Typhoon vs. Blizzard?
- Thread starter UTgirl
- Start date
HappyCamperToo
Fish gotta fly
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2006
- Messages
- 910
We're not big "slide" people. My memory of BB is that it has very little shade. Lots of concrete. Which month are you going? We prefer TL.
daisyduck123
<font color=green>I just love those parmesan mashe
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2005
- Messages
- 12,574
That's too hard for me to decide...we do both parks every trip.
My DD12 & DS8 both love Teamboat Springs (the family raft ride) at BB though!
My DD12 & DS8 both love Teamboat Springs (the family raft ride) at BB though!
HappyCamperToo
Fish gotta fly
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2006
- Messages
- 910
BB was closed in December, so I think TL may be closed in Feb.
bevtoy
bevs_toy
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2006
- Messages
- 3,698
We usually do both of them too!
WildGrits
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2002
- Messages
- 905
Blizzard beach was closed 10/29/06-1/6/07
Typhoon Lagoon is closed 1/7/07 - 3/17/07
The following info comes from Deb's Site www.allearsnet.com
At BB.
Melt-away Bay is a one-acre wave pool at the base of Mt. Gushmore. There are no strong surf waves here, just the constant bobbing gentle waves the whole family loves to bounce over when they go to the ocean.
Mt. Gushmore is the centerpiece of BB. Its snow-covered peaks tower over the waterpark and mark the beginning of several of BB's rides.
The two biggest "thrill-ride" slides are on Mt. Gushmore -- Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher.
Summit Plummet is a 120 foot high ski jump that you shoot down at speeds of 60-mph.
Slush Gusher is 90 foot high double-humped slide. The most common complaint you hear about these rides is from women who have "lost" the tops of their bathing suits from the speed and force of the drop.
Teamboat Springs is the world's longest family white-water raft ride. Three to six passengers can ride this not-so-tame 1,200-foot flume. I've been on this one with small children who squeal with glee as you twist and turn down the drop and I've also been on this ride with adults who were surprised by the speed and thrills of the ride. If you don't have enough riders in your group, the lifeguards will combine groups.
The Toboggan Racer is a head-first eight lane race course. You lay on a mat and ride the course as it dips and propels you down the mountain side of Mt. Gushmore.
The Downhill Double Dipper is the world's only side-by-side tube racing slides. The slides are identical and are enclosed for part of the run. The tubes are approximately twice the diameter of the enclosed run at Runoff Rapids. The slides are setup as a race and run straight down the hill. Passengers travel at speeds up to 25 mph.
Snow Stormers is a trio of mat slides flumes that race down the mountain on a switch-back course through ski-type slalom gates.
Runoff Rapids is actually three high-speed tube-raft twisting turning flumes. The center slide is enclosed and you must ride this one solo, but the two outer slides can be ridden on one-, two-, or three-person rafts. The center enclosed slide is by far the best of the three, but beware, one time that I rode it I somehow got turned around in the current just as I entered the tube and rode the whole slide facing backwards!
Chair Lift to the top of Mt. Gushmore -- The ski-resort styled wooden-bench chair lift is complete with snow skis and over-head umbrellas. You can either take the ski lift to the top of Mt. Gushmore or, if you prefer, there are stairs.
Ski Patrol Training Camp is the place for pre-teenagers. Here they can balance on the floating icebergs, ride the T-bar drop and enjoy their own water slides.
Cross Country Creek is Blizzard Beach's lazy tube ride in a creek around the Park. But be warned, just when you are so relaxed you think you might doze off on your raft, that's when you get squirted by a stream of water from Ice Gator's house, the snow making machine, one of many sprayers or geysers along the path, or go through one of the waterfalls of runoff at the entrance to the ice cave at Mt. Gushmore.
Tike's Peak is a kid-sized version of Blizzard Beach. Here children 4 feet tall and under (parents are allowed) can play in their own pools, ride their own slides, play in the pop jets and fountains, and much more. Just remember that children under 10 are not allowed admission into the BB unless accompanied by an adult.
At TL
The centerpiece of TL, the Surf Pool can send waves up to six feet high crashing onto the shores of the lagoon. The waves originate at the base of Mt. Mayday with loud, deep whoosh and then speed along the deep outer lagoon which is enclosed on three sides by timber retaining walls that hold back the volcanic mountain slopes. The waves break just as they clear the walls, at which point the water is six feet deep. The surf fans out into the sea-shell shaped shallow part of the lagoon until it rolls up onto the beach. (The lagoon floor is constructed of sand-colored concrete, while the real sand on the beach extends down to the water line.)
TL does not have the tallest, longest, fastest or wildest water slides in the world -- just the most beautiful. All the slides take you through fully landscaped, winding mountain streams that have been cut into the steep volcanic rock slopes of Mt. Mayday. The "volcanic" soil provides perfect growing conditions for the exotic flora that covers the mountain, lining the winding pathways that lead you up to the slides' departure points.
