Best waterpark for water-loving DD4?

[mrs_noopie]

We've never been to any WDW waterparks... which one is best for our adventurous 4.5 year old daughter? She just recently hit 40", and she's overconfident in the water for her actual swimming ability. She LOVES water.

I'm asking about Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, but I'm also interested in any Aquatica comments too.

 

[mickimousemama]

I don't have any answers for you but I'm going to watch your thread because my 4.5 DD is the same way and I have been trying to decide between the two for when we make our Disney trip!

 

[pommfrites]

I have a 4yo and 2.5yo and have not taken them...BUT...here's my assessments---

Typhoon Lagoon -- snorkeling w/sharks (probably not ~)
wave pool -- only in the front because the waves get BIG
lazy river -- yeah
family style slides - yeah
little kid area - yeah
other slides - too young

Blizzard Beach --
kids area - yeah
all types of slides-maybe some
lazy river - yeah
pool - yeah w/mom or dad

I think in my 2 cents worth that there is more for the younger set at BB, but personally I LOVE TL. For the kids though...BB is my idea of a safer bet and more for the kids to see. My ultimate pick would be RC, but they closed my beautiful RC down! I have pictures of me there at very young ages and remember riding the slides/swings. I suppose it all depends on the child's swimming ability and who is going with them on the slides and such. TL has the best wave pool, but like I said it is made for body surfing and in the middle it can lift a full grown adult WAY UP in the waves and crash you down. Haven't been to Aquatica yet, so couldn't tell you there. HTH you some




PS
If you are at BB, you are right next to the minigolf courses too. It gives you another thingto do, if the water parks doesn't pan out or if you have to leave early for lack of interest

 

[pigget74]

I have been to both with different aged kids and I think BB by far is better for that age. The older kids area is great for your 4 year old and it is in a central location in the park. The family raft ride is great as well.

 

[brergnat]

Just so that you are aware, the ONLY rides with height requirements at the water parks are the following:

BB: The two speed slides (the ski jump one, and the undulating one next to it), and the Downhill Double Dipper (the side by side, "racing" tube slide). They have a 48" requirement.

TL: Humunga Cowabunga (speed slide), and the water coaster (both 48" requirements).

EVERYTHING else is open to your daughter. In fact, most of the other slides allow TWO person tubes, so you or your DH can ride with her down the slides.

BB has more actual slides. Plus, the family raft ride at BB is longer and more fun, although TL has THREE whitewater raft rides to choose from, so more variety.

 

[yellowtink]

Personally I would go to Typhoon Lagoon. I went there when I was 5 although I wan't so hot of water it was fun. I loved the wave pool, the kids slides, and the lazy river.

 

[JackJack08]

TL without a second thought!

 

[mkel34]

I have a 4yo and 2.5yo and have not taken them...BUT...here's my assessments---

Typhoon Lagoon -- snorkeling w/sharks (probably not ~)
wave pool -- only in the front because the waves get BIG
lazy river -- yeah
family style slides - yeah
little kid area - yeah
other slides - too young

Blizzard Beach --
kids area - yeah
all types of slides-maybe some
lazy river - yeah
pool - yeah w/mom or dad

I think in my 2 cents worth that there is more for the younger set at BB, but personally I LOVE TL. For the kids though...BB is my idea of a safer bet and more for the kids to see. My ultimate pick would be RC, but they closed my beautiful RC down! I have pictures of me there at very young ages and remember riding the slides/swings. I suppose it all depends on the child's swimming ability and who is going with them on the slides and such. TL has the best wave pool, but like I said it is made for body surfing and in the middle it can lift a full grown adult WAY UP in the waves and crash you down. Haven't been to Aquatica yet, so couldn't tell you there. HTH you some




PS
If you are at BB, you are right next to the minigolf courses too. It gives you another thingto do, if the water parks doesn't pan out or if you have to leave early for lack of interest

Couldn't agree more with this assessment. BB is a better option for someone with a young child. BB has Tike's Peak (kids section), a much less aggressive wave pool, and teamboat springs(family raft ride). My youngest daughter at the time enjoyed BB more than TL.

 

[mrs_noopie]

Thanks for all of your input!

Blizzard Beach is looking like the frontrunner for us. Here's why:

Unique theming, looks like an amazing place to cool off
Short trip from our hotel (AKL)
Tike's Peak will definitely please
The world's longest family white-water raft ride (Teamboat Springs)
Summit Plummet is calling DH's name - 120 feet tall, free fall, 60mph

The great thing is that I know we can't go wrong either way... TL or BB...