Operate
It’s important to note that Disney’s water parks operate on a rotational schedule. Blizzard Beach is typically open between early November and March, and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is open between March and November. You’ll want to check the exact hours and availability for your visit.
At one acre in size, Melt-Away Bay is significantly smaller than the 2.5-acre wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon. It’s heated throughout the season, so it should be comfortable even on cooler days. By cooler, I mean days that are less than 85 degrees. However, if it’s in the 70s or lower, don’t be surprised if you’re shivering when you exit the warm water.
Given the size and depth of the pool (ranges from zero-depth entry to approximately 8′ deep), you’ll want to be aware of a few rules. Several signs are posted around the pool, noting the following:
- Strong waves may occur.
- Children under the age of 12 must have adult supervision.
- Weak swimmers should use Blizzard Beach personal flotation devices or a swimmer’s aid and remain in shallow water.
- No food, drink, or glass on or around the pool deck.
- Shower before entering.
- For safety, diaper-age children must wear plastic pants or swim diapers.
Unlike the Surf Pool at Typhoon Lagoon, inner tubes at Blizzard Beach are permitted and provided. You’ll also find stands with life jackets in varying sizes throughout the park.
The wave pool at Blizzard Beach is calm, with bobbing waves. Sometimes, the waves stop for a break, but when they resume, they remain the same bobbing style.
Other than what we’ve already discussed, the wave pool at Blizzard Beach is pretty cut and dry.
An island extends from the shoreline into the wave pool. This entrance is roped off and only for guests who reserve private seating. We have a separate article that discusses upgraded seating options at Blizzard Beach.
Melt-Away Bay has sandy beaches with loungers and lounge chairs surrounding them. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a spot. We like storing our items in a locker when we arrive and then using chairs for lounging as needed. We don’t typically “set up shop” anywhere specific for the day.
Here is a view of the wave pool from the red slopes looking toward the front of the park.
The Resorts Gal Spin on Melt-Away Bay
We give Melt-Away Bay the green light. However, take advantage of complimentary life jackets for little ones or anyone in your party who’s not a strong swimmer. From my experience, the waves can quickly pull you into the deep end before you realize it, especially if you’re floating in an inner tube. When the water park re-opened a few years back, I was surprised at how quickly I ended up in deep waters. Given its wideness, gradual slope, and the movement of the waves, it’s hard to tell how deep you’re getting.
Resorts Gal Traffic Signals
Green Light
We give an attraction the green light if we consider it a must-do, regardless of the posted wait. We also give the green light for attractions we deem suitable to experience anytime. For example, some attractions have high capacities. Therefore, the lines continuously move and you shouldn’t have a long wait unless the attraction experiences downtime.
Red Light
We recommend checking the posted wait times for red light attractions. Then, make a quick judgment call on whether to wait, skip it, or return later. We also red light some attractions that we feel might not be suitable based on our experience.
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)
- Toboggan Racers (A Downhill Mat Slide)
- Runoff Rapids (Inner-Tube Tunnel Slide)
- The Chairlift at Disney’s Blizzard Beach
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.
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In the Comments
What are your thoughts on Melt-Away Bay at Blizzard Beach? Does it look fun? Let us know in the comments section below.
