Water park info needed please

[bartleby1]

Hi all! We have been to WDW many times but have never done a water park. We will be going this summer and our tickets include water park options so we would like to try one.

Our family includes:
Me
DH
DD - 6 yrs, 49 inches
DS - 4 yrs, 44 inches
DD - 20 mths, not sure how tall

Which one is better for little kids? Also, I noticed that the toddler area states it is for kids under 48". How strict are they with that? Will my kindergartner have problems playing there since she is 49"? She really isn't ready for the big slides and would enjoy playing with her sister and brother. Are there any slides or rides that my one year old can go on our laps or down with us? I have been trying to do reading on the water parks and I'm so overwhelmed. BTW, I did see the swimming with the sharks thing and Typhoon Lagoon and I know that my kids will NOT do that.

Thanks for any help or information you guys can provide!!

 

[daisyduck123]

I've been to both parks several times & can tell you your oldest will not have any problems playing in the kiddie areas at either park. No one will say anytihng about her height.

 

[jennifer293]

I stand 64 inches and I was in all of the toddler areas playing so I DOUBT anyone will say anything..

I tried to get DD to do the shark swim and she said NO!!!

We did go underneath in the viewing area and check them out and she liked that pretty well.

DD1 and I pretty much hung out on the lazy river most of the day. I coated her in sunscreen and she took a REALLY LONG nap...

 

[bartleby1]

Thanks for responding! I'm glad to hear that my oldest won't have a problem in the little tykes area. Sometimes being tall isn't always a benefit.

Is there anything that we can go on as a family besides the lazy river? How about the wave pools? Are they too rough for little ones? Do they have life vests for the little ones available? Or are swimmies allowed?

 

[pigget74]

My kids were about that age when we went to BB for the first time and they loved the ski patrol area--we got a chair near the pool and watched them swim and go down miniature slides. It was great.

 

[Lora]

My dd got kicked out of the kiddie area at BB. I honestly don't remember how tall she was at the time, but I don't think it was much more than the limit. Just so you know it can happen.

The BB Ski Patrol area is not too far from the kiddie area and has some stuff that your older one may be able to do. There are two or three slide there that are definitley do-able.

There's a family raft ride and the lazy river tube thing that you should be able to do with your family.

We didn't go to TL until just this past fall with my girls at almost 10 and 8. I'm not sure there would have been as much there for them when they were little. Actually, when they were small, they enjoyed the pools (especially the one at Beach Club) that we didn't even bother with the water parks.

 

[Dizneydaz]

My DD6 loves both water parks. She squeals with delight everytime (every 90 sec.) that the big wave starts at TL. She's loved it from the very first time. I think the first time we took her she was about 4. She's small for her age. Only 42# and 43" tall now. I always have her wear a life vest (they're free at each park) on any of the rides or wave pool. Now that she can swim a little I let her take it off in the kid's area (of course) and for a few minutes in the lazy river (I'm always right next to her) She hasn't done the sharks yet-we were already to do it last Sept. but she got nervous using the mask, snorkel, and fins. So this time we are going to practice at home using them so she can do it.

At BB we love to do the family raft, Teamboat Springs. We all enjoy it. This last trip she did the Snow Stormers (with tube) and loved it! I thought she would be scared but she wasn't. And of course, all the kids love playing in the wave pools-even if they play at the edge, out of the water.

Go, you'll all have fun!

 

[lovethattink]

we have annual passes that include the water parks. I think your 6 year old would love BB for the ski patrol area. However, the toddler area there is a little "rough" for a 20 month old. My toddler loves water any way he can get it, but he had a difficult time navigating the toddler area at BB. DS(12) likes BB the best.

 

[Gillian]

sorry double post!

 

[Gillian]

We just got back and went to both with DS 5 (46" ??) and DD 2 (maybe 38? too short for soarin but over 36).

They found places to enjoy at both parks. We liked that the little kids area Tikes Peak at BB is more contained. You can lose them, but not for long. At BB the slides are really for little ones. I did see them measure one kid, who was about 4" over.

At the ski patrol area at BB, the water is pretty deep, over DS's head at some points. But the tube slide there is very fun, and adults can go too. We raced.

The lazy river at TL has small tubes with solid bottoms, while the small tubes at BB are open. DD2 couldn't stay in by herself there.

The wave pool at TL has very strong waves, but it's fun to play near the "shore." The bobbing wave pool at BB was fun if you were in a tube, but not thrilling otherwise.

We all did both family raft rides. They were both fun. BB is easier because you don't have to cary the tube at all. We took the ski lift up, but the line gets long and slow. There is also a height requirement.

The kids really loved both parks! I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

If you are staying onsite, it's worth it to go for extra magic hour (I think it's every day at both parks) because you can get a good shaded seat and do a few rides before the crowds arrive.

 

[eeyoregon]

They got rid of the solid bottom tubes in the lazy river at Blizzard Beach? Bummer!!!

We LOVE Blizzard Beach. The wave pool is great, as is the lazy river. The kids area is awesome and has things for all age groups. I believe your entire family can do the Teamboat Springs raft ride - smile for the family photo at the end