Surfing Lessons @ Typhoon Lagoon

[Fairy Godmother]

How hard is it to get reservations for the surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon? If you call first thing in the morning at the 90 day mark can you usually get them? I think I read that they are offered 3 days a week. I would rather schedule it later in our trip but if it is hard to get reservations for then I would want try for all the available days so I have better odds of getting reservations.
I am making the reservations for my friend's sons who will be 8 and 11. Do kids this age enjoy the surfing lesson or is it too hard for them? Both of the boys are good swimmers.

Thanks in advance for the answers.

 

[dbanzai]

I took the lessons two years ago, and back then I seem to remember them only offering them once a week (Tuesdays... I went off peak though). I had no trouble even then making reservations, and I think I made them within the 90 or even 70 day window.

 

[parrothead365]

My DS(12) took them in March and had a blast. The instructors are awesome. The students get about an hour instruction on land and about 12 waves. Class size is limited to around 12-14 people of all ages. There are lifeguards all over the place and two instructors in the water at all times. DS had never surfed before and was able to get up twice. The only drawback was that you have to be there at 5:45 am . I think they run these classes three times a week. Have fun

 

[hockeybabe]

I booked a surprise ressie for my DH for his 35th b-day for our up-coming trip this Oct., and had no problem booking. It was less than 90 days out, but not by much. They don't require a credit card or deposit to book it, but you need to cancel it within 24 hours if you are not attending. I was told to arrive at 6:45 am with my credit card in hand. The class runs from 7:30 to 10 am. The class was available on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. DH's real b-day is the 5th, but we are leaving on the Monday the 3rd, so we are doing it on our last day. I figured if he got hurt or sore muscles from it, it would be best to do it on our last day Family/spectators get in the park for free. I was told to arrive at 6:45 am with my credit card in hand. You need to provide your own transportation there, as the resort busses are not running that early.

Hope this helps!

 

[disneyholic family]

we didn't do it this year, but my kids took the surfing lessons 3 years in a row...
i don't remember booking them way in advance...
in fact, 2 years ago i added a second day for them after we were already in florida....

 

[hockey mom]

I tried to get my kids in last April anf they were booked solid so I am calling at the 90 day mark for our trip in May.

 

[Muffy]

DD did this 2 years ago and loved it. She is such a dare devil and had a blast. Back then it was offered twice a week. Good luck and happy planning!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Can anyone tell me what it runs for this? I think my daughter would enjoy it. Thanks

 

[hockeybabe]

It is $135, for 1/2 hour of land instruction, and 2 hours of in-water instruction. The group size is 12 students or less.

 

[dbanzai]

If the size of the group is less than the maximum, you get to keep going. They say you should get something like five rotations of two rides, but if you're group is small or people drop out after a few rides, you can get extra rides. It's done on a time-basis, not on a "you get what you pay for" set-up.

 

[LKS]

What ages can participate in the lessons? Can non-surfers (parents or children too young) watch the lesson? Can you stay in the park if Typhoon Lagoon is the plan for the day or do you have to go back out?

Thanks for any help!

 

[dbanzai]

I don't know what age is too young, but we had one kid who was barely in his teens in our group. Friends can watch, free of charge. TL admission is not included in the lesson and you leave just as they open the park, and I believe you have to leave and come back so they can swipe your key.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Sounds like fun. Does anyone know the age requirement?

 

[aubriee]

Is there a discount for Annual Pass Holders? What would be the chances of booking this after you get down there? I would love to surprise my son with this on our vacation next month.

 

[wildernessfamily]

We went with a combined family group and our teens (3 out of the 4) did the lessons. Would they do it again you BET! even with the 5:45 wake up call. You should be a fairly good swimmer to do the lessons, so you can relax and really learn and have fun. They escort your group out just before park opening, yes you will see people waiting in line to get in. Nothing else is opened in the park, except bathrooms near wave pool. Our teens got to ride the wave(if they could) about 5 times in that period. It is a long walk back from where you land at the edge of the wave pool back up to where you get in the water with your board. Very well staffed, highly recommend it.

 

[Fairy Godmother]

Thanks for all the information. I have one more question. How tired are you after surfing? The boys also want to go to the waterslides at Typhoon Lagoon and I am wondering if I should plan to do it after the surfing or if they are going to be wiped out and we should go back to the hotel and rest.

 

[Yensid_MD]

We were wiped out both times after we did the surfing. IMHO it is one of the coolest things to do at WDW. They will be tired, but perhaps some breakfast at the park and a little down time they will be fine and then an early afternoon exit from the park.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Sounds like fun. Does anyone know the age requirement?

In answer to my own question: Surfers must be at least eight years old. That counts us out since my children will be turning 6 & 7 during our next trip.