Water Parks

[finny1981]

I need some feedback on water parks. We have been to WDW three times as a family and are going for our fourth in September, we have always been 1 park a day people and never done the water parks mostly I think because of the time of year we've went (we've also never done Disney Quest). So this year we are doing MNSSHP and will have 7.5 days in the parks and we decided that since the kids are older we would do hoppers this year. So I am sure my kids would love one of the water parks (we go to Great Wolf Lodge way more than what we should), but I am not sure DH and I want to give up a park day to go to a water park. Can you guys give me advice as to why or why not you would change and add a day at the water park? Also if you would which water park would it be and why? TIA

 

[Gumbo4x4]

We spent 4 full days in three parks & 3 full days in the water parks (1 day at each, and a day split between the 2). In retrospect, for 7 days, we'd have skipped the repeat day & done a 2nd EPCOT day.

But, we enjoyed the water parks at least as much as the main parks. Much more than DHS in fact. As to picking one, tough call. TL has a couple very nice & unique features. Crushin Gusher is one of our favorite rides in any park, anywhere. But, overall the slides and family raft ride at BB are much better & there is just more to do.

 

[disney junky]

This is only my opinion. We've been to both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach with our kids when they were younger. Both have their unique aspect. Both are really nice. However, the time and effort to get there and back, the possibility of the passing thunderstorms, the crowds, the lines at the main water attractions, all contribute to a more stressful day than staying at the hotel pool. I expect we will be going back with the grandkids, but other than the lazy rivers, I'm not much of a water park person.

 

[seelyt2]

Of course it's a personal choice - our family had been to WDW about 5 times when we decided to breakout of our usual routine and opted for a water park day two years ago (kids were 11 and 15 at the time). Like you, we were there for about a week and we chose the middle of the week to go to TL and it was awesome. We all had a great time and it was was great way to break up the trip from all the running around/rushing/tired feet. I LOVED the wave pool and the lazy river, and the kids loved EVERYTHING. We splurged and got a cabana which was a godsend for me as I had a headache midway through and was able to recoup and make it through the rest of the day after a couple of advil, but I digress. Typical fashion for Florida, it stormed mid-to-late afternoon and we were able to hide there and finish out the day once it passed over.
When we go back again in the summer wherein hot weather is a factor, I will definitely convince DH to do another day at the water park.
Also, since AK and HS are being worked over/under construction, I think that September would be a perfect time to go to a water park!

 

[Hootch]

Several years ago, we had 10 day non expiring tickets. I figured out that we could add the water parks for about $50/person. Now we go to a water park every trip. (The kids will have their tickets when their in college and beyond.)

This year we will have six nights at Disney. We have decided to stay a little longer at the water parks and hit DTD in the evening. No major park that day. It gives us a chance to recharge. (We're spending two nights at Universal also.)

It's best to get to the parks early. In our experience the lined start getting longer about 10:30-11:00. This is when we usually do the wave pool and Lazy River at Typhoon Lagoon.