Waterpark first week of January?

[riu girl]

We have never been to a WDW waterpark and was wondering if they would be appropriate the first week of January (weather wise)? We are from Canada and the kids are used to cool water temps. The kids will be aged 5 and 8 at the time of our vacation. Any reccommendations on which park and why? We are staying at POP and not sure if we should even go to a waterpark, the pools there might be enough for them, and they are heated to 82. Is the water at the waterparks heated also? DD would probably love to snorkel with the sharks. Would you recommend this for an 8 year old?
Any tips would be appreciated.
Suzy V.

 

[the kabuki]

Florida weather in Jan is a gamble. This past Jan it was +83 degrees, other Jan.'s we've been we've had on winter coats and gloves. I know it makes it hard to plan out your days, but we typically don't decide to go to one until we're there and see what the weather is like.

As for one park being better than the other, quite honestly I like both of them equally. For an 8 yr old, she'll have a blast at either one. Usually in Jan one of them is closed for refurbishment, so you're not given a choice but they're both terrific.

 

[Lorelai]

I would definitely say play it by ear weather wise. But if the weather is nice, definitely go for Typhoon Lagoon. We just went in April and our kids (11, 6 & 3) had as absolute blast, and so did we.

The wave pool may be a bit rough for your 5 year old, but the multitude of water slides, raft rides & the lazy river can keep a family busy all day! The water is temerature controlled - very nice!! Except for the swim with the sharks - I would expect that to be on the chilly side. Also, lots of places to eat and take a rest. Enjoy! Hope you get a great sunny day for it!

 

[kirbsam]

History has shown the tl is usually the one closed during january.

 

[addicted2disney]

i was just going to say that its usually Blizzard Beach that is open in January. We have gone every January since 1999 and the weather is different every time. Weve had days in the 80's and some in the 30's ( only once was it that cold, and just for a few days. It was -13 back in Pittsburgh then, so we were welcoming the 30's!! ) We dont do the waterparks. Right now, our annual passes dont include them. My kids have fun just in the heated pools. If you are staying somewhere with a pool slide, that makes it even more fun for them. As many times as weve been there, we did go to Blizzard Beach once during a Thanksgiving trip. My kids liked it, but they havent asked to go back. They would rather go to the parks, and hang out at the pool in the evenings when we get back to the rooms.

 

[Lorelai]

Typhoon Lagoon was closed for an extended time last winter through mid/late March for it's rehab & Crush-n-Gusher addition, so hopefully Blizzard Beach will have it's turn this time around.