Though most associate Orlando with heat and sun, a few locales offer both genuine and synthetic escapes to the frigid cold. Three permanent winter wonderlands are highlighted below.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach(1500 West Buena Vista Drive):Florida’s first ski resort cum water park, Blizzard Beach debuted in 1995 and has since grown wildly popular, welcoming nearly 2 million guests in 2009. The kitsch blizzard motif is found throughout the park’s dozen-plus rides, including Snow Stormers, Toboggan Racers, and Meltaway Bay. There is free transport to Blizzard Beach from all Disney properties.
Ice Bar Orlando (8967 International Drive): For those who cannot make it to the original Ice Bar and Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, Ice Bar Orlando presents a frozen piece of paradise, easily accessible from all Disney Hotels. The frozen assembly of 15,000 gallons of purified water unveils ice walls, ice sculptures carved by an Olympic gold medalist, and delicious cocktails served in glasses made of ice. There are 6 ICEBAR entry times per evening: 7:15 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:15 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. for your 30-minute bar freeze. And don’t worry about being too cold — there’s a warm lounge adjacent.
Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (Disney’s Animal Kingdom): Animal Kingdom’s most popular attraction is a thrilling roller coaster ride through the Himalayas to the base of Mount Everest. Satisfying the insatiable craving for new Disney rides, the attraction opened in 2006 to complement the zoological experiences at Animal Kingdom. At nearly four years old, Expedition Everest still warrants a 90-minute wait at most times, so this is the definitely the place to use your Fast Pass! Animal Kingdom is located next to Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge.
– Paul Rubio
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