Are water parks worth it with little kids?

[minmate]

We (DH and I) are taking our children, ages 5, 4, 2, 1 to WDW and only going for 5 days... wanting to know if it's worth taking time out to go to one of the water parks. None of them can swim unassisted (they need lifejackets or a bubble on the back type of thing), so would be limited to shallow areas and probably unable to do any slides? I like water parks but would not split up with DH to go do any rides just for me -- just knowing our four active kids being around water really should have at least two adults for supervision.

We are staying at GF -- would a break at their beach/pool area(s) be sufficient for the under 5yo age group? My first stay at GF & I am not familiar with their pool/beach areas.

Thanks for your ideas on this.

 

[peanut67]

when we last went my daughter was 3 and had so much fun at both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, they get to wear a life vest so aare very safe. I must addmitt my favourite site was Typhoon Lagoon, they have a part called catcha Kiddi Creek, designed for younger children, and my 2 spent a good couple of hours there...I would definitley recommend a visit.

 

[meganbear]

We just got back from a five day stay, we went to BB four about four hours last Wednesday and although it was nice I wish we would have just relaxed by the pool instead. BB requires a lot of walking, so we were just about as tired as we were doing a park. If you don't have a water park near your house and your kids love them---then I'd probably give it a try, but the next time I go back to Disney we won't do a water park.

 

[ehsween]

Your kids will probably love Typhoon Lagoon. My family and I went there in Jan. 2002. They were 6, 4, and 2 at the time and absolutely loved Catcha Kiddi Creek. They easily spent a couple of hours there. They have mini water slides and a mini tubing river. I would say as long as the weather and time permits, it is very much worth a visit. As for any other water park at Disney, I can't compare because we have only went to TL. Have fun!

 

[babybunrab]

I took DS to Blizzard Beach when he was 2, and there was an area for really little kids that he spent a great deal of time in. He also liked sitting with me in the inner tube and floating around the park. However, I only have the one child to keep an eye on. I hope you all have a wonderful trip! (Don't forget, too, that GF likely has a wonderful pool, though I've not stayed there myself).

 

[WendyWorld]

WE were at Typhoon Lagoon last week. We have 3 little ones, 8, 4 and 9 months, they had a BLAST. WE spent most of the day in the wave pool and the little adjoining slides....they only spent a little time in the kiddie creek, it was too "baby" for my 4 YO who isn't going to be 4 until next week mind you! And then we did the HUGE lazy river....and then the swim with the sharks a few times, we didn't have any time to do the water slides other then the little one right near the wave pool!

 

[HopperFan]

And save the water parks for when they are alittle older and more independent. Especially if you won't leave each other to do water slides. Save your money - do a character meal !

Check this site for photos of your pool area http://allearsnet.com/acc/g_gf.htm

We did TL years ago when our son was three. The kiddie area was totally boring to him but the wave pool too powerful. He really only enjoyed lazy river. Now we were in a large group and took turns watching him. The newer TL area has alittle more to do, but I found it very difficult to watch a child without staying right with them (if they are moving), very crowded. BB kiddie area is apart and more self-contained. I felt it was more controlled and less crowded, but again your oldest may want to be in the older kiddie area and you all would be split up. If you go in the summer months these parks do fill to capacity and are crowded.

Don't get me wrong, I love the waterparks, both of them. But after going when my youngest was 3 - we didn't go again for a few years until he could go on the slides.

 

[liznboys]

My opinion is that it's not worth it to take the time and effort to go to the water parks with little ones. Last year we had our boys ages 3.5 and 17 months, we stayed at POFQ (where they have a very cool pool with a dragon slide). That pool was plenty of fun for them!! We don't plan to do the water parks for awhile yet.

I've been to Typhoon Lagoon a couple times and it is GREAT fun. But there are so many things little ones can't do. Plus you and dh can't do them either unless one of you goes while the other stays with the kiddos..not my idea of fun.

Have a great trip!

 

[Minniemom97]

We tried Blizzard Beach with our 4 1/2 year old in June 2002. We went later in the day (2:00 or 3:00) and the crowds were still so bad we couldn't even snag an innertube for the lazy river. We let her play in the kid's area, but didn't stay for very long. This year we will go to our hotel pool for our afternoon cool down!

 

[PrincessMommy2]

I agree with the other poster about skipping the waterpark until all 4 are a little more independent. It's not going to be very relaxing for you and DH having to keep track of 4 kids all day. We went in November and it was quite crowded, I can only imagine it's even more crowded during the summer. I think the kids will enjoy the hotel pool just as much!! It's funny you asked this question because it's the same discussion my DH and I have been having about our next trip in December. He wants to go to a waterpark again and I have no interest taking 2 DDs who will be 4 and 19 months. The youngest was just a baby the last time we went, so I held her the whole time with no argument from her. Right now, she wants to be moving on her own all the time! I'm sure she'll be the same way in December!! I think she'll be happier in the kiddie pool at the hotel!!

 

[decker96]

Since you only have 5 days, I would skip the waterparks and just use the hotel pool. I don't know what the GF pool is like, but most have pretty good theming. Our kids at 5 and 2 loved swimming in the pool at POR and didn't even ask about going to the waterparks. DD5 did know they were there. We would come home for a swim and then a rest in the afternoon before heading back to the parks around 4 or 5. Since your kids are small you will probably be taking alot of breaks and touring at a slower pace. I wouldn't waste a day at a waterpark.

 

[mcgrawfan]

If you have the UPH passes you could always try going to a water park and see if you guys enjoy it. With the UPH passes you wouldn't be wasting any days or money.