Anyone ever visited a Disney waterpark...

[wdwphanatic]

... while staying at USF? We normally stay at Disney in Feb. but will be at USF (HRH) this trip. We've always wanted to try Blizzard Beach and were wondering how feasible this would be if we're at Universal. How long is the ride between USF and BB? How expensive would it be via taxi or van limo (there will be 9 of us)? Would it be worth doing if we got a really warm, sunny day during our trip or should we stick with Wet N' Wild (or just hang out at the Universal pools)??? Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Sarah

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Ooooh! Can't help you with your questions, BUT I absolutely LOVE Blizzard Beach!! Been there once, about 3 years ago. It's a great water park...one of my favorites! One time, we went on one of the raft rides (the one where you share a raft with your entire family) and it almost tipped on us...well, it at least felt like it! lol...well, maybe that wouldn't have been fun if it actually happened, but the weightlessness feel everytime we went around a curve was awesome!

Also do the tube races...those are fun...the lazy river is great...and the water taboggans!!

I've never been to Wet N Wild...only Adventure Island, so that's all I have to compare. And though I dislike Disney's regular parks, I have to give credit for Blizzard Beach!!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I've never been to BB but I hear that transportation can be pricey. $100 + for a party of 9 probably would not be far fetched. I'd kick back and enjoy the HRH pool area and save my money for a few cocktails poolside.

 

[flapbreaker]

Well I have been to both BB and wet n wild. I would do BB in a heart beat. Wet n wild is so run down in my opinion and BB is themed out just awesome. It's a big park and you will do quite a bit of walking to get back to the start of the slide so were aqua socks. It does have a large "beach" area that's great for lounging. Universal studios is actually very close to WDW were talking about 10 miles and transportation shouldn't be anywhere near $100.00 dollars. If that's the case you could rent a car. A shuttle service should be able to accomodate larger groups. Hope this helps.

 

[wdwphanatic]

I've always wanted to go to BB, so I guess we'll see what the weather is like. In mid-Feb., it may not even be something we want to consider. Just thought I'd run it by everyone to see who'd been there and whether it would be worth the trip. We'll be arriving at HRH on Thurs, Feb 12, and departing late on Monday, Feb 16, so we'll be at Universal for a while. I think we'll probably (again, depending on weather) try to do US on Friday and IOA on Saturday. That will leave some of Thurs., Sunday and most of Monday free to return to the two parks. If we had time, I was thinking that a trip to a water park might break things up a bit...

Anyway, if anyone else has additional input, feel free to let me know!

Thanks,
Sarah

 

[robvia]

I don't think you'll do it. I've been to IOA in February and it's a great time to visit because the crowds are light.
Temps are 55 in the morning, going up to 75 in the afternoon.
You start the day wearing long pants, a light jacket, or two t-shirts. I've been on Popeye when it opened at 11am and got soaked. The water is freezing cold but I didn't care because I had a change of cloths.
Unless the afternoon temp goes up to 80, and you don't mind cold water, I'd say you'll visit the HRH pool instead.
Or you can have fun going on Popeye, Rip Saw Falls, and JPRA over and over.

 

[silverspark]

we went to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon...and dont waste your time at BB!! TL was less crowded, more comfortable and just more fun!!

we went in august....and i preferred typhoon lagoon. more people were at blizzard....and it made it miserable....

TL has fewer attractions, but shorter lines!!!

 

[lsb312]

Two years ago my family went to Blizzard Beach in February. It was an unusally hot day,85 degrees. We all loved it! There were crowds but they were definately manageable. However, I think the cost of transportation may be prohibitive unless you can rent a car that will fit your entire party. While at Universal this year we were quoted a price of 80 roundtrip for four people to any of the Disney parks. Instead we rented a car at the counter at the RP through Hertz and paid $40 for a 24 hour rental and drove to Animal Kingdom. Blizzard Beach is awesome but I would think the temperture should be at least 80 to enjoy it.

