Typhoon Lagoon---1st Timer

[sydsdad]

Looking for HELP!!!

Thanks to these boards and TourGuideMike I feel
really comfortable moving around WDW like a pro!

This will be the first time DD(7 1/2) and I go to a water park (DW may or maynot come with us)
and we don't want to be "tourists"-



Any "hints' like..... What to bring, where to sit, best area to use as a homebase, what to do IMMEDIATELY upon entering.......... All the things that we typically look to these boards to help us with would be GREATLY appreciated

Thanks!!!!!

 

[mhelsley]

This should be the first thing you do if it's on your list the shark reef. In the morning it's not as crowded and you can do it a number of times without waiting plus the water is clearer for better pictures.

Melinda

 

[AJKMOM]

Get a chaise lounge in the shade, and don't forget where it is. Also consider renting a locker if you have any valuables. There was a thread a while ago talking about quite a few thefts there.

 

[sydsdad]

Any idea where the shady areas are?

 

[stacy6552]

Go in and bare to the left. Find shade on that side. Its your best chance of keeping shade as the sun moves around.

 

[The Duchess]

We went to TL first time last week. Definately get a chair first. and tie a ribbon or something to it to distinguish it!!

Our favorites were the Family Raft Ride and the Tubing River.

 

[sydsdad]

Thanks Stacey...Dutchess

That's the stuff I'm looking for

What's the towel situation?

Should I bring my camera?

Any other tidbits?

 

[crow11ad]

What can you do at the shark reef? Also what rides do they have? A description or if someone has a link to what rides they have would be grreat.

 

[Diamond_Girls]

We ended up at TL very early (about 45 minutes before the park opened). Within minutes my daughter was chosen to be the Big Kahuna for the Day. It was a wonderful experience for all of us and includes a tour of the park, fantastic seating and numerous freebies!

 

[GoofyJoofy]

We went for the first time this past August. It does get HOT in summer, so shade is really welcome.

I found the lockers to be quite a distance from where we were. It is a big place after all. I had picked up one of those water proof plastic holders that go around your neck. Mine was thick enough to hold all 5 of our park tickets (credit card type) and some cash. Much nicer than having to walk back to the lockers.

Bring one of those single use underwater 35mm cameras. Both Kodak and Fuji make them. I picked mine up in CVS. Its great, you don't need to worry about it getting wet.

I did the swim with sharks at the shark reef. It was so cool looking down and seeing the sharks, and sting rays and other fish. You can also walk through the sunken ship, and view the same without getting wet. And for an extra fee, you can rent a small scuba tank and swim in the shark reef for 20-30 min. I wanted to do this, but we had a big thunderstorm move in, so we left the park.

 

[HopperFan]

Get there when it opens.

After you cross the bridge go right and wrap around the inside of the lazy river (to the right of the wave pool). Quite a few all day shade areas, some with cover.

Do shark reef right away and several times. Beautiful and not crowded first thing. As day goes on the sediment is stirred up and visibility goes down. Crowds increase and they hurry you through. Have been when so many people, almost not safe.

Order the kid's meal - Grilled Pretzel Cheese sandwich in a bucket (with shovel). Very good, us adults loved it, and saves you bucks for some sweets later.

Underwater cameras - great for shark reef and on the slides as well. Pictures have come out great !

Take our own beach towels and small cooler with drinks. Get a locker for keys, money, wallets etc. That way we are comfortable leaving just our towels, cooler, lotion etc on the chairs for any length of time.

More info at http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/faq_tl.htm

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

There is a very quiet beach called Out of the Way Cay behind the lockers and past the towel rental place that my husband and I really enjoy. It's very quiet, near the restrooms, and usually not very crowded so you can get an umbrella.

I'm not a big fan of getting there early. I prefer to stay later because the place usually empties out around 3 pm. Then you can walk on all the rides and the lazy river actually feels lazy!

I also recommend the waterproof camera. I also prefer to use a dry boxes to put some cash and keys in; I think that's easier than running back and forth to the lockers.

I love TL - have fun!!

 

[sydsdad]

Thanks folks...Once again DISers come through

Now if I could only find a map...............

We're not leaving until Nov. 22 so if you guys come up with
any more tidbits please keep a postin'


Thanks Again

 

[HopperFan]

Here is your map http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/tlmap.html

 

[NCRedding]

Has anyone been to the waterparks during January? What was the coldest temp you went and did you freeze or was it comfortable??

 

[puggymom]

In addition to going early in the day,go early in the week, much less crowded as most people do the Big 4 theme parks and then head out to do the smaller stuff. I was there duing spring break and we went on a Tuesday at opening and did everything at least once by lunch time, with little or no wait.

 

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

For sure bring a waterproof camera and do shark reef first thing~ and grab a locker if you bring a purse or anything else valuable; then get a chaise and go nuts! Have fun!

 

[sydsdad]

I'm getting very excited.....



Any thoughts on the most convenient/shady area?

 

[i like stitch]

We were there as 1st timers about 1 & a half weeks ago. We went about an hour after opening, rented a locker for our "brought-in" food/drinks/valuables, & rented towels. Although many of the chairs were snagged, we found an ok place and dropped off the towels and flip flops. We spent little time sitting in our chairs---went there twice to take a break and eat/drink.

We spent most of our time in the wave pool, the "lazy river", and riding some slides. We did the snorkeling also. The wave pool was a lot of fun.

 

[ajcolorado]

I believe this is true of Typhoon Lagoon - forgive me if it is actually Blizzard Beach. But - if you're in line at opening, watch for a shed that is set between the entry gates and the sidewalk (outside of the park). When we were there, everyone sort of bottlenecked to the right of the shed - the lines were MUCH shorter on the left of the shed.