Typhoon Lagoon - Shark Reef w/ 8 y.o. son

[mjkaferle5]

My 8 year old desperately would like to do Shark Reef when we visit in June. He likes to use a mask and snorkel in our pool at home. He does it rather well but it is also only a 16 foot round pool!!

Has anyone here done Shark Reef with a child that young? I know the salt water helps you float better too so that will help him. I have done Shark Reef but that was 10 years ago before we had any kids. Do you think the fish will scare him?

 

[java]

I did it last year with my 7 year old dd. She did just fine and felt really cool. They do offer these flotation things with a glass bottom boat feel- but I don't know what needs you have to have to use it? If he can swim he should be fine. My dd was not a strong swimmer by any means but the vest kept her afloat and she did great. She loved it all and Let me tell you the "sharks" sure seemed a lot more active than the last time I went as a child!(just my fearful adult eyes seeing it I guess. It was really very cool for her. I say do it and do it early because it gets crowded.

 

[momof2disprincesses]

My family went last August. Shark Reef was the highlight of our trip!!!

At that time, my dd's were 13 and 9. I was most worried about my dd9 since she is not usually the adventurous type and often lets fear get in the way of trying new things.

Well, let me tell you ~ she was the one who loved it the most! We went through the reef 18 times in one day!!!!!!!!!! It was a relatively slow day when we went (late August) and it rained in the afternoon, scaring almost everyone away. After the rain, we just went over and over again. We finally had to stop when the park closed.

The shark reef itself is not real big, so getting across it doesn't take long. You can go as slow or quick as you want. We went quickly at first, but then realized it was more fun to take it slow.

The water is chilly. I think it was like 58 degrees or something, but in the summer, it felt kind of good. It is salt water and none of us had trouble "floating" at all.

You see smaller sharks and lots of other fish and several sting rays (those were our favorites). When we went, the sting rays were hanging out by the stairs where you exit. You are not allowed to touch them, but they were so close to us, you could see them very well.

The other thing is the cm's at that attraction were fantastic! They teach you well and several are stationed inside the tank to offer assistance when needed. We talked with several of them quite extensively since it was so slow when we were there. They were pretty knowledgable about the animals and had fun stories to share.

Give it a try with your 8 year old. My guess is that you'll be "hooked" on this attraction just like we were. ENJOY!

 

[slp87]

My DD was also 7 her first time and loved it!! Your 8 yo will enjoy it!

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

what is the starting age for Shark Reef?? My 5 year old is fearless.........he'd still need a life preserver though, do they allow those? thanks

 

[FanOfStitch]

what is the starting age for Shark Reef?? My 5 year old is fearless.........he'd still need a life preserver though, do they allow those? thanks

I think they have preservers in front where you get the snorkels and goggles. I've even seen adults wearing them. I love shark reef!! Have fun!

 

[PKS44]

My experience was different--
First it was really cool--cool to see for me but also REALLY REALLY COLD WATER--REALLY REALLY REALLY COLD WATER---
my 10 year old fairly athletic and fearless son hated the water temp--

the snorkel apparatus he had was sort of bent and he ended up sucking saltwater--he hated that

they want you to swim without doing ANY KICKING whatsoever--he hated that--

they also sort of hurry you--

it was his least favorite thing that happened the whole trip...

I enjoyed it okay for myself but YMMV

Paul

 

[1stTimeDisneyer]

I guess my question is a little different but it is about the shark reef. How do they clean the equipment? That is my biggest worry.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Everyone has to wear a flotation vest, fins, and mask/snorkel. Last Sept. my DD6 wanted to do it but she couldn't use the mask right. Next time I plan on having her practice at home before so she'll be able to use the snorkel and mask.

Unfortunately, on our next trip (in 5 days) Typhoon Lagoon will be closed so we won't be able to go.

We love Typhoon Lagoon!

5 days and counting!

 

[vicb]

Is shark reef only open in the summer months? I seem to remember it being closed when I was there in winter one year?

 

[FanOfStitch]

It closes for refurb usually from the end of Dec until the end of Feb.

 

[Snoozan]

I would recommend wearing the life vest, as I don't think it's mandatory. That way you can float near the surface and not have to concentrate on trying to stay afloat. I've done it a few times and wear the life vest.(and I'm 40+ and can swim fine on my own). It also keeps me a bit "warmer" as another poster said - the water is COLD, COLD, COLD. If it's a hot day out it would probably feel refreshing, but I usually go there 1st in the AM when I'm barely warm enough just being outside! (I do tend to be very cold-blooded so that doesn't help)

 

[Evil Queen]

We went last Sept. My DS 9 was so looking forward to it.

He is good with mask and snorkels and uses them in the back yard pool from time to time. But when he hit that water and the TEMP he backed out. It was too cold for him and uncomfortable for me.

I was fine with that, I am not a big lover of the ocean so I was kind of glad he did back out.

My DS23 really enjoyed it and that's one of the things he's looking forward to next Sept.