Need suggestion re Water Parks for solo traveler

[msr709]

I'll be going alone this summer and I have a "plus" left on my park hopper and was wondering which of the two TL or BB should I go to and what would be the best strategy. I'm in my 40s and have arthritis in both knees but I love to swim and be near water. I'm not going for the slides (I actually love them but I have a bad back and I'm afraid of hurting it more), just want to go to relax and maybe do the lazy river thing. Never been to either of these parks and was wondering how I can keep a chair if I'm alone, can I just put my towel there or what? Do you recommend taking your own towel? Where do you hide your $ and ticket? Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[InnoventionsGuy]

I'd recommend Typhoon Lagoon. It doesn't have the big slides like Blizzard Beach, but it does have a larger wave pool and wading areas. Note: Be careful with the wave pool; the waves are stronger than they look.

Have fun!

 

[msr709]

Thanks InnoventionsGuy, but I'm afraid if the waves knock me down of hurting my back. What about this Shark Reef (or something like that) that you can swim with the fishes, have you tried it?

 

[InnoventionsGuy]

Shark Reef

The water in the shark reef is cooled to ocean temperature. You swim along the surface only with just your hands (I guess kicking with your feet can attract the sharks). The fish and sharks swim below you. I'm not sure how deep it is, but it appears to be at least 10 ft.

The first time I did it, I put the snorkel on the wrong way, and ended up inhaling quite a bit of water!


Wave Pool

Walking into the wave pool is just like walking into the ocean. You can walk in just up to your ankles if you want. That way you can go in only as deep as you are comfortable with. The only reason I mentioned the waves is because sometimes they are turned off for about twenty minutes. If you happen to go in during this time and then the waves are turned back on, they can catch you by surprize.

Staking Your Claim

I usually just put my towel on a chair or lounge-chair. Never had any problems with anything like towels or sandals being taken or moved.

Stuff

The stores in TL sell small waterproof plastic "wallets" on the end of a rope. I usually keep my pass, money, and car key in there. I bought one two years ago, and wear it in the wave pool with me all the time. It has never leaks. If you have more stuff, you can also rent a locker for about $6. (Towels can also be rented.)

 

[Grinning Ghost]

msr709, I just returned from Typhoon Lagoon on a solo trip recently. I went during the middle of the week and didn't have any problem finding a lounge chair to put my stuff on. I brought my own towel because it was easier to find my chair that way. I was concerned about getting my stuff stolen since I was alone so I rented a locker to put my wallet, car keys, and a change of clothes. I just had a towel, sunblock, sunglasses, a bottled water, and flip-flops unattended. This is stuff that I would not worry about if they did get stolen. However, I did not have any problem at all.

By the way, I loved the lazy river, called Castaway Creek. It was probably my favorite part. I would just lie in an inner tube and let the river take me slowly around the park.

 

[msr709]

I knew I could count on these boards to get the answers I needed. It sounds like Typhoon Lagoon for me! Thanks for the tips InnoventionsGuy about the water-wallet. I was racking my brain trying to figure out how I was going to hold that stuff. Thanks Grinning Ghost for you report on Castaway Creek, it sounds perfect for me. Thanks to you both again.

 

[BonnieA]

I went to Typhoon Lagoon solo in January (temps were in the mid 80's then). I rented a locker for my clothes and valuables, used a towel to save my chair and even asked a complete stranger to put sunscreen on my back- people are very nice but I brought my towel so she could wipe her hands on that when done. I really didn't even need to save a seat because I spent most of the time just lazing in Castaway creek, the wave pool and the shark reef. It was a great relaxing and cooling way to spend an afternoon.

 

[msr709]

Thanks for your report Bonnie! Have a Disney Day!

 

[skondo10]

You will love Typhoon Lagoon. The lazy river is amazing! The only caution I give you, is to be sure that you put your wallet or money in a water proof container, because you will get wet. My dad didn't think he would get wet and he got soaked and so did all of our money! Shark Reef is also amazing! My mom has never even been on a water slide at Disney. Instead she loves relaxing in the sand and going around the lazy river! You'll have a great time!