Anyone at Blizzard Beach Since Re-Opening?

[danceteachermom]

Good morning - I keep checking this board hoping to see information about the waterpark re-opening experience. Has anyone been there over the last week? If you would be willing to answer any of the questions below, that would be so appreciated. I saw the post about opening day but have not heard much since.

1. How did park opening go? Were you able to move in and find some nice socially distant spots to use as home base for the day?
2. How was mask compliance at opening, using restrooms, and when ordering food?
3. I assume no masks when in the water, walking around, or in lines. But, were lines socially distant?
4. How would you describe the overall crowd? We are planning on April 2 or 3 which would normally be busy.
5. Did most people respect distance the best they could while in the pool/lazy river?

We are so eager for some Florida sun and warmth. Usually our water park day is our favorite. Feeling a bit nervous as we have been very compliant with CDC recommendations up to this point. I am blessed to have already had both doses of the vaccine and am past my two weeks out. My husband and daughter have had the first dose. My son is 13. We are ready to take more risks but we just want to know what to expect. Please do not respond with don't go...we are going to give it a try. We always have the freedom to leave if we decide that we are uncomfortable.

 

[jlwhitney]

I have been wondering the same, but haven't seen much chatter here or on FB about BB, but it might be due to this time of year its still not super warm for locals to go to water parks. Hopefully these next two weeks will hear more with start of spring break season.

 

[pixiedust2u]

Also interested to hear! We have BB day planned for our June trip.

 

[BrerTom]

Good morning - I keep checking this board hoping to see information about the waterpark re-opening experience. Has anyone been there over the last week? If you would be willing to answer any of the questions below, that would be so appreciated. I saw the post about opening day but have not heard much since.

1. How did park opening go? Were you able to move in and find some nice socially distant spots to use as home base for the day?
2. How was mask compliance at opening, using restrooms, and when ordering food?
3. I assume no masks when in the water, walking around, or in lines. But, were lines socially distant?
4. How would you describe the overall crowd? We are planning on April 2 or 3 which would normally be busy.
5. Did most people respect distance the best they could while in the pool/lazy river?

We are so eager for some Florida sun and warmth. Usually our water park day is our favorite. Feeling a bit nervous as we have been very compliant with CDC recommendations up to this point. I am blessed to have already had both doses of the vaccine and am past my two weeks out. My husband and daughter have had the first dose. My son is 13. We are ready to take more risks but we just want to know what to expect. Please do not respond with don't go...we are going to give it a try. We always have the freedom to leave if we decide that we are uncomfortable.

I was there with my DD Saturday. We had a great time! Weather was beautiful. First we got there about 30 min prior to open and walked in about 15 minutes prior to open. They do a Plunge/rope drop but there really is no need to gather at the ropes. Instead I went and secured a locker took a few pictures looked in the uncrowned store to scout out a pin and stood back from the 50-75 people at the lines. There is plenty of space. Once inside at 11 we were pleasantly surprised Disney has thoughtfully spaced out and grouped chairs in 2s 4s and 6s. We found a spot to put our towels and masks down and went for the slides. For the first hour or so everything but summit plummet and the family raft ride were walk ons. We then used mobile ordering for lunch - ready in 15 min. After lunch we noticed some short waits but lines were marked with spacing and most were respectful of this. Also by 1p The chairs around the wave pool were mostly taken but you could easily find whole areas of chairs without people of you moved a little further away. Masks were worn when food ordering or using bathrooms - facilities were in crowded though. In the river there were occasions where folks (especially kids) got a little too close but I had no problem spacing myself out. The wave pool was the same. Disney is going to extreme lengths to ensure your safety. We felt more comfortable here than in most other public places I have gone. I am vaccinated but my daughter is not. From a personal standpoint looking at a lot of information I was comfortable with this. I do encourage you to make your own personal choice though, no sense in paying for a joyful activity if it instead causes anxiety.