On the left slopes of Mt. Mayday you will find three raft slides. At the entrance to each of these slides you collect an inner tube or raft and carry it up with you. Keelhaul Falls, a tube ride, is the tamest of the three -- and usually the one with the shortest line. Gang Plank Falls is higher, longer and wider, which nicely accommodates the family-sized rafts that ply these waters. (If you don't have the minimum in your group needed for a raft, the lifeguards at the top will combine individuals as needed. Maximum is 4 adults.) Mayday Falls is the highest and wildest, sending you careening down a wild river hanging on to your tube for dear life! (Well, almost.)
On the right slopes of Mt. Mayday you will find the body slides. As you approach the body slides, you first come to the base of the Humunga-Kowabunga, the triple speed slides. There is a small section of bleacher seating here for the less daring companions of those who like to drop 50 feet nearly straight down at 30 mph. Further on is the long path that eventually takes you almost to the top of Mt. Mayday, just a little below Miss Tilly. From here you can body-slide down the three Storm Slides (only one at a time, of course) which wend their way down, and sometimes through, the mountain. If you time your ascent to arrive at the top right on the hour or half-hour, you will get to see Miss Tilly blow her stack so close up that you will likely catch some of the spray.
If you are not sure whether you want to brave a particular water slide, you can always climb to the top, check it out and walk back down if you change your mind.
What is Crush n Gusher?
Crush n Gusher is a new attraction at Typhoon Lagoon, which opened in March 2005. Crush 'N' Gusher, a white-knuckle water coaster thrill ride, will send you along a series of flumes and spillways through a rusted-out tropical fruit facility. You'll be able to choose from three different routes, Banana Blaster, Coconut Crusher and Pineapple Plunger, each ranging between 410 and 420 feet in length. For photos click HERE!
What is Shark Reef like?
Shark Reef is one of the most unusual water park attractions you will ever come across. As you enter the area, CMs behind the counter will hand you a face mask, snorkel and life vest. (No extra charge!) You pass around the reef and along a rock cliff wall. At the entry point, you sit on the ledge and are given instructions on how to use the mask and snorkel. Then its into the chilly salt water to ogle the tropical fish and yes, live sharks. (They're small and harmless.)
Unfortunately, lingering is not encouraged here and you will probably be required to swim straight across the 60-foot pool -- and out. Less hardy souls can view the goings-on from the portholes of an old, upside-down freighter that conveniently sank right in the middle of the pool.
To document your encounter, you may want to consider bringing one of the relatively inexpensive single-use underwater cameras (about $10) that are widely available.
Shark Reef gets crowded quite early, so try to visit first thing when the park opens.
What is the SAS program at Shark Reef?
For those who want to spend a little more time "swimming with the fishes," Shark Reef now offers a longer program called the S.A.S. Adventure. It's a chance to learn Surface Air Snorkeling, involves using a "pony" tank and a small regulator as in SCUBA diving, as well as a buoyancy vest. There is an instructional overview and then you may spend a half-hour snorkeling. The fee is $20 per half-hour for the first person; $15 for the second person. Participants must be at least 5 years old. To sign up for the S.A.S. Adventure, and for more information, visit the kiosk near the entrance of Shark Reef.
What is Castaway Creek like?
Most water parks have a river that encircles the park, and TL is no exception. Castaway Creek, however, gently carries you through nearly a half-mile of tropical splendor. With entry/exit points all around, it is easy to hop in or out. There are pictorial identifying sign-posts at each entry--shark identifies the entry near Shark Reef, for instance.
The creek passes through distinctly different settings: tropical forest, dense rainforest, a cavernous tunnel through Mt. Mayday that is guarded by a waterfall you must pass through, open sunny areas and a shady, rocky gorge with a rope footbridge high overhead. All along the way are gorgeous (and meticulously maintained) tropical flowers. You will also come across various items of storm-tossed wreckage, both along the shores and floating in the water. You can swim, walk or float in one of the many inner tubes -- including some of the two-person variety -- that endlessly circulate.
Castaway Creek tends to get crowded in the early afternoon hours -- it can literally become a wall-to-wall sea of humanity and tubes. It is best enjoyed in the morning (if you are not a slide person) or late in the afternoon, when you will practically have it all to yourself.
Are there any provisions for small children?
Ketchakiddee Creek, on the far left side of the park, provides wading pools, bubbling fountains and mini-slides & raft rides for the little ones. Children under age 10 should be accompanied at all times by an adult throughout the park. Also, remember that children of diaper age are required to wear snug-fitting rubber pants over their diapers, or special swimming diapers here and throughout the water park.
Typhoon Lagoon is closed 1/7/07 - 3/17/07
The following info comes from Deb's Site www.allearsnet.com
At BB.
