Water park dilemma--what would you do?

[melk]

We arrive Saturday the 25th of October, the last day Blizzard Beach is open then closes the 26th for rehab. We have never been and really wanted to go there this visit. We have been to Typhoon Lagoon but that was before we had kids.

We land about 11:30. Do we just go for it and take the kids (7,6,2) that afternoon or do we just forget it and go to TL sometime that week? Of course this is all dependent on weather and also the mood and tired/cranky level of the kids !

I guess my question is, is BB really that different from TL, making it a "must do" if we can swing it?

Thanks!!

 

[katrina1122]

I think they are different, i've always thought blizard to have more wild slides (don't have kids so i don't know the kids sections)...if your kids love waterparks i say go for it and then it tl later too, why not hit both, we always do, even if its only for an afternoon or a morning. If they aren't huge waterpark lovers then you can probably skip it, or if they are more for the slower slides then you probably don't need it...but i'd also poll someone on the kid vs kid section too.

 

[gshoemate]

We like BB so much better then TL for both the big rides and the kids area. I say go for it, depending on weather of course. And you are coming in October so it closing to capacity shouldn't be an issue. Considering you get in around 11:30, it will take you a while to get to BB, will that be enough time for you?

 

[slp87]

We had the opposite problem last year when BB was reopening from rehab on the day we flew out at 5:00. We love it (and water parks in general), so we went for it. We had 2 hours to do everything and had a blast!! As far as a comparison to TL, they are totally different, so you've got to experience it at some point. It will probably close at 5:00 during October, so that will give you time to go back to the room that evening, get a good rest and be ready to go the rest of the trip. I say go for it!! (But of course you know your family best)

 

[vicb]

Does anyone know the actual shut down dates for BB and TL shutdowns?

We are going late Feb. and my DD was planning to do the surf class at TL, I have prepped her that will may be closed and we will go to BB, she is pretty excited about BB now.

 

[CindyAnn]

I think BB is a wonderful water park and quite different from TL. On our trip a few years ago, when the children were 7 & 4, we did exactly what you're planning to do, and hit Blizzard Beach on arrival day around 1:00, after settling into our hotel and grabbing lunch. Everyone had a great afternoon and we stayed until closing at 5:00. In fact, the children loved it so much that we went back on our free day later in the week. In order to make the trip to BB a little easier, my carry on for the plane was a beach bag with everyone's bathing suits, towels, swim t-shirts and water shoes, so we just had to grab that and go. Having to partly unpack 4 suitcases would have proved a little more daunting, I think.

Your 2yo will enjoy the tiny kiddie areas at either park, but for the older two the Ski Patrol Training Camp area at BB (aimed at 5 - 10 year olds) provides a great compromise between little kid stuff and the adult slides.

I vote "go for it!". Have a great vacation.

 

[melk]

Thanks everyone! I guess we will try and plan on it but if things don't work out we'll just look forward to TL and try BB next time!