 

[juju]

We went today, 3/14. Arrived at 11am, opening. We didn’t have a car so had to take the bus to AK and caught the Blizzard Beach bus there. Very little people there at opening. We had difficulty buying our tickets at the gate with a DVC discount. We were told they have a new system and it is having difficulty recognizing the discount. We went thru about 5 cast members including a plaid, and finally they found someone who was able to charge us with the old system. That took about 20 minutes, however we entered rented a locker and found a spot and there were plenty of available chairs. There was nobody close to us all day and we left about 5:30pm, they closed at 6. They ask you not to move anything as they have been set up for social distancing. I think people were complying. We also picked up our towels for free at Beach Haus as we are resort guests. I had on my magic band, we asked for 4 towels and no problems and he didn’t ask for any ID nor check my magic band. On the attractions, there were distancing markers on the ground while waiting and people were pretty good about following. We rode on most of the slides except the 2 steep ones. The chairlift wait was just minutes at the time and just the two of us. They didn’t fill it up with a single stranger. Plus they allowed 2 people per inner tube in the family raft ride. The tubes and mats did not appear to be cleaned between use because they told us to put them back in the shoots and on Cross Country Creek it was standard practice of people jumping out of their tubes and the next person coming along. However, they were also flipping over the tubes when someone got out and asked you to do it too. I wonder if it was to try to wash off the germs?They had a sign there about social distancing but it wasn’t really happening and not being enforced. On the other hand, it was must have been a slow day so it wasn’t busy at all. Masks were required when using the restrooms, walking in the main entry area (lockers, changing rooms) and dining areas. They had someone stationed outside the restrooms making sure people were wearing a mask before going in. I heard several cast members reminding guests about their masks. I saw one guy wearing a mask in the Creek and the lifeguard told him that he didn’t need one in the water. I only noticed 2 dining areas open the Warming Hut and Lottawatta Lodge. There might have been more. Also the Mini Donut (!) was open. We went to the Warming Hut and used mobile ordering which was fine. There was a CM standing in front taking orders for people who wanted to refill their mugs and then he would give it to them in a paper cup. The pool had plenty of space so not crowded today. We floated around the Creek about 3 times, it was such a perfect weather day today and I decided that might be my favorite ride at WDW now. A long time ago, I heard Len Testa, author of the Unofficial Guide to WDW say that Sunday was the best day to go to the water parks at WDW because a lot of guests are on the move that day and locals tend to go to other water parks. I don’t know if that is true but it sure worked for us. We’re an old couple and have had our 2 shots but I’m still wary of others at WDW where people are coming from all over. I have felt safe this week. This was one of my favorite days of our trip. Sorry this is such a long and rambling response!

 

[cgattis]

Great report @juju. Just sad you didn’t bring enough mini donuts for everyone!! BB is my fave WP and I was looking forward to visiting in May, but I think with masks still in place, we’ll wait until November and prob will skip the WP

 

[pumpkinqueen93]

Read on Disney site that a reservation at this time is not required to visit a water park. (I included the screenshot) I wonder why that is and wonder if it will update anytime soon. I can see them updating it as they open more of their resorts but that's just me thinking. Also when it comes to their mask policy I just got done watching a YouTube video from Michael Kay and he said that it's only when you're not doing water activities and going from one water ride to another. Honestly that is surprising to me. I thought for sure that it was going to be more like you have to wear the mask at all times unless in the water and I was preparing and planning for myself to just use a waterproof phone case to hold the mask in while I'm in the water, and then putting the mask back on while going to the next ride and being in line. Again when I say this, it's just me thinking but I am thinking and expecting Disney to end up changing to that rule.

 

[GabrielMom]

We went to blizzard beach a couple days ago and I did bring a waterproof phone case for masks but only because masks do need to be used in restrooms. You don't need to wear them going from ride to ride, only entry area and restrooms and maybe dining, but we didn't dine. We are staying at CBR and were given as many towels as we wanted when requested.

 

[ngl]

Thank you all for this information as we plan on going during our May trip but really wanted feedback first.

Does anyone know if you are still able to reserve cabanas?

As people continue to visit, especially this week of March 15 as the majority of Florida public schools are off for Spring Break, I would love to hear more updates. Thanks for posting!!