Melt-away Bay is a one-acre wave pool at the base of Mt. Gushmore. There are no strong surf waves here, just the constant bobbing gentle waves the whole family loves to bounce over when they go to the ocean.
Mt. Gushmore is the centerpiece of BB. Its snow-covered peaks tower over the waterpark and mark the beginning of several of BB's rides.
The two biggest "thrill-ride" slides are on Mt. Gushmore -- Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher.
Summit Plummet is a 120 foot high ski jump that you shoot down at speeds of 60-mph.
Slush Gusher is 90 foot high double-humped slide. The most common complaint you hear about these rides is from women who have "lost" the tops of their bathing suits from the speed and force of the drop.
Teamboat Springs is the world's longest family white-water raft ride. Three to six passengers can ride this not-so-tame 1,200-foot flume. I've been on this one with small children who squeal with glee as you twist and turn down the drop and I've also been on this ride with adults who were surprised by the speed and thrills of the ride. If you don't have enough riders in your group, the lifeguards will combine groups.
The Toboggan Racer is a head-first eight lane race course. You lay on a mat and ride the course as it dips and propels you down the mountain side of Mt. Gushmore.
The Downhill Double Dipper is the world's only side-by-side tube racing slides. The slides are identical and are enclosed for part of the run. The tubes are approximately twice the diameter of the enclosed run at Runoff Rapids. The slides are setup as a race and run straight down the hill. Passengers travel at speeds up to 25 mph.
Snow Stormers is a trio of mat slides flumes that race down the mountain on a switch-back course through ski-type slalom gates.
Runoff Rapids is actually three high-speed tube-raft twisting turning flumes. The center slide is enclosed and you must ride this one solo, but the two outer slides can be ridden on one-, two-, or three-person rafts. The center enclosed slide is by far the best of the three, but beware, one time that I rode it I somehow got turned around in the current just as I entered the tube and rode the whole slide facing backwards!
Chair Lift to the top of Mt. Gushmore -- The ski-resort styled wooden-bench chair lift is complete with snow skis and over-head umbrellas. You can either take the ski lift to the top of Mt. Gushmore or, if you prefer, there are stairs.
Ski Patrol Training Camp is the place for pre-teenagers. Here they can balance on the floating icebergs, ride the T-bar drop and enjoy their own water slides.
Cross Country Creek is Blizzard Beach's lazy tube ride in a creek around the Park. But be warned, just when you are so relaxed you think you might doze off on your raft, that's when you get squirted by a stream of water from Ice Gator's house, the snow making machine, one of many sprayers or geysers along the path, or go through one of the waterfalls of runoff at the entrance to the ice cave at Mt. Gushmore.
Tike's Peak is a kid-sized version of Blizzard Beach. Here children 4 feet tall and under (parents are allowed) can play in their own pools, ride their own slides, play in the pop jets and fountains, and much more. Just remember that children under 10 are not allowed admission into the BB unless accompanied by an adult.
At TL
The centerpiece of TL, the Surf Pool can send waves up to six feet high crashing onto the shores of the lagoon. The waves originate at the base of Mt. Mayday with loud, deep whoosh and then speed along the deep outer lagoon which is enclosed on three sides by timber retaining walls that hold back the volcanic mountain slopes. The waves break just as they clear the walls, at which point the water is six feet deep. The surf fans out into the sea-shell shaped shallow part of the lagoon until it rolls up onto the beach. (The lagoon floor is constructed of sand-colored concrete, while the real sand on the beach extends down to the water line.)
TL does not have the tallest, longest, fastest or wildest water slides in the world -- just the most beautiful. All the slides take you through fully landscaped, winding mountain streams that have been cut into the steep volcanic rock slopes of Mt. Mayday. The "volcanic" soil provides perfect growing conditions for the exotic flora that covers the mountain, lining the winding pathways that lead you up to the slides' departure points.
On the left slopes of Mt. Mayday you will find three raft slides. At the entrance to each of these slides you collect an inner tube or raft and carry it up with you. Keelhaul Falls, a tube ride, is the tamest of the three -- and usually the one with the shortest line. Gang Plank Falls is higher, longer and wider, which nicely accommodates the family-sized rafts that ply these waters. (If you don't have the minimum in your group needed for a raft, the lifeguards at the top will combine individuals as needed. Maximum is 4 adults.) Mayday Falls is the highest and wildest, sending you careening down a wild river hanging on to your tube for dear life! (Well, almost.)
On the right slopes of Mt. Mayday you will find the body slides. As you approach the body slides, you first come to the base of the Humunga-Kowabunga, the triple speed slides. There is a small section of bleacher seating here for the less daring companions of those who like to drop 50 feet nearly straight down at 30 mph. Further on is the long path that eventually takes you almost to the top of Mt. Mayday, just a little below Miss Tilly. From here you can body-slide down the three Storm Slides (only one at a time, of course) which wend their way down, and sometimes through, the mountain. If you time your ascent to arrive at the top right on the hour or half-hour, you will get to see Miss Tilly blow her stack so close up that you will likely catch some of the spray.
