Going to try Typhoon Lagoon for the first time. Advice?

[DVCJones]

Hi!! I plan on visiting TL during our upcoming trip (3 weeks). My kids are 9 and 11. One DD is not a thrill seeker at all. Even though she is old enough and tall enough to ride all the slides, I anticipate her being too afraid to ride. I'm hoping to ease her into riding some if the less thrilling slides. What do you seasoned sliders suggest?

DD 11 wants to snorkel with the sharks. Do the sanitize the gear between guests?

Also, where is a good place to set up camp for the day? Especially if I have one who wants to ride and one who might be happy in the kiddie area.

What other tips, advise or words of wisdom can you share?

Thank you.

 

[ciera321]

I'm sure they're supposed to sanitize the snorkel gear between each guest, but we've always brought own, as I am a germ freak!

There are a lot of shady spots to set up camp. We always like to get to the back right of the wave pool. There are lots of chairs tucked under trees, and it's fairly quiet.

I would arrive before opening, and go on the most popular attractions first, like Crush n Gusher. We've gone on C n G 5 or 6 times before the lines start to get long...

My favorite thing....the mini donuts. They're hot, fresh, wonderful little nuggets of joy!

 

[DVCJones]

Your 9yo might enjoy the ski patrol area for kids her age. It's a fun area my DS loved when he was that age. I'm sure they're supposed to sanitize the snorkel gear between each guest, but we've always brought own, as I am a germ freak! There are a lot of shady spots to set up camp. We always like to get to the back right of the wave pool. There are lots of chairs tucked under trees, and it's fairly quiet. I would arrive before opening, and go on the most popular attractions first, like Crush n Gusher. We've gone on C n G 5 or 6 times before the lines start to get long... My favorite thing....the mini donuts. They're hot, fresh, wonderful little nuggets of joy!

Thank you!!!

I'm a big fan of all things described as, little nuggets of joy!

 

[alohamom]

Be sure to wear or bring water shoes! There is something for everyone, dont worry, you will all have a wonderful time...

 

[Pkltm]

Typhoon Lagoon is actually our favorite place on earth!!!

Yes, they sanitize the snorkeling gear, the water is cold with the sharks so be prepared.

The Crush And Gusher is a fun one, my DM-in-L even loves it. Get a refillable cup, good value and a fun souvenir. You can really set up camp any where, all spots have their pros and cons. We like by the wave pool, or by the quite pool by Crush and Gusher.

Re apply the sunscreen often!!

 

[Hillbeans]

Agree with all the advice given (even the recommendation for the mini-donuts!)

My only advice is to get there when they open and don't sit on the bottom of the wave pool near the shallow end unless you want to get a huge bruise from the scratchy surface of the wave pool

 

[sorahl1]

My boys love the snorkeling portion. Yes they do sanitize the equipment between each person. However my boys both were allergic to whatever they used and their faces got red and puffy. So... on our next trip (we were driving which made this an option) they brought their own masks and snorkels..
ymmv.. but It is fun and very cool to do... speaking of cool. the water is ...uh.... cold

Enjoy

john

 

[ascardino]

Subbing

We are thinking of going this trip as we will have the time.....any tips for a family that also has a 2 (almost 3 yr old)? It has been quite awhile since I have been.....last time we went to BB and my 8 yr old was around 3 at the time.

Also....any preference of TL or BB and why?

 

[ciera321]

Subbing

We are thinking of going this trip as we will have the time.....any tips for a family that also has a 2 (almost 3 yr old)? It has been quite awhile since I have been.....last time we went to BB and my 8 yr old was around 3 at the time.

Also....any preference of TL or BB and why?

Ketchakiddee Creek is a wonderful kids area that your little one will love! I don't have a preference between the 2, as they're both a lot of fun, and both have great kids areas.

One thing I forgot to mention, keep your backside up off the "boat" when going down a hill in Crush n Gusher. I speak from experience....

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Your 9yo might enjoy the ski patrol area for kids her age. It's a fun area my DS loved when he was that age.

I'm sure they're supposed to sanitize the snorkel gear between each guest, but we've always brought own, as I am a germ freak!

There are a lot of shady spots to set up camp. We always like to get to the back right of the wave pool. There are lots of chairs tucked under trees, and it's fairly quiet.

I would arrive before opening, and go on the most popular attractions first, like Crush n Gusher. We've gone on C n G 5 or 6 times before the lines start to get long...

My favorite thing....the mini donuts. They're hot, fresh, wonderful little nuggets of joy!

Ski Patrol Area is at Blizzard Beach.

 

[ciera321]

Ski Patrol Area is at Blizzard Beach.

Oops, you are so right! Thanks for correcting me!

