Waterpark questions

[Butterfly68]

HI - We are going to Disney for our second time, leaving Thursday. I've never been to the waterparks before. Are there lockers for our stuff? and Do we need to bring beach towels from home? or are there some from the hotel that we can take. (We are staying at Port Orleans).
Thanks for your help!

 

[a1tinkfans]

Never been to the water park, so I'd be interested in info too!

Have a wonderful trip! LOVE POR!!!!

 

[mathgeek]

We love going to the water parks - especially Typhoon Lagoon.

There are lockers for rent at the water parks - for a small locker I believe it is now $10 with $5 returned when you turn the key in (it used to be $7 with $2 returned). They can be rented at the main gift shop at each water park.

We have never brought towels from home. We just take towels from our room. They are also available for rent at the water parks for $1 each.

A couple of tips:
We don't try to reserve chairs at the water parks. We leave all of our stuff in a locker and come back to the locker when we need something. But it's only DH and myself. With kids that could get more complicated. We don't like leaving our stuff unattended since we don't spend a lot of time sitting in the beach chairs. If I wanted that, I could stay at the resort. Water park time is time to go on the fun water rides.

Also, since you are staying on-site, take advantage of EMH at the water parks. That was the best thing we did last summer. It seemed like we had the park to ourselves for almost the first 2 hours, and then the crowds came in.

Most of all, have fun!!

 

[amcjeep4life]

I read on another thread that they will close the water parks when they hit a certain capacity, so be prepared to get there early! We are going in September, and plan on hitting both parks! Have fun,. and make sure to tell us how it was!

 

[a1tinkfans]

Thanks for the tips! They are truly appreciated!!

 

[disney[xo]sweetie]

they do close the parks when theres like no room to breathe!! ive never had that happen to me, but a friend of myine and her family got closed on MULTIPLE times on Spring Break a few years back! they shut down most of the parks when they were there, and when they escaped to a waterpark they stayed for about 20 minutes and then got shut down again!
Be prepared for this scenario, and pack some fun things to do in your room, and take advantage of pool-hopping!

 

[WeLuvDCL]

Two more tips for you. There are very few seats in the shade and they fill up fast - another reason to get there early and try to be at the front of the line. It will be HOT when you are out of the water. Also, at Blizzard Beach they pick a family to OPEN the Summit Plummet ride (or at least they used to when we were there a few months ago). being early gives you a better chance to be picked.

Second tip. Florida weather is unlike many other states. It could be sunny from 8am to 1pm, rain (even lightning and thunder) for an hour or less and then be sunny for the rest of the day. My point, if it starts raining - go to a restaraunt, get a snack and wait it out for a while. Many people from out of state see lightning and pack it up and leave for the day. Many times, if you are patient and just relax while it's storming, the weather will clear and rides will re-open and there will be a lot less people in the park (i.e. Shorter line!).

Have fun!!! I'm riding the lazy river in July!!!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Definitely bring your own towels, from home or your hotel. The ones they rent are pretty small. We always bring a few beach towels from home. They don't take up much room in the suitcase and have several uses.

Also, if you have small ones, both waterparks have life vest available, for free. Alot of people don't realize this and have their little ones using those water wings-I feel more secure when DD is in a vest, especially on a tube or raft ride, or in the wave pool at TL.

You'll have a great time-we love the water parks. We've never gone during a high demand time so it's never been too crowded. We went to both TL and BB last Sept., and crowds were very manageable. (our trip was 9-19th)

 

[SnoopyDancer]

Second tip. Florida weather is unlike many other states. It could be sunny from 8am to 1pm, rain (even lightning and thunder) for an hour or less and then be sunny for the rest of the day. My point, if it starts raining - go to a restaraunt, get a snack and wait it out for a while. Many people from out of state see lightning and pack it up and leave for the day. Many times, if you are patient and just relax while it's storming, the weather will clear and rides will re-open and there will be a lot less people in the park (i.e. Shorter line!).

That is so true. I was at TL last year and it started to rain. Lots of people left because they closed the water areas. We ate and by the time we were finished eating, the water areas were open again. We were able to ride Crush 'n' Gusher without having to wait in line that long because so many people left.

I haven't been to Blizzard Beach, but Typoon Lagoon was fun. Hope you have fun!

 

[Thinktinknpixiedust]

Yes DO bring your towels from the resort... as long as you bring them back. you'll probably be wrapped in them anyhow when you leave... those busses can be pretty chilly (very much AC) We stayed at POR last year and took very little with us... towel, travel sunblock (with a clip) and our refillable mug for the water park and there is 5 of us. There at emh and back to resort by 1 or 2... we usually ate lunch at water park... by the way... your going to LOVE POR... we did!!

 

[dzorn]

take advantage of pool-hopping!

Pool hopping is a no no