Water parks

[sarahrdh]

is one better than the other for kids? My kids at next trip will be 10, 6, turning 4. I want to only choose 1 to do this trip, then we can try the other on the next trip. Also, do you really spend all day there, or is it realistic to leave in the afternoon & spend the evening at DD?

 

[puffkin]

We usually go from opening until about 2-3pm. Seems like plenty of time for us. For your age kids, I would say Blizzard Beach....but each park is great so it really depends on their interests. If it is slides, BB. If it is more lazy river/wave pool with a few slides, then Typhoon Lagoon.

 

[MrsDuck]

For your kiddos, I'd say BB. Normally, I'd advocate for TL but not based on their ages.

We get there at rope drop and leave probably by 3. Then it's off to the resort to get cleaned up and somewhere nice for dinner.

 

[tink20]

If you have your own car, I would drive. We got there before opening, parked close to entrance. (from our resort it was less than a 10 min. drive)

 

[JennyDrake]

I'll echo BB for kiddos your kids' ages.

from opening until 2-3 is about right for me as well.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

WE only went once, after many trips to WDW. We did TL, so I can't comment on one vs. the other.

It was fair amount of waiting in line. If the youngest is too young for many slides, and you only have two adults, that might end up being a not-so-exciting day, where one adult has to tend the toddler while everyone else is in line/riding. Depends a little how tall youngest is, and how brave around water (swimming?) Might make sense to wait a year or two until youngest is confident around water.

We were warned that on busy days all seats are gone by mid morning. I think we arrived about 10am, and had to search for a seat. By mid afternoon though some guests leave. Also watch weather for afternoon thunder- common in summer. May want to allow options in your planning to swap days in case of weather issues.

Think ahead about what to bring and what to avoid bringing. We drove, but then had to find an idea to hide our keys. A small water proof pouch is good idea, and not bringing any kind of purse. Anything left in car gets HOT!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Either one for the 10 year old & the 6 year old IF 48" or taller. For the under 48" crowd, BB all the way.

At TL:
Best ride is Crushin Gusher - minimum height 48"
Wave pool - expect to get pounded
Shark Reef - little kids struggle with the snorkel
Family raft ride - SUCKS
Tube slides - all SUCK
Body slides - pretty decent

 

[wickedstepmom]

Agree thatTL wave pool will pound small kids, if you don't hold onto them. Last year, I forgot the towels and took a later bus.. By the time I got to TL DD (then 7) had bloody skinned up elbows and back. First aid was wonderful and cleaned her up.

 

[sarahrdh]

Thanks!!!

Another ??- if I only add the wateepArks to my ticket, NOT THE HOPPER, could we do 1 main park for half the day then go to a wAterpark? Or will it have to be a separate day?

 

[1234lucky]

Thanks!!!

Another ??- if I only add the wateepArks to my ticket, NOT THE HOPPER, could we do 1 main park for half the day then go to a wAterpark? Or will it have to be a separate day?

No you can split a park and the other waterparks.

I also would do BB. My crew - pretty much your ages - definitely preferred it over TL.

 

[sarahrdh]

Blizzard beach it is my son saw the sign a few times last time, and kept asking to go. So that'll make him happy.