Water Parks

[cleolvr711]

I am heading to WDW in May as my Master's degree graduation present! WHOO HOO. My fiance and I have decided that this time we want to go to one of the water parks for the day. Since we have never been to one before, any suggestions on the best one to go to and the best times to go?

 

[ciera321]

We love both water parks, but BB is our favorite. We love Teamboat Springs, the family raft ride, and the theming of BB is really fun. You can't go wrong with either park!!!

 

[honey11dog]

Typhoon Lagoon is a much more spread out waterpark with more places to find shade and relax. It also has a snorkeling area. Both waterparks have basically the same type of slides. I would say that Blizzard Beaches are a little more adventurous. So, it depends on what type of experience you are looking for.

As far as when to go, I would suggest close to the opening time. The good spots are taken early.

 

[cleolvr711]

Thanks for the great info! I read in one of the books that the parks close when they reach capacity, has anyone ran into that?

 

[mm6mm6]

We enjoy them both, BUT, if you're looking for one to try first, I would suggest Typhoon Lagoon. Here's why:

#1: The huge pool area has the single 4 foot wave that comes every few minutes. This is a blast for adults. I find that riding this wave is much more fun than the constant "wave pool" at BB. Actually (and this is just me), the wave pool concept drives me a little nutso. It's so constant, just getting tossed around. I love it at TL when the whoosh sound signals the start of the big wave and everyone screams!

#2: Shark Reef. It's still fascinating to me and I love to go through it several times. You are given mask, snorkel and vest in line (usually very short, if any), then you sit on the edge of a shallow area of seawater in a huge tank full of all kinds of fish. You receive instruction in snorkeling if you need it. You are not allowed to dive down and you must keep moving forward (otherwise you'll get run into by those behind) and you just use your hands to paddle (again so you don't kick those behind you). They have a ton of lifeguards. It's an extremely safe way to snorkle with sea life as if you were in the Caribbean. The sharks look really big (they're only about 3 1/2') and are amazing to watch. Just so you know, there are nine species of hammerhead sharks and these have not teeth and only eat lobster and crab. They have sort of hardened gums instead of teeth...same thing with the other species of leopard shark. There is no danger, just a really cool experience.

#3: Crush N Gusher, the new tube water slide roller coaster that goes UP as well as down. It has conveyor belts to bring you up additional hills. Very fun!

#4: BB has a ski lift to bring you up to the water slides. I have found this line to be gigantic. I like how TL is set up. Like another poster said, most of the other slides are the same. I do think BB has a better kids area but that won't apply to you and your fiance.

#5: The lazy river. I really like the TL lazy river because it is surrounded by the most beautiful flowers and plants and palm trees. I like the theming of docks with boat motors spraying you with water, of surf shops and alligator sneezing on you. I also like going through the dark cave. The lazy river at BB doesn't do it for me. The "melting snow" theme is cute but a little weird. I guess I just enjoy the real plant life instead of the fake snow.

When you're there, buy the refillable mug, get a temporary tattoo of your favorite Disney characters and enjoy!

 

[cleolvr711]

Thanks for the great info! I read in one of the books that the parks close when they reach capacity, has anyone ran into that?

 

[cleolvr711]

Sorry for the double reply, i'm new at this!

 

[cleolvr711]

That is awesome info, thanks mm6mm6! that sounds exactly like what we would enjoy! It seems like it may be more relaxing than BB. Did you buy your ticket ahead of time or when you got to the park?

 

[dwtootles]

Thanks for the great info! I read in one of the books that the parks close when they reach capacity, has anyone ran into that?

When I worked at BB last summer we would close to capacity at noon everyday until the weekend after labor day. We would reopen with guaranteed admission to any guests that arrived at 2pm. Once you are in the park it is still very crowded and more than likely wont find a chair to sit in, but you get to ride at least some of the rides.

 

[Perdygirl]

My family loved the water parks, and I agree with the above poster, Typhoon Lagoon would be my choice. I read that you need to avoid the water parks on weekends and holidays, because they get super crowded with locals. Also, get there right at opening and you will get lots of riding in before the lines are too long.

 

[cleolvr711]

So i'm hearing that it gets pretty crazy by the afternoon, can you buy half day passes?

 

[westjones]

If you get the PLUS features on your passes, it is cheaper than paying at the gate.

We bought 10 day hopper passes (non-expire) with 5 pluses and the pluses came to about $9 each when we bought (last year--don't know if that changed).

We are trying BB this summer. We went to TL last year and it was beautiful and we loved it! We just want to try both so we can see the difference. I "think" in the end, I am going to like TL better (but we will see ).

DJ

 

[dwtootles]

So i'm hearing that it gets pretty crazy by the afternoon, can you buy half day passes?

No half day passes are not offered, sorry. That would be nice though.

 

[tashast]

I have a question. We are planning on going to TL and we are during the week of 5/1-5/7. During this early part of the season, do we still have to worry about getting there really early to get a chair? Thanks.

 

[westjones]

Question: We bought Pluses with our park hoppers. DH's family (who are joining us) did not include the plus features. We are going to BB during our trip. If they decide they would like to do this too:

Can they add the Plus features to their park hopper?

Thanks,
DJ

 

[jmommy]

I have read somewhere else that a good time to go to the water park is after 2 pm as a lot of people who have been there since opening are starting to leave...is there truth to this or should we plan to be there as soon as the gates open. FYI..we are going May 21-28 if that makes any difference. Thanks for any info.

 

[thelionqueen]

Couple of thoughts.
I would always pick Typhoon Lagoon over BB, it is just a much better park imo. The wave pool is the absolute best, and we spend at least 3hrs in it alone. Shark reef and crushngusher are also a blast not even to mention all the other attractions.

I would not recommend going after 2pm unless you have annual water park passes or can "afford" to go to the water park for only a couple of hours. That said, we do have WP AP's and often go after 2:00. It seems to really slow down after 3:00pm and you can always get a chair and shorter lines. I would recommend, however if you're paying gate price for admission, going afte 2:00 would be a waste.

Have fun!!

 

[deedeetoo]

We would reopen with guaranteed admission to any guests that arrived at 2pm.

I don't understand this. Does this mean that anyone that gets there after 2:00 is guaranteed to get in regardless of how many people are inside? Or is it just that so many people had left by then that you alway had room?

 

[dwtootles]

I don't understand this. Does this mean that anyone that gets there after 2:00 is guaranteed to get in regardless of how many people are inside? Or is it just that so many people had left by then that you alway had room?

That quote is what I was told to tell guests that were driving into our parking lot while we were closed due to capacity.

Usually around 1:30pm-2:00pm is the time that lots of guests leave the park that have been there since opening. That is why it is "guaranteed" admission. I am not saying you wont get turned away cause that day could be a freak day, and there could be no one leaving around the normal time frame. However if the park closes to capacity at noon it is more than likely that you will be admitted to the park at 2pm.

 

[dwtootles]

I would not recommend going after 2pm unless you have annual water park passes or can "afford" to go to the water park for only a couple of hours. That said, we do have WP AP's and often go after 2:00. It seems to really slow down after 3:00pm and you can always get a chair and shorter lines. I would recommend, however if you're paying gate price for admission, going afte 2:00 would be a waste.

Have fun!!

I agree with this to a point. Paying to go to the waterparks for a couple of hours seems like a waste. However if you have a couple of hours to spare in the afternoon and really want to experience a Disney Waterpark and that is the only time you can go it might be worth it.