 

[wdwphanatic]

... for all the tips! We will definitely not bother going if it's below 80 degrees, lsb312. I, for one, would really not enjoy spending a day at a waterpark if it were any colder than that!!

I'm sorry to hear that you didn't like BB, silverspark... Sounds like it was primarily the crowdedness of BB that you didn't enjoy, which is completely understandable, especially in the summer! Unfortunately, Typhoon Lagoon won't even be open when we're down there -- it's closed for seasonal refurbishment. We'll have to try out that one another trip!

As far as getting to BB, that will definitely be a challenge. We might be able to get a van service to take us if everyone wants to go, but there may be some in the group who'd rather stay at USF anyway... We'll play it by ear and see if there's any interest when we get there.

Thanks again for all the feedback, everyone... You guys are the best!!

Take care,
Sarah

 

[silverspark]

yeah, BB would have been a LOT more fun if all the people would have disappeared....i will have to go again when the parks are not as crowded...sorry you wont be able to try out TL!! have fun either way!!

 

[sshatney]

We have been to both BB and Typhoon Lagoon. We liked Typhoon lagoon better. BB is awesome, but we felt it was more relaxing at Typhoon Lagoon. Both are much nicer than Wet -N- Wild. Either way, you'll have fun

 

[Mr D]

My son and I have been to BB 4 times in the last week on the sunny days and when the temps were just a bit over 70, no crowds, no lines, I was comped free lockers, not cold at all to us.
Best vacation I ever had at a water park.
One CM said the park was averaging between 500-1000 people aday, it can hold 8000 guests. Very peaceful, the 1 acre "bay" was really nice not having to rub shoulders with other "sardines".

BTW we rented a car from Alamo, a Chrysler Sebring (intermidiate) for 28 days, base was about $750.

Staying in Orlando more than a week? my advice, rent a car, if on a budget go to rent a wreck, they are basically cars a year or two old.

If you havn't yet go, check weather first if possible, nothing wrong with swimming on a 70 degree day, course OTOH I am from Alaska....

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Wow. A whole month! I am truly in awe. Hope you soak up enough sunshine to last until you can return. By the way, would you recommend an Alaskan cruise? If not, what is a better way to enjoy what your state has to offer?

 

[SpideyHulk24]

I haven't been on one yet, but my friend at work went on an alaskan cruise (royal caribbean) and loved it. She said it was very relaxing and they went whale watching. She had great pics!

 

[Mr D]

I do not think a cruise can show you the real Alaska, but then again I have lived there for twelve years about 50 miles north of Anchorage and I'm in the construction trades. Honestly you should look into the Princess Cruises Denali Park Train tour, it will take you from Anchorage north to Talkeetna where you will see the Denali and also you can go on up to Fairbanks to stay overnight and again return by train, two day trip total. There are different ways to do the train ride, the cars are domed, great food and outstanding scenery I've been told but then again I drive the route a lot as a concrete mixer driver so I have seen a lot of it, the moose, caribou and even bears. The train tour can be combined with a cruise if you can afford it. But Alaska is more than twice as big as Texas and the cruise is only the lower coastal section, lots of ice and shoreline.

Keep in mind the best times are mid june to mid july and you should book 6-9 months prior, the weather is the best and the sun is up from 3am to midnite and its light enough between to drive without headlights. I'll pass on this link to help you from our newspaper: Alaska Daily News it has info and links to vacation plans.

 

[MinniMama]

we take taxis often when we are there. They are not bad less than 20.00 for a van type. You could ask the front desk or bell services they always call them for us I bet they have a 9 seater but even if you got two cabs it would not be that bad. ask for a deal cabs like to have a set run like your return ride as they all competing down there. I have had great luck with cabs! When we get out of a park late and the buses are crowded it the best 15.00 I spent all day plus going from dtd on disney buses takes forever so we cab often. If you have an urge go for it! Why be there and not do all you desire! Hey its only money!