Blizzard beach question

[FiveOh]

We (DW45, DS12, and DD6) are going to WDW Friday 3/12, and I was thinking of leaving early Thursday and driving to Jacksonville, so we can squeeze in a day at Blizzard Beach. If I'm lucky I can get my crew up and on the road so we can arrive at BB at the 10:00 opening time. We are staying offsite at HIFS with a 4:00 pm check-in. Two questions:

1. How important is it to get to get to a water park early? Do the lockers and/or lounge chairs get taken early?

2. At every other water park I've been to, we got there at the opening and were worn out shortly after lunch. Is there a way to veg out and relax at BB? Should we be going to TL instead? Or ... maybe try to check in a little early at HIFS?

Also, how's the traffic on I4 in the morning? Our last trip to WDW we spent 45 min. in bumper to bumper traffic from Universal to Disney.

Thanks for your help.

 

[pigget74]

We always get there early to snag a good spot on the beach to be able to watch the kids. You need to remember that there are not many shady spots at BB--so relaxing would be under direct sun rays.

 

[lejaf]

I've only been to BB once, but my kids love water parks and they and my husband do all the running around from one slide to another while I spend most of my time with my youngest just floating around in the lazy river...I find it very relaxing. We were at BB in mid-March two years ago and it didn't seem crowded until noon time.

By the way, We're either going to BB or TL on March 12 this year...and staying at HIFS until the 16th before heading to the beach...according to the 15 day forecast, the weather is looking GREAT!

 

[FiveOh]

We're at HIFS for 3 nights beginning 3/12, then to AKL for four nights - I am like you, thinking the weather will be great. It's our first time at HIFS - looking forward to having a little more room for a few days - I love Disney resorts but the rooms can get a little small.

Doin' that single digit dance...