Arriving after 3 to a water park?

[TAKitty]

I saw on the Disney site that they suggest arriving to the water park after 3:00 p.m. Has anyone done this? What are the crowds like? We are going in July.

 

[cudworth]

We have done this at TL and it was still busy but you have the wave pool so no big deal . By 5pm we were walking on the crush n gusher . This was this past Easter and this past Aug. We will do this again when we go back.

 

[mrsltg]

The crowds have begun to thin by that time. BUT... you are also going to contend with thunder storms at that time.

 

[TAKitty]

We are all pretty fair, so I thought the sun may not be as intense.

 

[TinyLolitaBunny]

IMO I wouldn't do this. Simply because I don't think it's enough time there. The waterparks generally close around 7pm I beleive and that's pretty early. Plus, as someone else said, you may get less of this: and more of this: ! In which case, they will shut down water attractions, plus it isn't fun to run around in a bathing suit during rain anyways!!!

I liked being at the waterparks earlier because we got to do everything and do it at a more relaxed or not-rushed pace, and it is sunnier around noon.

PS: I would also say that although the sun won't be as intense, it'll still be there so you'll still have to wear the old waterproof sunscreen anyways, so that wouldn't really solve anything as far as that goes. Just my 2cents

 

[TAKitty]

Thanks for your help. I think we will consider going after 3. We only plan on being at the water park for 3 hours or so anyway. Last year I got burnt even with all of the sun screen. I will run it by my Dh and see what he thinks too! Thanks again!

 

[LISAMWDW]

Good questions, I like that idea of going after 3pm. We'll have to do this on our next trip!

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

we did it, unintentionally on our last trip. for various reasons we arrived just after 3, rather than 2pm.(not much of a difference, but when the park closes at either 5 or 6, i can't remmber which now, but it was early)

lockers were sold out and park was packed, as typhoon lagoon was closed for refurb. so there was just the 1 water partk. but as we were arrivign, there were tonnes of people LEAVING. we were able to get a locker immediately, towels, the lines were minimal. we waited no more than 2 or 3 min max to get on the slides we wanted.there were still a lot of people there, but it was managable and nice. the sky was cloudy, there was more shade, and we were so happy we went at that time.

 

[VistaLeigh'smommy]

I used to work at Blizzard Beach and once the 3pm thunder showers hit the rest of the day was usually smooth sailing! So many people would leave with the rain, so it would just leave the die hards! The lines were usually so much shorter and everyone was just so happy because they were in some of the shortest lines in disney world!!!

I agree about the sun though. I used to go without sunblock from 7am-9am to get a little color and then from that point on I was applying 45 waterproof spf (provided by disney for us) every 45 minutes when I would switch stands! The sun in Florida is a whole new beast... I had never been in sun soooo strong!!

I think doing a park in the morning and getting sweaty and cranky would be a perfect way to start a water park day! Cause then you could spend the rest of the day in the lazy river!

 

[PA Princess]

We did this last trip which was end of June into beginning of July 2005. We arrived on a Sunday into MCO at about 1, used ME to get to the CBR, and checked into the resort by 3. We had a quick bite to eat in the food court and then we went to TL...probably arrived about 4 or a bit before. It was absolutely perfect. We arrived and there were crowds...but they were all departing! Seriously, the only crowds we saw were in the bus ques waiting to leave. We parked in the first row of cars and we made our way in and had a great afternoon. For our family (we are big swimmers) it was the perfect way to start our Disney vacation - relaxing and fun. The park closed at 7, but we were ready to leave by 6:30 and dh and the older kids did every attraction. I should say that I asked about doing this on these boards prior to our trip and almost every single reply was counsel against this plan. We did have to stay flexible in case of rain (but you have to do this any time you plan water activities anywhere) and having our own car so we could drive 5 minutes to the water park rather than an hour by bus was key. (In case it seems contradictory, dh and kids and I did ME and my mom went and picked up the rented mini van...this is how we used ME and had our own vehicle). We would do this plan again if it fit into our schedule without hesitation.