Typhoon Lagoon questions

[spiderann]

I've been to BB a couple times, but never to TL. Going to both parks in June.

1) Can I/should I bring my own snorkeling equipment for the Shark Reef?

2) How "scary" is Shark reef?

3) Are water shoes strongly recommended or just a suggestion? (Wore them at BB)

4) How small are the small locker rentals? Can a beach bag fit inside? (Can't remember what size locker we rented at BB)

 

[AllieBoo]

I've been to BB a couple times, but never to TL. Going to both parks in June.

1) Can I/should I bring my own snorkeling equipment for the Shark Reef?

2) How "scary" is Shark reef?

3) Are water shoes strongly recommended or just a suggestion? (Wore them at BB)

4) How small are the small locker rentals? Can a beach bag fit inside? (Can't remember what size locker we rented at BB)

We have done Shark Reef at TL several times and always just use the snorkel equipment provided. It appears they do clean it, and I have never been apprehensive about using it. If you are a germaphobe (and I don't mean that as an insult), then you might feel more comfortable bringing your own snorkel.

I personally don't find the experience scary at all, and neither of my kids were scared - I believe my youngest was about 7 the last time we did it.

I strongly recommend water shoes not just for Shark Reef but just for wearing at TL (or any water park) in general.

Not sure about the locker size as we've never rented one there.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

We get the large locker - holds towels, street clothes, and shoes for 4 plus a soft-side cooler.

Shark reef is not scary, but IS cold.

Don't know if personal snorkeling equipment is allowed, but I wouldn't bother.

2 of us wore water shoes, 2 did not. There's not as much walking as there is at BB, but the pavement does get hot in places.

 

[chartle]

Its only scary for kids if they are not strong swimmers or just don't like going in water over their head. What helps is that since the salt water is heavier than fresh you will float better.

One note there are stories/rumors that Shark Reef is in semi permanent rehab possibly being closed. I asked my niece who works at WDW and was a life guard there a few years ago and she heard that Disney's Water Support Team (?) was working on something there.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/typhoon-lagoon/shark-reef/

As part of our continuing efforts to exceed the expectations of our Guests, Shark Reef is currently closed for enhancements. Please check back here for the latest updates and information about when it will reopen.

TL opens tomorrow after its yearly rehab. Maybe we can get some reports.

 

[Hootch]

answers above for Shark Reef.

I like my water shoes for June. If you are there after 11 AM, the concrete can get very hot. There are some slides that you cannot wear them on. I have just held them in my hands as a ride down.

 

[chartle]

Oh I didn't answer this part.

Water shoes, always.

 

[Turn the Page]

I will second the water shoes. I always wear them. It's not even so much the temperature of the concrete for me. It's just walking on concrete in bare feet all day long and the rough texture of the bottom of the wave pool and even the steps you climb to get to the top of slides and such have some kind of black textured sand papery stuff. Without water shoes my feet are SORE after a few hours. Always water shoes for me.

 

[chartle]

I even wear special all synthetic no show socks. I normally wouldn't but I have to baby my feet if I expect to survive the week.

 

[spiderann]

We have done Shark Reef at TL several times and always just use the snorkel equipment provided. It appears they do clean it, and I have never been apprehensive about using it. If you are a germaphobe (and I don't mean that as an insult), then you might feel more comfortable bringing your own snorkel.

not a germaphobe at all. just more concerned about a tight fit on the snorkel so i can see!

i read some of the rumors about it closing as well. i hope it's not true!!

 

[chartle]

Good news

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3364734