Shark Creek , the snorkeling area, has been refurbished and a new beach has been constructed beside Castaway Creek , the drifting river, that will provide a quiet retreat for about 400 visitors. I imagine they have them there at a nominal fee, but am not positive. Typhoon lagoon is a must see. Our family loves it. River Country is relaxing, but can be dull.
Blizzard Beach is for the daring.
Picnics are permitted at all the water parks, at Parrot Cay in the middle of Barefoot Bay at Caribbean Beach, and near the creek behind the Meadow Trading Post at Fort Wilderness. We just got back this January and we froze one night. Bring jackets and hats. We find it is too cold to go swimming during the winter. Two new 18-hole miniature golf courses have opened next to Blizzard Beach.