Welcome to planDisney, Lucy!
I remember experiencing
Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park on my very first trip to Walt Disney World. My family had some legendary battles on the Toboggan Racers! And it still brings a smile to my face when I think about my then little sister braving Summit Plummet. The theming of this water park is so impressive that one adult member of my family (I won't say who) actually thought it functioned as a ski resort during the winter months! Shame on my family!!!
Anyway, you'll be glad to know that, at this time, a park reservation is not required to visit the Disney Water Parks. However, reservation requirements are always subject to change. Also, you should be aware that Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park is currently closed for refurbishment. I imagine that it will be open again by the time you visit. However, just keep checking the Walt Disney World website in the build-up to your trip.
Make sure you also visit
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. This is actually my favorite of the two water parks. A much-deserved rest on Castaway Creek is just what the body needs after walking for miles around a theme park the previous day. My wife and I still enjoy a good amount of thrills on the various water slides though.
Crush 'n' Gusher is the attraction we love most. Did you know that you can even
book surf lessons in the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool? As Crush would say, "It's totally awesome, dude!" Also, if you have any little Squirts in your bale of turtles,
Ketchakiddee Creek is a perfect place for them to explore and play.
Have a "practically perfect" time, Lucy! Thanks for stopping by planDisney.
Mike