Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon Q's

[Marty Joe]

My DW, DD and I have been to WDW many times, but not to the water parks. DW does not swim and DD has just learned (but not great at it). I dont think this is a real good idea yet (especially with the large crowds in the summer) but they would like to try one in July anyway. Which water park should we shoot for? Any suggestions would be helpful...

 

[HopperFan]

and my opinion based on your circumstances is Blizzard Beach. While they both have lazy rivers and fun slides.....

Typhoon Lagoon's big draws that make it stand out are the wave pool and shark reef. The wave pool is very powerful and not a place for a non-swimmer or new swimmer....it can be frightening to get knocked down in there. The shark reef is an incredible experience, but I've seen plenty of non or marginal swimmers panic in there.

Blizzard Beach has a fun, cartoon like theme going. A great family raft ride you can do together. It also has the Ski Patrol area that is great for the 10 and under set. There are plenty of activites there your DD will love. Well supervised and in places you can stay pretty close. The wave pool is very gentle and bobbing and great for all level of swimmers.

 

[AJKMOM]

Depending on where you stay, the pool at your resort might be good enough for a non-swimmer and a new swimmer. Both water parks will be crowded in July.

 

[Canbarker]

Thanks for asking this question! We are planning on our vacation for next year and DD wants to go. She will be 6 then. I have told her we will not go unless she goes through swimming lessons the entire year until we leave. She can't wait to start now. We have a pool at home but I am not comfortable with her going in any water unless I am right there by her side so this makes slides etc a little difficult. We stayed at CSR in June and after begging me to allow her to go down the water slide, I finally gave in but to her amazement and my husband's embarrasment, the lifeguard and I were waiting when she hit the water!

 

[BlindTyldak]

OP:
I would say skip the water parks, honestly, and stay by the resort pool. The parks will be so busy that you would have a very long wait to enjoy anything they would be able to do anyway, which would be a pretty limited list. They'll still be there next trip.

Canbarker:
Depending on the time of year, I think your DD would be fine. My daughter is the same age and also taking swimming lessons in preparation for a water park. I would not let her do it at a very busy time of year as a new swimmer at that age, but at slow times of the year I would. I have only been to Typhoon Lagoon and I know there is plenty there that I would be very comfortable allowing my daughter to do once I know she can get her head above water and stay there and is not likely to get wedged in a crowd.

 

[BraveMom3]

I would advise going to Blizzard Beach. You don't have to be a swimmer to enjoy the water parks. I just went with some friends, one of which could not swim, and we had a blast. I take my three children (13, 9, & 8), and have since they were small. Most of the slides empty into a shall area, the lazy river has smaller floats with bottoms in them so you could hold onto your DD while you float along, the kid's area is a lot of fun and an area where you could get in a central area and be able to watch your DD enjoy herself. There is plenty that your family can do there, you just have to keep a constant eye on your DD, just as you would anywhere else VERY IMPORTANT - be there exactly when they open, and you should be able to do any slides ("line-standing events!") you are interested in without waiting, then by the time the crowds pour in (around 10-11), you'll be ready to lay back a little and relax.

 

[dwtootles]

Just to inform you all: If you are really nervous about the strength of swimmers and want to be extra safe both water parks offer free rentals of lifejackets that are allowed on all rides (except body slides which end in zero depth and have height restrictions anyway). That way your children can still have fun and not worry you so much.