Typhoon Lagoon Memorial Day Weekend- What day?

[thornton0511]

We are no strangers to the parks, or crowds during this time of the year, but when it comes to the water parks we really do not have that much experience and need some advice. We have 2 different days that we can do TL and cannot decide:

Option#1: Saturday, May 25th (arrival day) landing in MCO just before 11am and taking DME to POP
No rush to get there and would plan to arrive at our resort, and leave our bags then head to the water park.

Concerns: crowds and also late arrival

Option#2: Monday, May 27th (Memorial Day) rope drop at 10am

Concerns: crowds and also does not allow for a "true" sleep in day

Typically we do Disney Springs and have more of a laid back arrival day on our trips, but we also have some things we might consider doing if we move TL to arrival day and have a entire day park free. So just not sure which touring plan would be best for TL. Which would be a better option in regards to crowds and wait times for the slides etc?

We will also be doing MK on Sunday May 26th and Animal Kingdom on Tuesday May 28th (both being early morning RD/late evening park close days) before then heading over to Universal for a few days before going home.

 

[heidijanesmith]

How important is a good home/base spot. Do you need shade?

I need a shady spot! We either; get their early, rent an umbrella or a cabana.

I have not been to TL at this time of year, but when we go in June, it's super crowded. Good spots go quickly.

I would pick Option 2.

 

[thornton0511]

How important is a good home/base spot. Do you need shade?

I need a shady spot! We either; get their early, rent an umbrella or a cabana.

I have not been to TL at this time of year, but when we go in June, it's super crowded. Good spots go quickly.

I would pick Option 2.

Thank you for your response. Not getting a good spot is one of the cons from picking the late arrival day for sure! I think we are leaning more towards option#2. Just trying to weigh in the pros and cons of each option since they are both vastly different ways to tour and also not sure which would be a busier day overall too. The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend or Memorial Day itself.

 

[heidijanesmith]

If I wanted to go in the late afternoon, I would look into renting a umbrella.

You could ask for one in the surf pool Cabana area, we love it there!

That way you could have a good reserved spot for the day and not have to worry about it.