Blizzard Beach, Orlando's Cheap Theme Park

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By Kelly Goode
Published: 20 February, 2009
Tags: budget themeparks orlando disney kids

In the crowded field of theme parks found in Orlando, Florida, Disney's Blizzard Beach water park stands out as one of the best values for a day of family fun.

Blizzard Beach, a Disney water park, is one my favorite places to take my sons Wyatt, age 10, and Joseph, age 12, as well as my husband. Done up only as Disney can do, a day at Blizzard Beach is all about family fun, no matter how old your children might be. What's more, this is one Orlando attraction that won't break the bank.

Designed like an Alpine Village, adults and kids make waves under the Florida sun while Christmas Carols sound, snow falls and sand glistens. The rides from thrilling to floating are all appropriately named, Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher, Toboggan Racers, Cross Country Creek and Tikes Peak to name a few.

Here's how to make this family attraction economical.

Plan your Disney adventure in advance

Plan to travel during the value season from September through mid-December, excluding Thanksgiving week.

Decide which Disney attraction you plan to visit before you depart.

Book your tickets online and include Blizzard Beach in a complete travel package such as Magic Your Way.

Always ask for discounts! Airline, AAA or other, ask for it!

Pack a cooler with food and drinks

Pack a refrigerated cooler with enough for the day, snacks, sandwiches and fruit as well as water and juice.

Frozen juice may no longer be solid by the end of the day but the 'slushy' is a refreshing treat after a hot and sweaty afternoon of sliding, swimming and splashing.

Alcohol and glass bottles are not allowed inside the park.

Bring a Waterproof Disposable Camera

While Disney photographers will be taking pictures of you and your kids throughout the day, they are expensive.

A camera that is both waterproof and disposable will ensure you don't cringe when the kids race off to the pool, camera in hand, to take the perfect shot.

Use your waterproof disposable camera, smile, and save memories and money!

Purchase souvenirs and essentials outside of the water park

T-shirts, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and even mister fans cost less when purchased outside of the water park.

Local supermarkets, discount drug stores and shops such as "Everything is $1.99 or Less" sell more than just essentials.

Give each child an allowance for the day

Whether we like it or not, spending money is part of the fun for the kids.

Define a daily allowance before you depart and stick to it.

Let them decide how to spend their allowance, a special treat at one of the Blizzard Beach food or snack stands or a small souvenir.

What's more, parking at Blizzard Beach is free!

Smiles and an economical day at play are of utmost importance to me, The Most Miserly Mom.

Kelly Goode is the author of the blog Florida Family Vacations and the book "A Mom's Miserly Guide: Orlando, Universal & Disney on $25 a day!" (sold at her site Cheap Orlando). These tips are excerpted from her book.