Water park questions (shoes, time, etc.)

[Mililani Mom]

Hello All,

Just a quick question for you vets. We're planning on visiting Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon and I was wondering several things...

1. Does my family need those water shoes (reef walkers?) at the water parks so that they can walk to the slides without burning their feet (and wear those water shoes on the slide)? Or do you just go barefoot, or do you wear flip flops (in Hawaii we call them slippers) or something else?

2. My kids are 5 (DD is about 42 inches) and 7 (DS is about 44 inches), which park is better (and should be saved for last?).

3. TGM recommended going to the park 5 hours before closing (so I'm guessing in June that would be about 1:00). Is this a good idea or should we do the normal be there when it opens routine?

Thank you so much!

 

[BANNISTER]

Wondering this as well...this will be our 3rd family trip, but 1st attempt at the water parks. kids are 4, 9,12. Any advice.

 

[sjcmi]

You don't need to wear the surf shoes, there is usually shade or some place to dip your feet in water if they get too hot. Also some of the slides you have to take them off and hold on to them as you slide down. My son has been there at 3, 5, 7, and 9 and has never worn them there.

We get there for opening, and get good chairs in a shady spot (check where the shade is going to move to as the sun goes across the sky). and we usually leave by 1 or 2 in the afternoon to dodge the hottest part of the day.

We enjoy Typhoon Lagoon the most, the wave pool is great, and everyone loves the lazy river. Blizzard Beach is OK but will only spend one day there and maybe two or three at Typhoon Lagoon in the course of a week.

 

[momsully]

We have done both with DS4 and DS7. On our April trip we went to Typhoon Lagoon last year we did Blizzard Beach. We got there when it opened for extra magic hours and had done every slide (some several times) by 11:30. We had lunch and hung around at the pool for awhile and left by 1. There was a huge line to get in the park when we were leaving.

We did not need or wear water shoes. We left our towels at the pool and never used them until we stopped for lunch. DS4 was not tall enough (he is 44 inches) for Crush and Gusher. He was really disappointed as at 44 inches he can ride most anything in the parks.

Both boys loved the shark reef and we were the first ones in that morning. The lifeguard said because we were the first people to swim the sharks would be really close and they came right up to us. It was pretty cool. DS 4 had trouble with the snorkel so he just wore the mask and lifted his head up when he wanted to take a breath.

Have fun!

 

[Mililani Mom]

Thank you for your help. Now I'm thinking that I should just follow the normal routine of being early (and skipping TGM's advice about going later).

So, I guess no water shoes are needed.

 

[mamalle]

we thought it was hot last time when we went in may. water shoes were worn by my kids and I went barefoot and they were on the hot side..

 

[disneyfan'ole]

We were just at typhoon lagoon yesterday We all went barefoot, did not have a problem with the ground being too hot. I suggest to get there early and get a spot that has shade in it. We like the covered huts near the kiddie area. You are also allowed to bring coolers in. We usually bring drinks and food (such as lunchmeats and fruit). A little healthier option for us and a great way to save some money.