If you are not sure whether you want to brave a particular water slide, you can always climb to the top, check it out and walk back down if you change your mind.
What is Crush n Gusher?
Crush n Gusher is a new attraction at Typhoon Lagoon, which opened in March 2005. Crush 'N' Gusher, a white-knuckle water coaster thrill ride, will send you along a series of flumes and spillways through a rusted-out tropical fruit facility. You'll be able to choose from three different routes, Banana Blaster, Coconut Crusher and Pineapple Plunger, each ranging between 410 and 420 feet in length. For photos click HERE!
What is Shark Reef like?
Shark Reef is one of the most unusual water park attractions you will ever come across. As you enter the area, CMs behind the counter will hand you a face mask, snorkel and life vest. (No extra charge!) You pass around the reef and along a rock cliff wall. At the entry point, you sit on the ledge and are given instructions on how to use the mask and snorkel. Then its into the chilly salt water to ogle the tropical fish and yes, live sharks. (They're small and harmless.)
Unfortunately, lingering is not encouraged here and you will probably be required to swim straight across the 60-foot pool -- and out. Less hardy souls can view the goings-on from the portholes of an old, upside-down freighter that conveniently sank right in the middle of the pool.
To document your encounter, you may want to consider bringing one of the relatively inexpensive single-use underwater cameras (about $10) that are widely available.
Shark Reef gets crowded quite early, so try to visit first thing when the park opens.
What is the SAS program at Shark Reef?
For those who want to spend a little more time "swimming with the fishes," Shark Reef now offers a longer program called the S.A.S. Adventure. It's a chance to learn Surface Air Snorkeling, involves using a "pony" tank and a small regulator as in SCUBA diving, as well as a buoyancy vest. There is an instructional overview and then you may spend a half-hour snorkeling. The fee is $20 per half-hour for the first person; $15 for the second person. Participants must be at least 5 years old. To sign up for the S.A.S. Adventure, and for more information, visit the kiosk near the entrance of Shark Reef.
What is Castaway Creek like?
Most water parks have a river that encircles the park, and TL is no exception. Castaway Creek, however, gently carries you through nearly a half-mile of tropical splendor. With entry/exit points all around, it is easy to hop in or out. There are pictorial identifying sign-posts at each entry--shark identifies the entry near Shark Reef, for instance.
The creek passes through distinctly different settings: tropical forest, dense rainforest, a cavernous tunnel through Mt. Mayday that is guarded by a waterfall you must pass through, open sunny areas and a shady, rocky gorge with a rope footbridge high overhead. All along the way are gorgeous (and meticulously maintained) tropical flowers. You will also come across various items of storm-tossed wreckage, both along the shores and floating in the water. You can swim, walk or float in one of the many inner tubes -- including some of the two-person variety -- that endlessly circulate.
Castaway Creek tends to get crowded in the early afternoon hours -- it can literally become a wall-to-wall sea of humanity and tubes. It is best enjoyed in the morning (if you are not a slide person) or late in the afternoon, when you will practically have it all to yourself.
Are there any provisions for small children?
Ketchakiddee Creek, on the far left side of the park, provides wading pools, bubbling fountains and mini-slides & raft rides for the little ones. Children under age 10 should be accompanied at all times by an adult throughout the park. Also, remember that children of diaper age are required to wear snug-fitting rubber pants over their diapers, or special swimming diapers here and throughout the water park.
I think with kids that age, TL would suit you better, especially for Ketchakiddie Creek for you're 2 y/o, even the 7 y/o would have fun here.
BB attracts alot older crowd, mostly teens because here the slides are more for thrill, where as TL is more a family oriented place with a tropical feel.
We've been to both and my family (older kids) even prefer TL.
Word of caution though, in the wave pool, hold the little ones tight when the wave breaks, it can knock them over easily, even standing at ankle high water.
More shade at TL also.
You'll have fun with whichever one you choose, but here's another vote for TL
BB attracts alot older crowd, mostly teens because here the slides are more for thrill, where as TL is more a family oriented place with a tropical feel.
We've been to both and my family (older kids) even prefer TL.
Word of caution though, in the wave pool, hold the little ones tight when the wave breaks, it can knock them over easily, even standing at ankle high water.
More shade at TL also.
You'll have fun with whichever one you choose, but here's another vote for TL
blizard beach is the #2 water park in the USA
see link for proof
http://travel.discovery.com/fansites/worldsbest/waterpark/waterpark.html
see link for proof
http://travel.discovery.com/fansites/worldsbest/waterpark/waterpark.html
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