getting to/from water parks from BCV

[mjc2003]

We have never been to either water park, but with the PAP we decided to try one next month when we visit. We have 3 children, 7, 4 (almost 5), and 11 months at time of visit. The baby will need to take a nap, so my wife will most likely head back to BCV. Is one of the water parks "easier" to get to from BCV? I seem to remember one of them sharing a bus to AKV and returning from AKV and stopping at one of the water park but the bus was full. Do either have a dedicated bus? Is either closer or basically equidistant?
Also, any thoughts on which one is better with younger kids? My 7 year old is not afraid of anything, the 4 year old is a bit more timid but can be adventurous (she went on splash mountain in November and loved it).

Thanks!

[tjkraz]

Blizzard Beach often shares buses with Animal Kingdom.

Typhoon Lagoon shares with Downtown Disney.

Geographically TL is closer to Beach Club but with the added traffic congestion in the DTD area, it's a toss-up as to which trip would be faster. Taking a cab is always an option if you don't want to wait.

Personally I think TL tends to provide the most unique experiences. Most people have never visited a wave pool anything like the centerpiece of TL. Crush N Gusher--the water coaster--is very fun and unique to most guests. TL also has its share of tube and raft rides, and a salt water pool to snorkel with sharks.

Blizzard Beach may be preferred by the ultimate thrill seekers who would enjoy Summit Plummet. BB has a better area for tweens, IMO (around age 10-12). And the theming at BB is probably a little more fun...although the white tends to be very bright in the sunlight and can give you a headache over time.

Of the two, I tend to prefer Typhoon Lagoon because of the unique experiences.

[Pakey]

We prefer TL with younger children. I find it more relaxing and I like the layout of the park. It doesn't have Summit Plummit but that's fine with me.

I own at BCV and I have to say that the ride from the Epcot resort areas on the DTD bus is pure torture. On this one bus route, there will be the 5 Epcot resorts, the 2 DTD stops and the TL stop. It's a long bus route with what is usually a very crowded bus. As long as your wife doesn't intend to return to the park after the nap, it should be ok. I just wouldn't want to make that ride 4 times in one day.

It may be out of your budget but TL does have cabana rentals for the day. We usually get a Beachcomber Shack when we are spending the day there and it really helps with younger children.

[Deb & Bill]

Originally Posted by mjc2003

We have never been to either water park, but with the PAP we decided to try one next month when we visit. We have 3 children, 7, 4 (almost 5), and 11 months at time of visit. The baby will need to take a nap, so my wife will most likely head back to BCV. Is one of the water parks "easier" to get to from BCV? I seem to remember one of them sharing a bus to AKV and returning from AKV and stopping at one of the water park but the bus was full. Do either have a dedicated bus? Is either closer or basically equidistant?
Also, any thoughts on which one is better with younger kids? My 7 year old is not afraid of anything, the 4 year old is a bit more timid but can be adventurous (she went on splash mountain in November and loved it).

Thanks!

Both water parks have dedicated areas for kids. But there is also a height limitation for these areas. So depending on how tall your seven yr old is, you might be split between the two areas with your littler kids and your older one.

Just about every theme park bus that goes to AK stops at Blizzard Beach. Same with the DTD buses and Typhoon Lagoon.

Have you thought about renting a car? We always have a car and find that a car just makes visiting the water parks so much easier.

[mjc2003]

Originally Posted by Pakey

It may be out of your budget but TL does have cabana rentals for the day. We usually get a Beachcomber Shack when we are spending the day there and it really helps with younger children.

Do you recall the cost of the cabanas? Do you have to rent them in advance or day of?

Originally Posted by Deb & Bill

Both water parks have dedicated areas for kids. But there is also a height limitation for these areas. So depending on how tall your seven yr old is, you might be split between the two areas with your littler kids and your older one.

Just about every theme park bus that goes to AK stops at Blizzard Beach. Same with the DTD buses and Typhoon Lagoon.

Have you thought about renting a car? We always have a car and find that a car just makes visiting the water parks so much easier.

We have, but honestly the annoyance of traveling with 3 car seats is one I'd like to avoid. I'm sure ultimately it would be the way to go but we only plan to leave BCV and the Epcot area 2-3 times so in not sure it's be worth the added cost. Maybe I'll look into it for 1-2 days, do you usually rent at the airport or on site?

[tjkraz]

Unless you have some other reason to rent, I would just take a cab. TL to BC direct should be around $15. BB would probably be further.

There is an Alamo / National rental desk at the Dolphin resort. Even for an economy vehicle, you're looking at $50+ per day plus the moderate inconvenience of pick-up and drop-off.

We've rented often...but we tend to get our money's worth by using it throughout the stay. If you just need to make a couple of trips around WDW property, a cab will be far cheaper and usually more convenient (cab stands are close to park & resort exits and they drop you close at your destination.)

[Hopefully]

Originally Posted by tjkraz

Unless you have some other reason to rent, I would just take a cab. TL to BC direct should be around $15. BB would probably be further.

There is an Alamo / National rental desk at the Dolphin resort. Even for an economy vehicle, you're looking at $50+ per day plus the moderate inconvenience of pick-up and drop-off.

We've rented often...but we tend to get our money's worth by using it throughout the stay. If you just need to make a couple of trips around WDW property, a cab will be far cheaper and usually more convenient (cab stands are close to park & resort exits and they drop you close at your destination.)

I agree with tjkrax, a cab or two will be cheaper than renting a car for a day or two. Especially since you don't want the hassle. We prefer not to drive on vacation - it is part of the vacation for us. But we do resort TS dinners, as we are all adults. So I just budget for a few resort to resort cabs for our trip. I save my lunch money a few days and Voila - cab fare. You could easily do the same for your water park day. It is so much easier, and cheaper than a rental you don't really want or need.

[Deb & Bill]

We always have a car because we always drive. No need to rent one.

[mjc2003]

Originally Posted by tjkraz

Unless you have some other reason to rent, I would just take a cab. TL to BC direct should be around $15. BB would probably be further.

That's a great idea.

Originally Posted by Pakey

It may be out of your budget but TL does have cabana rentals for the day. We usually get a Beachcomber Shack when we are spending the day there and it really helps with younger children.

I just read that they are $300 a day plus tax and gratuity. That's a bit much since my wife will probably only be there for a few hours and then it'll just be me and my two older daughters running around. They look nice, but that's almost the cost of my last PAP when you add in the tax and gratuity!

Originally Posted by Deb & Bill

We always have a car because we always drive. No need to rent one.

Aha. If I tried to drive from NJ, with three little kids and a wife who gets carsick, I'd probably get to Princeton before I was on the phone with an airline!