Scoop - Heard anything about the Typhoon Lagoon Rumors that are out there?

[DisneyKidds]

Not sure if this question would cause you to betray any confidences (certainly wouldn't want you to do that), or perhaps your friends aren't privy to developments in the water parks, but have you heard anything regarding Typhoon Lagoon?

There are rumors out there in several places that have some major changes afoot for the water park. Rumored additions include one, or possibly two, master blaster type water rides, as well as a few other things. Any idea if there is any truth to this rumorizing, and when it might happen if there is?

Anybody else have any inside info?

 

[Lewisc]

I assume you've already seen what's on Screamscape. I've read the water parks are frequently filled to capacity. Makes sense they'll either expand TL or re-open RC and I haven't seen any rumors any place about that.

 

[DisneyKidds]

I assume you've already seen what's on Screamscape.

Yeah, I've seen the Screamscape info, as well as some discussion from CM's/insiders over on Intercot. However, I haven't found enough cohesive evidence to get excited that there is any truth to the rumors. I agree, a water park expansion, especially one that includes at least one cutting edge water park ride, makes a heck of a lot of sense.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by DisneyKidds
However, I haven't found enough cohesive evidence to get excited that there is any truth to the rumors. .

You may not get cohesive evidence. You're not building a "moutain". Water slides are prefab, built offsite. Probably looking at months (not years) to build. The first real evidence may be an extended rehab and ground breaking.

 

[OnWithTheShow]

There is truth to the rumor. I work at Typhoon and can tell you a little about the plans. From what I understand the expansion is completely planned and simply awaits budgetary approval. The Typhoon cast holds their breath every year hoping it will happen but it hasnt yet. They recent news that Blizzard and Typhoon are switching rehab dates this year (Typhoon is normally late October to early January and Blizzard is early January to early March.) has lead some to believe Typhoon may be closed until April (like Blizzard was last year) to permit extended construction. I have personally seen WDI surveying the areas expected for expansion including balloon tests. Typhoon has a huge area to expand into. The full plans include the paving of the grass overflow parking lot into a regular lot, the complete reconstruction and expansion of Singapore Sals gift shop, High and Dry Towel and Locker Rental, as well as the entire locker room, restrooms and shower area. The park will then be expanded on the right side where Out of the Way Cay is now located. Not much detail on what the section will include, but it definitely is going to have a "water coaster" as invented by schlitterbahn. (see: http://www.schlitterbahn.com/attractions-masterblaster.asp)
I imagine it would have some other thrilling slides as well to compete with the thrills at Blizzard. Who knows how much of the plan will get cut or when it will get approved (lets keep our fingers crossed).

 

[DisneyKidds]

Show, thanks for the info. Of course this scares me quite a lot..........

From what I understand the expansion is completely planned and simply awaits budgetary approval.

Any idea how long the plans have been in place and how many times it didn't clear the budget hurdle?

 

[Bob O]

Since they are talking expansion what could be better than a water coaster!!!!
I dont know if people have seen the water coaster they have in hershey park but it is a excellant ride where the people on the coaster attemkpt to soak the people beneath them and the people below shoot water cannons etc at the riders. From what i have seen of this ride on tv shows it is an excellant attraction and one that would fit in good at a disney water park.

 

[Peter Pirate]

Thanks Mr. Show!

A Schlitterbahn type water coaster (or two) would be awesome. My kids want to go to Schlitterban so bad but this rumor ought to keep me out of TX for while longer! (no offense to TX intended).

How have water Park crowds been this summer?

 

[Planogirl]

NBGS International, the company formed by the Schlitterbahn owners, certainly lists Disney as one of its customers. http://www.nbgsintl.com/pressroom.htm

Hopefully, Disney plans to install a Master Blaster in Typhoon Lagoon. I've never ridden it but I've seen it and it looks like it's a blast. There's also a family version.

Mr Pirate, a trip to the San Antonio area is a good thing, you can count on that. And as for offense taken, no more than at any time in the past.

 

[DisneyKidds]

Mr Pirate, a trip to the San Antonio area is a good thing

I know it's OT, but I agree. Everyone should experience margaritas and tex-mex along the Riverwalk once in their lifetime.

 

[OnWithTheShow]

Bob,

This is a different type of attraction than the one at Hershey, check out the link.

They did all the surveying last summer. I think last year was the first year it was proposed.

 

[DisneyKidds]

I think last year was the first year it was proposed.

Hasn't been shot down too many times. That's good. Hey, with M:S, E:E, new firworks in the MK, etc - maybe Disney is loosening the purse strings enough that it happens this year. It is interesting that the "normal" rehab schedule was changed this year. Does that happen often without some reason?

