Empty Nesters Looking for Wet Adventure Advice

[Dizny Dad]

Although we visit The World twice each year, DW and I have NEVER visited either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. We are empty nesters that have experienced so many things in The World, including many tours, special events, safaris, parties, meetings, etc. It is time to stretch out and do something we just wouldn’t have normally planned to do. Any help we can get to help us plan our first wet adventure is appreciated! Let’s start with answers to the following questions:

1. We are not really interested in water slides, so which of the two water parks would you suggest for a couple looking to have an easy lazy day?
2. Do you need to take your own towels?
3. Are there lockers for personal belongings?
4. Any day of the week better than others?
5. Is it somewhat easy to find beach chairs or lounges any time of the day, or is it best to hit the park at rope drop?
6. Any recommendations for snacks and food? Take our own? Best snack bar?

These questions and more have been on our minds for a few months, so I thought we should go to the experts and just ask! So how ‘bout it?

 

[sammo]

We haven't been to the Disney water parks in a while (we have a large water park close to where we live so my husband doesn't want to give up a day there since our trips have been shorter lately - 5 days or less).

However, for relaxing, we loved Discovery Cove! We swam with the dolphins, floated in the lazy river, and saw the birds. Included is your food and a 14 day pass to either Sea World or Busch Gardens Tampa. At least these passes were included when we booked. As we were already going to pay for a day at Sea World, this made the cost more manageable.

Whatever you decide, have fun!!

Sheri

 

[moredisneyplease]

Avid BB/TL er here! We looooove those water parks. To answer your questions:

1) I think you could have a lazy day at either of the parks because they both have quiet little coves you can camp out in. Just study the maps and stay away from the "kiddie" areas like Ketchakiddie Creek (Lots of squealing going on). Both places have chairs all over the place in quiet areas . Enjoy the sun and the lazy river!

2) Do indeed take your own towels if you can HOWEVER, you can purchase and rent towels at both parks.

3) Yes they do have lockers for your personal items but they cost

4) I'm going to guess during the week instead of the weekends but think it depends on when you are going. Summer will be busy all of the time but May/early June I'd aim for week days


5) Again, this depends on the season. Unfortunately, due to school schedules, we are always there in July so we hit it at rope drop and stake claim at a prime spot! If you are there in a busy season get there early because I've seen people wandering around at noon looking for chairs. If its not a busy time I'm sure you can find something.....but it may not be a quiet area

6) We always take some snacks/food but my kiddos looooove! The beach pail/sand toy filled with an ice cream sundea! They also have these amazing little mini donuts and other such yummy treats!

Have fun!!!

 

[Muushka]

Hi DDad

For us, Typhoon Lagoon, hands down. Grab yourself a tube and fall into the Lazy River.
Feel like body surfing? Try the wave pool!
Feel like swimming with the fish? They have that too!

I agree, weekday would be better. And my guess (purely a guess) is that the beginning of the week rather than the end.
Cloudy, warm days, the best.
We rarely make rope-drop for anything and have never had a problem finding a place to sit.

We only ate there once, when we were on the DDP, so no suggestions there.
We usually went there not hungry and don't stay for more than 4 hours.

Oh boy, now I want to go to a water park. Thanks DDad!

 

[dvcbrad]

Opposite for us ... we like BB much better. It feels bigger, newer, and cleaner to us for some reason. There's lots of beach area to find a chair and park yourself for a good read, and what seems like a much larger lazy river than TL. We've gone both early and later, and have even closed down the place a time or two.

Either way, you'll be in for a fun day.

 

[Pakey]

We are empty nesters and prefer TL over BB. Also, we get a cabana (Beachcomber Shack at TL; Polar Patio at BB). I spend the largest chunk of my day sitting in the cabana reading a book.

 

[emilymad]

We are going in mid May and are thinking of going to TL. Right now it is on the schedule for Saturday after we go to AK in the morning. Is this a bad idea? We will probably stick with the lazy river and wave pool more than the slides.

What about water shoes? Needed, not needed?