Water parks - are they worth it?

[floridacrazy]

I am planning a trip for 2 adults and 1 6-year old for the month of July for 10 days. We are going to Pop Century and I booked a room only with an AAA rate. I was thinking about purchasing an AP if the discounts were good, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen.

The questions I have are with reference to the water parks. I can't decide wether I should just purchase the 10 day MYW tickets or should I purchase the 10 day with the plus option so we can take advantage of the water parks? Last year I was on International Drive at Rodeway and we went to Wet & Wild and my nephew had just turned 5. He enjoyed the kiddie area, but nothing to rave about. He didn't ask to go to the park again, and we had the option of going whenever we wanted.

Do you think that a 6-year old would really enjoy the Disney waterparks or is it better to just spend time at the Pop Century pools? If I get the MYW 10 day tickets without any other options we will spend 10 days in the theme parks and the other 6 days relaxing by the pools and sightseeing from one resort to the next.

My 24 year old niece likes the waterparks and I can take them or leave them. The only other thing if I get the plus option besides the waterparks would be Disney Quest. Is that worth it? Would a 6-year old enjoy it on more than one occasion?

I would really like to hear someone else's recommendations.

Thank you.

 

[LegoMom3]

The water parks are a lot of fun, but if the people in your party aren't really into them, then yes, it is a lot of money. I didn't get that option this time around because we are going to have enough to do trying to see the parks! When we break for an afternoon, we'll just use our resort's pools. If we decide one day to try out Typhoon Lagoon, I'll just buy tickets for that day. My DH and I have been there, but we've yet to take the kids, but mine are also younger so I'm not sure if it's worth the cost to hang out in the kiddie area all day! If you son wasn't really into the last place you took him, you may do just fine at the POP pools!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

We loved the waterparks SO much, we are returning over the memorial day weekend to do mostly that. Of our 4 days at WDW, we are doing 3 days of waterparks and one park-hopping day.

It's so relaxing after spending so many days in the parks. Your whole body feels refreshed. My kids enjoyed the lazy water tube river, the slides, the swimming with the shark tank, etc.

You should definitely make a day to go.

 

[gems_smiling]

The water parks can be a lot of fun if your into that kind of thing. We usually visit BB but don't bother about TL, but to be honest it would not make a lot of difference if we didn't visit a water park because we don't go on the big slides. We usually only spend a couple of hours there but always decide to go because we want to feel like we have made the most out of our trip.

 

[Perdygirl]

I would definately reccomend the water parks. It was a highlight for both my DS's, 5 and 8. I would reccomend TL over BB, but both were a blast.

 

[disney junky]

Our experience has been that in July, the waterparks can get extremely crowded, in some instances closing because of the crowds. The lines on the slides get really long. We have gone because they were part of the ticket price. Our kids were teenagers, and I think enjoyed the pools at the hotels as much as the waterparks, if not more. The other thing to consider is that in July, the chances of the waterparks closing for thunder storms is pretty good. As nicely themed as the hotel pools are, I'd save the money, hang out at the hotel and keep the tv off when they ran the TL and BB commercials.

 

[twinklebug]

Before answering I have a Question for you...
How in shape are you?
It's A LOT of stair climbing !!!

Will the 6yo like the waterparks? Nope
... He'll LOVE them!!!

Disney has done a fantastic job with both waterparks.
There are younger kid play areas perfect for a 5/6yo to chill in, which I recommend camping out by.

Go early, pack your drinks in a small cooler or buy the refillable mug. Grab a locker to store your valuables in and enjoy from early morning on. It starts getting crowded after 11 so the early hours allow you to get those more popular rides in and then rest in either sun or shade for the afternoon.

Don't plan on doing a park that evening though. I found all the summer FL sunshine zaps the energy from everyone.

It's a great break!