Typhoon Lagoon Strategy?

[PKS44]

Is there an optimal way to make the most of a visit to Typhoon Lagoon? I assume arriving early is key as with all parks, but is it better to do the slides first? The Shark Reef first? Stake out a spot on the beach?

 

[Doug Wolfe]

When we go in mid summer, Typhoon Lagoon is always jammed. It frequently closes early when it reaches capacity, as does Blizzard Beach.

My advice is to be standing there when the gates open.

This will lead you right into strategy number-2. If you are there the minute gates open, then you will have some time to pick up choice beach seats. Once again, getting to Typhoon Lagoon late makes it tough to find a place to park your family & stuff.

I would then head straight to the slides. They tend to form some longer lines later in the day. I don't seem to have too much trouble getting time in the shark tank.

The wave pool always has plenty of room. Also, expect food service lines to be fairly long. So you may want to eat real early, or at mid-afternoon. The other challenge with this is getting a place to sit down when you eat. Bring your own film for your camera. Film at this location is expensive.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You can also go to TL or BB about 3 in the afternoon and get a spot. If you arrive around 11 or 12, you may be shut out and not even allowed to enter. Lines for the slides get long early, so do the slides first. I haven't seen long lines at the Shark Reef. But if you want shade, you had better be there when the park opens and run like crazy to get your shade.

 

[dizagain]

I agree...get there early, stake out a spot with umbrellas, and have fun! I DID got to shark reef first, following advice from these boards last year. It was really important to my girls as they had been looking forward to it for some time. We were able to swim through many times with no wait at all and the CM's let us take our time since there were no lines.

Then we hit the slides for the whole day - my family loved TL so much! Take a disposable water camers and carry it all day (it's fine on the slides) - my best pictures from the entire trip came from that camera and not my expensive one!!!!

The food lines are LONG and we were there when it wasn't so crowded - try to time your meal at an off-time.

Wear your water shoes and HAVE FUN!!!

 

[dylansdad]

agree with above : do shark reef 1st

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Anyone get a water wallet there? Do they have a Disney logo?

Might be worth waiting until I get there if they have a Disney design but if not I'll buy one before my trip to save time.

 

[maine_jennifer]

When the theme parks close due to maximum capacity, WDW resort guests can still get in. Is this the same with the water parks?

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

No, that rule doesn't apply to the water parks according to the Unofficial Guide. I assume it is for safety, not that I would want to go into a park at peak capacity!

 

[dizagain]

We got a water wallet (if you mean the water-proof box on a string...didn't know what it was called!) at a kiosk just inside the park. They had several sizes and were reasonably priced I think. Ours is green and has a Typhoon Lagoon Logo with a wave on it - not really fancy, and it is starting to come off after several uses. Hope this helps!

 

[hyzdufan]

Originally posted by MaryKatesMom
Anyone get a water wallet there? Do they have a Disney logo?

I'll take this opportunity to shamelessly plug the stylish, sleek, and lime green DISboards Water Wallet. Buy one for everyone in YOUR family!

 

[Eeyore2003]

As for Typhoon Lagoon, you must do Shark Reef first upon park opening. Stake out a spot on the way over. We did this and my boys were able to go through 3 times in a row and could have done more, plus they let you go through a little slower than later in the day when there's a line. The CM's there said within an hour or two the line gets to be about an hour or more long, then the boys went on to the slides. no lines there either if you go right away in AM after Shark Reef. Lastly, hit the pool. No waiting there!!!

In years when we didn't do Shark Reef, we usually hit the slides at Blizzard Beach first thing in the morning with no lines, cuz my boys think they slides there are better. Then we go over to Typhoon Lagoon for the wave pool, which they like better than BB.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I have never seen the lines at the Shark Reef longer than a few minutes long. Last July they were only minutes long. My family always hits the slides first since they get realllllllllll longgggggg as the morning goes on.

 

[HopperFan]

We went first thing and our group of 10 probably went 6 times, slowly, and enjoyed every minute!!!!! I had waterproof camera and took WONDERFUL photographs of each other and the fish.

We went back in the afternoon. The lines were probably 20 minutes. Not bad.

BUT.....by then all sediment on the bottom had been stirred up. The water just wasn't clear or as enjoyable, and photos taken then showed the huge difference.

Also, the CMs had basically lost control. People were no longer waiting in small groups getting their instructions. They were just climbing in and going. Some were not prepared... for the cold water, the depth, the controlled breathing or maybe the REAL fish. Several began panicking and at one point every lifeguard had to jump in.


#1 suggestion - before you start swimming, put your face in and make sure your snorkel is good. My son's was leaking and half way through he began choking.

 

[cudworth]

When we went we grabbed a good spot then hit the slides as the lines get long then we did the sharks then the wave pool.

 

[senecabeach]

This will be my 1st time to TL or/and BB ???

Which park would you suggest for 4 adults???

One in my party is slightly mobility challenged and requires a shady spot. They both sound like neat places??

Thanks in advance !!

Have A Disney Day !!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Originally posted by senecabeach
This will be my 1st time to TL or/and BB ???

Which park would you suggest for 4 adults???

One in my party is slightly mobility challenged and requires a shady spot. They both sound like neat places??

Thanks in advance !!

Have A Disney Day !!

They are both great. If you need shade, you either need to be there and grab the first shady spot you find at the park opening or go later in the afternoon.

 

[HopperFan]

Ditto on getting there early for shade at both. I don't think one is more shady than the other.

I don't know if your guest with mobility issues would be going on the slides but if so.........we go with a relative with very bad knees and climbing up the steps to the slides is very tough......so Blizzard Beach is best for him because he rides the skylift up and then slides down.

Just a thought............