 

[sharonabe]

Hi!! I plan on visiting TL during our upcoming trip (3 weeks). My kids are 9 and 11. One DD is not a thrill seeker at all. Even though she is old enough and tall enough to ride all the slides, I anticipate her being too afraid to ride. I'm hoping to ease her into riding some if the less thrilling slides. What do you seasoned sliders suggest?

DD 11 wants to snorkel with the sharks. Do the sanitize the gear between guests?

Also, where is a good place to set up camp for the day? Especially if I have one who wants to ride and one who might be happy in the kiddie area.

What other tips, advise or words of wisdom can you share?

Thank you.

A couple things. Your DD will not be allowed in the kiddie area as she will be too old/too big. It is strictly for the little ones.

We LOVE the wave pool, but be aware that the wave is very strong even in the shallow area. As others have said, don't sit down, but you need to brace yourself when it comes along.

The family ride is pretty tame and short; your skittish one will probably be okay on that one especially since you can all ride in the same raft together. The lazy river is also a lot of fun. It circles around, so familiarize yourself with where you want to get off as there are many entrances/exits to the river.

 

[elaw]

... My favorite thing....the mini donuts. They're hot, fresh, wonderful little nuggets of joy!

 

[ascardino]

....
The family ride is pretty tame and short; your skittish one will probably be okay on that one especially since you can all ride in the same raft together. The lazy river is also a lot of fun. It circles around, so familiarize yourself with where you want to get off as there are many entrances/exits to the river.

Do you know how old/tall you have to be to ride the family ride?

 

[sharonabe]

Do you know how old/tall you have to be to ride the family ride?

I'm not sure there is one if riding with your family. If a kiddo wants to go on their own, there may be. However, they will not let one person ride in the raft alone; they'll put you with other people. It's a rather large, round raft where everyone sits inside the middle.

Here's a link to Disney's description:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/typhoon-lagoon/gang-plank-falls/

 

[mizzougrad91]

I agree with the post about the wave pool. I even think the shallow end is dangerous. The waves are not like your average wave pool. Even in the shallow end they will knock you off your feet if you aren't careful and the bottom of the pool is VERY spiky. I recommend water shoes or your feet can get tore up. My 16 year old son and 14 year old daughter both had scrapes and cuts all over the bottom of their feet.

 

[ascardino]

I'm not sure there is one if riding with your family. If a kiddo wants to go on their own, there may be. However, they will not let one person ride in the raft alone; they'll put you with other people. It's a rather large, round raft where everyone sits inside the middle.

Here's a link to Disney's description:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/typhoon-lagoon/gang-plank-falls/

Thank you for the quick reply and link. Reading the description, you are limited to 4 people anyway so it would not work for all of us. The baby makes us 5.....even though she really isn't a "baby" we would be over the limit.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Subbing

We are thinking of going this trip as we will have the time.....any tips for a family that also has a 2 (almost 3 yr old)? It has been quite awhile since I have been.....last time we went to BB and my 8 yr old was around 3 at the time.

Also....any preference of TL or BB and why?

We visited both waterparks last August, and much preferred TL over BB. The snow theme at BB had a lot to do with it...but we're northerners, and quite frankly have enough of the real stuff throughout the year that the fake stuff in Florida just doesn't appeal . We loved the lushness of TL, and the wave pool there is da bomb .

I have a ton of photos and a full write up of our experience at both parks in my August 2013 trip report (click on the link in my signature if you're interested in taking a peek).

 

[JohnnyFromCanada]

We have/had a similar situation. Our boy is 2 years older than our girl. He is willing to try anything and she is very nervous about new rides. They both loved Typhoon Lagoon. There are rides for all levels there. The lazy river is a nice break and the more adventurous will love the wave pool and shark tank.

We always spend 2 or 3 days at the water parks when we go to Disney and Typhoon Lagoon is our fave...although the not-so-lazy river at Aquatica is certainly raising the bar.

 

[HopperFan]

TL:
- Wave pool is very powerful. Fun for some but for young ones rough.
- Shark Reef is cool. Cold water and do early before crowded and sediment stirred up. If you've done Discovery Cove, letdown.
- Kiddie Area is spread out and busy but it's for very young set (OP it's not for your age kids).
- Lush tropical decor.
- Crusher is fun.
- Most the slides are very tame, family ride short and blah!

BB:
- Wave pool is gentle waves with changing heights.
- Tween area is awesome and both your kids should love it. There are even some very gentle slides with tubes they let adults on.
- Absolutely best family raft ride!!
- Great kiddie area, well planned and fun!
- Slides have more thrill but some fine for younger set too.
- Ski lift for those not wanting to do steps.

Both have lazy rivers

OP - BB sounds a better fit for your age group.