Summit Plummet at Disney’s Blizzard Beach (A 12-Story Freefall Water Slide)
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to experience a 12-story freefall drop on a water slide? You can find out on Summit Plummet at Disney’s Blizzard Beach. However, note that this high-speed attraction is not for the faint of heart! It’s one of two drop-style slides that sit side-by-side at the peak of Mt Gushmore. The milder one is Slush Gusher.
For this article, we’ll focus on Summit Plummet. We’ll preview the height requirement, ride rules, and length of the drop for the thrill slide that’s part of the Green Slope attractions. Upfront, you’ll want to know that this slide is not for everyone, including myself. The photos below were taken from the Overlook and the base of the mountain. I always play the role of cheerleader if anyone in my group decides to take on either of these thrill slides. You’ll soon see why!
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.
To reach the top of Mt Gushmore, you can take the chairlift or the stairs. We recommend the chairlift, as the stairs are long and somewhat daunting. Once you reach the top, you’ll be near the entrance of Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher, and Teamboat Springs.
Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher share an entrance. You’ll stay to the left for Summit Plummet. You’ll have a few flights of stairs before you reach the landing. If you visit on a busy day, you’ll be able to see if there’s a long line.
A few ride rules for Summit Plummet are posted outside the attraction’s entrance:
Careen down a slush-banked mountain gully through valleys and over mountain peaks on a thrilling body slide. For safety, you should be in good health and free from heart conditions, back or neck problems, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. Persons who do not meet the minimum height requirement may not ride. Clothing with rivets, buckles, exposed metal, or neoprene is not permitted. Glasses and loose jewelry should be removed.
Guests must be 48″ (122 cm) or taller to ride Summit Plummet. You cannot wear water park shoes on this attraction. However, you may hold footwear in your hands while crossing your arms. Most water park shoes will have straps you can slide over your wrists for these types of attractions. Guests must be ambulatory to experience this attraction.
Summit Plummet is a 360-foot-long drop. If you walk out to the Overlook, you can walk directly underneath the slide and get a better look before you decide to join the line. Or you can just enjoy the stunning views. That’s what I do.
Summit Plummet gives the illusion that you’ll catapult off the slide into the air. But you can’t see that the slide drops into a dark tunnel as it continues down the mountain.
It then comes back out and angles linearly to help you slow down before you reach the end. Imagine the spray of white water!
Here’s a brave soul now getting ready to board and a few more photos from below.
The Resorts Gal Spin on Summit Plummet
You already know we’re giving this one the red light. If this is your kind of ride, have fun! But it’s completely okay to sit on the sidelines and watch. This kind of attraction is not for everyone.
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
Overall, Summit Plummet is intimidating but fun, according to my son. He’s the only one I know who’s brave enough to ride it! For comparable attractions at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, you might like Humunga Kowabunga. Or, for more high-speed attractions and slides at Blizzard Beach, you won’t want to miss these:
- Runoff Rapids
- Downhill Double Dipper
- Teamboat Springs
You might also like our Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Blizzard Beach or our Blizzard Beach Dining Guide.
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In the Comments
What do you think about Summit Plummet? Are you brave enough to take the plunge? Let us know in the comments section below.
