Haus & Lodge

The architecture throughout Blizzard Beach has a distinctly Alpine flavor, helping to create the look and feel of a ski resort. As the business shifted gears in warm weather, though, some very Floridian influences have shown up. On the structure above, a stone foundation and steep slanted roof line (with a few remaining icicles) contrast with the more tropical pink and teal highlights. Even the name is a veritable mash-up: Beach Haus. It's one part Florida summer, one part European winter.

The Beach Haus is the primary retail location at Blizzard Beach. Step inside past the "No Skis" sign, and you'll discover that even the product selection is a mix. Here, ski boots and sleds are offered right alongside bikinis and Aloha shirts.

Nearby is the park's main food facility (and also home to offices and other support functions), Lottawatta Lodge. In the story of Blizzard Beach, this large structure would be the place where Guests of the resort would stay for the night. It's the hotel.

The name "Lottawatta Lodge" is meant to evoke the sort of Native American designations often attributed to places in ski country. The name's also a bit of a play on words. After things warmed up and the snow and ice started to melt, there was a lot of water (Lottawatta).

After a long day on the slopes, people can leave their snowboards, skis and poles (and inner tubes, too, for that matter) on the racks outside and head in where it's warm (make that cool). A favorite spot is here in front of the hearth. Of course, since a fire isn't really needed any more, the fireplace is filled instead with ash buckets planted with fiery red plants. Above the mantle: an original painting of a uniquely Blizzard Beach scene of an alligator in the creek being chased by a pair of tube-riding penguins.