 

[Peter Pirate]

Kidds, I've been to SA and visited Riverwalk...Very nice..Great margaritas...But I'm kinda partial to the Margaritaville style, if you know what I mean... But my travel calander is pretty full for the next 10 years and SA just isn't in them...

PG, seriously, I meant no disrepect to Texas, not that you'd care too much if I did. SA is a beautiful place and if my future travel plans didn't include Cairns, Australia; Bonaire, Netherlands, Antilles; Grand Turk; The Grand Canyon/Las Vegas; and Vancouver, Canada, plus intermittent visits to WDW & DL, I might just put it right near the top!

As for our hopes for TL, they definately lie along the 'Master Blaster' lines!!!

 

[OnWithTheShow]

Bob,

I have always thought that attraction you mentioned at Hershey seemed like a lot of fun. I somehow always envisioned it in Toontown. It could be themed to one of the classic battles between Donald and Chip and Dale. Imagine the possibilities for antics and comedy there. Although I think you may get a little too wet for a non waterpark venue.
Check it out at:
http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/rides/detail.asp?q=yes&id=75
Remember this is not what is going to be installed in Typhoon.


Kidds,

It certainly seems like the may be sinking more money into WDW now that Rasulo has finished his takeover and is calling the shots. Rehabs always seem to change year to year and occasionally happen unexpectedly, however the waterpark rehabs have been consistent for at least the last 3-4 years (maybe longer but I'm not sure) The first deviation came last year when it was announced during Blizzard's rehab that they would remain closed til April for continuing work. (It is debatable whether any additional work was needed or performed or whether it was strictly a financial closing.) This year the schedules are reversed for some reason. Go figure. I will try to dig some more into it.

 

[d-r]

I saw the shlitterbahn master blaster on travel channel. What looks cool about it is you get blasted up hill instead of just going down hill - this would be good in tl.

 

[Planogirl]

Originally posted by Peter Pirate
PG, seriously, I meant no disrepect to Texas, not that you'd care too much if I did. SA is a beautiful place and if my future travel plans didn't include Cairns, Australia; Bonaire, Netherlands, Antilles; Grand Turk; The Grand Canyon/Las Vegas; and Vancouver, Canada, plus intermittent visits to WDW & DL, I might just put it right near the top!

As for our hopes for TL, they definately lie along the 'Master Blaster' lines!!!

Mr Pirate, of course I care! I just don't know if they allow pirates in the Alamo.

Seriously, the Master Blaster is very cool but my son is a bit leery yet so I haven't had the pleasure. I like the family version with the bigger raft thing even better. The park also has the Boogey Bahn which might fit in nicely at one of the WDW waterparks.

 

[crusader]

Show -

Thanks for that link. I hope they greenlight this. It would really attract some serious attention.

Bob - that HersheyPark coaster is very tame due to the track being very similar to a sky ride with suspended seats. It would be great fun at a waterpark - except it is slow moving with low capacity. Certainly meets that all inclusive family ride philosophy, though. I happen to prefer the Blaster myself and am glad this is the one being considered.

 

[DisneyKidds]

It would be great fun at a waterpark - except it is slow moving with low capacity. Certainly meets that all inclusive family ride philosophy, though.

That was my experience at Hershey Park last year. The ride looked cool enough, but the line took FOREVER - and the park wasn't even that crowded. As for the family angle, since it is a suspended coaster of sorts it does have a height restriction. Of course the bigger members of the family can try and drop their water load on the little ones while the kiddies shoot back. Oh, and the ride it pretty short.

I think a master blaster would be a better addition.

this rumor ought to keep me out of TX for while longer!

Peter - careful with statements like this. It could send some people out on the lecture circuit . You know, all those rumors that never come to be and fall pry to the budget ax. Could happen here, so I'm sure some people would say there is no need for any real optimism at this point.

 

[Mr D]

Anybody on the inside know whats the rehab schedule for the whole month of january for the waterparks? I was hoping for an overlap so my kids can visit both, we can only visit WDW in the winter cause I work construction in Alaska, we have rented a vacation home for 4 weeks and even if its only 60 degrees thats an average summer day for us

 

[Bob O]

OnWithTheShow, nice link and i think they would both be great family additions for the water park!!!
Crusader, i wasnt looking for a thtrill ride, just a good ride the whole family could enjoy and maybe with the length or seating disney could increase the capacity of the ride somehow( im not a engineer so i could be all wet on this).