Well, I have some contradictory advice. When we visit a waterpark, we find a couple of chairs and leave our things. We have never had anything stolen or gone through, but I wouldn't suggest leaving anything at your chairs that is valuable to you. I did describe that last year we came back to our loungers when it started raining and a couple of girls were sitting there- the loungers were under cover. But they didn't touch our stuff.
We have had a camera at the bottom of our beach bag- the one my son uses- and have not had any problems, but again, we wouldn't leave anything irreplaceable (a favorite camera, with the memory card of pictures from your trip so far). I love having a waterproof camera, because I just take it with me everywhere. If your camera is not waterproof, you can always take a few pictures when you arrive, then stash it in a locker. Or just leave it behind at the resort. There are some photopass photographers around the park- I love the little photopass card they give you with the elastic to wear around your wrist. I will often use it at the parks, too.
Or buy one or two of the disposable waterproof cameras- BEFORE YOUR TRIP!
Since you are coming and going right from AKL, I suggest taking towel(s) from the resort. But otherwise, you can rent towels while at Blizzard Beach. We did that since we were spending the entire day away from our resort.
In my pictures, you can probably see the water wallet we have- it is a clear waterproof pouch you can wear around your neck (google "water wallet")- we put our Key to the World Card and a little bit of cash. There may be a couple of stands at the water parks that only take cash (mini donuts, maybe).
We bring dry clothes to change into so we won't be uncomfortable on the airconditioned buses.
Hope this helps.
I'm back! We had a really great time. Fantastic weather. I'll report more, and of course post a picture or two (I took around 1,500)!
Ugh! That is terrible about your flight! Can you imagine if you had to go through something like that with Beatriz?
Hi Kat-
I hope you can get some useful info from my report. My advice is to get to the parks, early early early. If you are staying onsite- use the Extra Magic Hours (we are morning people, so this worked best for us). You get more done in those first two hours than you can all day long. You are ahead of the crowds and it is usually the coolest time of the day. Enjoy your trip, and the planning!