 

[dez1978]

I have many questions.. I have never been to BB before but we are considering it next week. 1, we have a group of 7. If they have everything set up for social distancing, do we need to break up our group? we have 4 kids and 3 adults and I think it would be a pain. But maybe not since Idk the set up. 2, how does social distancing really work in a pool, lazy river type setting? For what it's worth, I personally don't care for myself, and am not concerned in the least, but I respect that others are concerned and want to try to adhere the best we can. In actual lines it's easy for kids to see the makers and know where to stand. However I have zero interest in yelling at them or having strangers yell at them for getting too close in the water all day, so I'm thinking we may just not go, because a 6 yr old isn't going to constantly think about 6 ft distance while swimming.

 

[Wendy12]

Does anyone know if you are still able to reserve cabanas?

I called to reserve a Lodge Umbrella ($40) for our day at BB. The CM told me they were not offering those right now, only the polar patios ($225). No patios were available for my day.
Normally I would have called back to confirm her information with a second CM but I didn’t have another hour to spend on hold.

 

[SarahC97]

I called to reserve a Lodge Umbrella ($40) for our day at BB. The CM told me they were not offering those right now, only the polar patios ($225). No patios were available for my day.
Normally I would have called back to confirm her information with a second CM but I didn’t have another hour to spend on hold.

Oh no! I wanted to rent a lodge umbrella for the fourth of July. That is a huge bummer! When are you going?

 

[scrappinginontario]

I have many questions.. I have never been to BB before but we are considering it next week. 1, we have a group of 7. If they have everything set up for social distancing, do we need to break up our group? we have 4 kids and 3 adults and I think it would be a pain. But maybe not since Idk the set up. 2, how does social distancing really work in a pool, lazy river type setting? For what it's worth, I personally don't care for myself, and am not concerned in the least, but I respect that others are concerned and want to try to adhere the best we can. In actual lines it's easy for kids to see the makers and know where to stand. However I have zero interest in yelling at them or having strangers yell at them for getting too close in the water all day, so I'm thinking we may just not go, because a 6 yr old isn't going to constantly think about 6 ft distance while swimming.

I'm guessing once you're there you'll find the current setup will work for your group if you choose 2 sets of chairs near one another. It's not often at people are actually using the chairs for sitting as there is so much to do! They're more a place to hold your stuff and occasionally sit down. The groups are close enough to one another that if you get 2 sets next to one another I'm confident it will still work for your group.

This picture is from AllEars.net

 

[Wendy12]

Oh no! I wanted to rent a lodge umbrella for the fourth of July. That is a huge bummer! When are you going?

Easter week/spring break

 

[MomOTwins]

Thank you all for this information as we plan on going during our May trip but really wanted feedback first.

Does anyone know if you are still able to reserve cabanas?

As people continue to visit, especially this week of March 15 as the majority of Florida public schools are off for Spring Break, I would love to hear more updates. Thanks for posting!!

We booked a polar patio on 3/24. If you want one would recommend sooner rather than later. We booked it about a month ago when they first opened reservations (was calling daily to check) because we figured demand would be higher with people wanting a private, comfy place to distance from others.

We may end up cancelling if the weather doesn't warm up a bit though! Looks like it may be a chilly week next week. Will decide a couple of days before once the weather forecast is more certain.

 

[tzeitel]

Molly from all ears just went to both BB and Volcano Bay in Universal. There is a video on youtube, the title is something like "my least favorite parks" . She gives a great look at what you can expect going now.

 

[Bree]

I was at Blizzard Beach yesterday. Masks only had to be worn when going to a rest room, getting food/drink or crossing back over the bridge where the lockers are. They are not required at any other time including walking to attractions. We rented a Polar Patio. It’s not something we normally do since we are local, but after having our cruises consistently cancelled over the last year, we sprung for one and really enjoyed it. You can order from a limited food menu and a bar menu that will be delivered by your host or grab your own food. Mobile order your food early. It gets busy. There are the normal 6 foot markers on the ground when waiting in line for attractions. Lazy river and wave pool are a free for all. FYI, they keep a huge pile of floats at the back of the park for the lazy river. Sometimes it’s quicker to walk there and grab one instead of waiting for one to come floating along.