Island H2O Waterpark is 5 minutes from 450 Burma. Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are 15–20 minutes. Here’s which water park is worth your time and money.
Quick Comparison
| Island H2O | Blizzard Beach | Typhoon Lagoon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from 450 Burma | 5 min | 15 min | 18 min |
| Ticket | $40–$65/adult | $80/adult | $85/adult |
| Crowd level | Lower | Higher | Highest |
| Size | 25 acres | 66 acres | 61 acres |
| Wave pool | No | No | Yes (largest in world) |
| Lazy river | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Signature slide | Bora Bora Blast | Summit Plummet (120 ft) | Crush ‘n’ Gusher |
Island H2O Waterpark
What it offers
- 20+ slides and attractions
- Wave pool
- Lazy river
- Kid splash area
- Cabanas available (extra)
- Lockers, food service
Best for
- Families who want a cheaper alternative
- Quick afternoon visit (not full-day)
- Those staying in Kissimmee (super close)
- Smaller kids (less overwhelming than Disney)
Not ideal for
- Thrill-seeking teens (Disney has more intense slides)
- Those wanting full resort feel
Blizzard Beach (Disney)
What it offers
- Summit Plummet — 120-foot straight-down slide
- Multiple slide towers
- Lazy river (Cross Country Creek)
- Kids area (Ski Patrol Training Camp)
- Ski-chalet theme
Best for
- Thrill seekers (Summit Plummet is legendary)
- Families with teens
- Disney completist trips
Open
- Year-round (closed for refurbishment periodically)
Typhoon Lagoon (Disney)
What it offers
- Largest wave pool in the world
- Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster
- Humunga Kowabunga slides
- Ketchakiddee Creek (kids area)
- Surf the wave pool (advance reservation)
Best for
- Families wanting wave-pool fun
- Surfers (actual surf lessons available)
- Those wanting more relaxed water park vibe
Not as good for
- Thrill seekers (Blizzard Beach wins)
The Real Question: Skip Water Parks?
If you have a private pool at your rental (like 450 Burma’s heated pool + hot tub), you might skip water parks entirely. A typical Disney water park day costs:
- Ticket: $85 × 4 = $340
- Parking: $0 (included with Disney)
- Lunch: $75
- Snacks: $50
- Locker rental: $20
Total: $485 for 4 people for 6 hours.
OR: stay at your rental, swim in the heated private pool, order a pizza, swim more. Total: $30.
When to Spring for a Water Park
- Kids are begging (let them have it once)
- 1 non-park day in your trip
- You want a Disney experience beyond theme parks
- You have teens who need thrill slides
Money-Saving Water Park Tips
- Go after 2 PM — late arrivals get discounted tickets sometimes
- Bring your own food (water parks allow outside food, no glass)
- Wear your swimsuit from the rental; skip locker rental
- Bring water shoes for rocky surfaces
- Combo tickets with main Disney parks (Park Hopper Plus adds water parks for ~$30)
