Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon for a 5 yo?

[SuzanneMcC]

My DS, 5, and I are going to WDW first week of April. Would you recommend Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon? He isn't afraid of slides, but on the other hand is only 40".

Also, anyone know how to connect with a specialty cruise already booked, since we are only a party of 2??

 

[my3princesses]

We took our girls to Blizzard Beach when they were 8, 6, and 4. We spent a lot of time at the children's section of the park which the two younger ones loved while my husband took the oldest to do the slides which she loved (she is the only one who loves rollarcoasters as well). The lazy river is great and we did that many times. What I liked about this compared to what I have heard about typhoon is that it works for everyone in your group. As well we went mini golfing at the course right nearby afterwards which was great

 

[BuzzLightYear3]

I think it depends on the 5 year old.

If he's primarily into slides, BB is nice because it has a "Jr. Ski Patrol" area with slides and play areas specifically for kids who are too big for the preschool area but too small for the 'adult' slides. Some of the big slides are also accessible to 5 year olds as well. Definitely don't miss the family raft ride....it's great!

TL has the best wave pool, some medium type slides, and lots of sand for digging, castles, etc., so if he's into sand and waves, that may be the better choice.

My kids (DS-11, DD-7, and DS-5) prefer BB, but the youngest is actually happy at either place. Seems like kids that age are o.k. with the stand-in-line and do attractions stuff for a while but then they like to hang-out and do 'less structured' things, but they manage to find ways to do that no matter where they are. (My DS-5 recently chose to spend an hour running up and down handicap ramps instead of riding the kids rides at a local amusement park.....go figure!)

I suspect he'll have a blast whichever you choose! Have a great trip!

 

[java]

I think I read someplace about a new ride opening at TL this year. I can't remember what kind of attractin it is but I think it may draw the crowds. The one fun thing they have is the snorkle tank but I think you need to be older to do it. Blizzard beach is always a hit with my guys and they have the BEST fresh donut holes- yum yum!

 

[jillybeanjo]

I think TL is better for kids who want to do more than the kiddie area but aren't very tall. The big slides are a bit milder but still fun, and the surf pool and shark reef can't be beat for entertaining kids for hours.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I think I read someplace about a new ride opening at TL this year. I can't remember what kind of attractin it is but I think it may draw the crowds.

Yep....to open March 2005 called Crush 'N Gusher. You can find info here:
http://www.wdwmagic.com/around.htm
Not sure what the age limits for this will be. Judging by the artist's rendering of the ride, it might be for older kids ?
I'm glad they added to Typhoon Lagoon. I love the ambience with all the lush vegetation and all, but I always felt they didn't have as many slides as BB ? Also, my kids prefer the family raft ride at BB over TL because it's longer (or so it feels).

 

[slp87]

Not sure what the age limits for this will be. Judging by the artist's rendering of the ride, it might be for older kids ?

The new slide at TL is similar to one here in TX at Schlitterbahn and there isn't an age limit. Our friend's DD was 3 when she rode it with me. It's definitely for the more daring kid though.

 

[LIFERBABE]

We just returned from WDW last month and TL was closed for refurbishment so we went to BB twice. We had a great time, but we missed the wave pool at TL very much.

BB has a bobbin wave pool which was fun, but the bottom is very rough and I felt like we were getting scraped up. If they can get a tube it is better, but we had a blast at TL bodysurfing and enjoying the waves in the shallow areas sitting on the smooth bottom.

My boys dont like alot of structure either, so they prefer to do things where they dont have to stand in lines.

My 5 year old freaked out in the Shark Reef at TL, so we wont be doing that again until he is a much stronger swimmer.

I was a little nervous on the Ski Lift at BB with my 5 and 7 year old but once you get used to it I'd choose it over taking the stairs!

BB Family raft ride was the best!! We rode it 4 times. My 5 year old LOVED it and screamed all the waaaay down.

TL has the Fresh Donut Holes too and I agree they are great!

My boys enjoy both really and you really cant pick a wrong one for that age. We are returning in June and will definitely visit TL.

Good luck with your planning!

 

[Bellefan66]

When we were there last, DD was 5 and we purposely chose TL because it was more kid friendly, and had more shade. BB has almost no shade...ouch Go online and look at some pics of both parks. Whichever you choose, you'll have fun!