Waterparks - advice and tips

[Butler_chic07]

Welcome to the Water Parks thread!
I'm hoping to transform this thread to a one place stop for everyone out there searching for information about Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach! There are so many great threads out there relating to the water parks, but it is a little overwhelming to try to search through them all!

Feel free to post any questions or advice you may have for fellow Dis'ers! I'm going to try my best to keep up with this thread by posting some of the frequently asked questions, popular advice, and some basic information. Also pictures are greatly welcomed and encouraged!


Here is my original post: (Before I decided to try to organize it and make it a one stop thread!)
"My DH and I have never been to a Disney Water Park. I've searched these threads read many, many threads with any relation to TL or BB.

That being said, I was hoping maybe we could have thread for tips for the waterparks. What worked for you and your family, what didn't? What would you have done differently? What items do you bring with you to the park, where do you store them? Anything else you think is helpful. Please include personal stories, they truly help me (and I'm sure others) with their planning. I know in my search I haven't found near as many tips, suggestions, or ideas our there as I know exist!

Also I know some tips may be for both parks, and some just for one or the other. If you have a tip that really only applies to BB or TL please state that.

Thank you all in advance! The Disboards is such a great community that support one another in all the adventures of Disney, and I'm so glad that I get to be a part of it!

I can't wait to read everyone's tips and I hope that many others out there find them useful!"


Please bare with me. I will be updating and adding more information over the next few days!

Disney's Water Parks

Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon (TL) is one of two Disney Water Parks. It is an island paradise.

Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach (BB) is the second Disney Water Park. It is larger than Typhoon Lagoon and the theming is completely different. The name fits it well. It is themed after a ski resort.

FAQ's and their answers:

What to do with my water shoes on the different slides and attractions? See post 7, here.

What about those refillable mugs? How much are they? See post 28, here.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

We got a large locker at each of the waterparks & had plenty of room for a soft-side cooler, snacks, towels, and coverups for the 4 of us. We did TL & BB both on our final day & used our receipt at BB to get a free locker at TL later that day. The food is pretty decent at both places, but if you're looking to save some $, stop at Subway the night before & grab a couple footlongs to take with you.


From the other thread here:

I've got a full trip report in my signature, but here's what our family thought of TL & BB.


Sunday 06/17/2012
TYPHOON LAGOON Slept in a little & hit the park around 9:15. Note: Signage for this park is not the best. Where Typhoon Lagoon is not mentioned, just follow Downtown Disney directions. First stop after the locker drop-off was shark reef. DD6 couldn’t get along with the snorkel, so she & DW took off their masks & just floated. Cold water had me breathing rapidly, but I did “okay”. DD11 was a pro right from the start & loved it. Ultimately, she’d do this attraction 4 more times throughout this day. Next up Crushin’ Gusher, the water coaster. Not much line, so we do all 3 flumes twice each. This ride a HUGE hit for the entire family. Next up wave pool & we promptly get pounded complete with scrapes & spilled blood (DD6 gets a bandaid & antiseptic from the first aid station, I pass). DD6 & DW decide to hang out in the very shallow end while DD11 & I attempt to body surf. I eventually swim ALL the way out to the rope & try it from there – it actually works better (for me) at about 5’ of depth than it does out by the rope. Waste deep proves to be the place to avoid as you get knocked around A LOT. Big waves seem cool, but the novelty wears off very fast. Paid close to $40 for a couple sandwiches & hot dogs, brought our own drinks. Food was good though. Off to Storm sliders. I found them “okay”, rest of the family really enjoys them. Family raft ride and the tube slides (forget what they’re called) are all boring as can be. Worse, the line for the raft ride was 40+ minutes. Worst ride of this type ever, a real snoozer. Did the 50’ drop slide. Good drop, but as I’d later find of all Disney drop slides, your back gets buffeted around a LOT, unlike similar slides at non-Disney waterparks. So, back to Crushin’ Gusher for several more rides before calling it a day.


Tuesday 06/19/2012
BLIZZARD BEACH – after a late night the previous day, we slept in & hit the park just before 10:00. This is one of those kinds of generic waterparks that other than the theming has nothing unique. That said, ALL the rides are lots of fun. And overall we enjoyed BB more than TL. DD11 wanted to head straight to the Green Slope & Summit Plummet after getting a LARGE locker, so she & I took off while DD6 & DW splashed in the wave pool. Wait for Summit Plummet was ~15 minutes. Despite the 120’ drop, you don’t get the same sensation of height that similar rides have in other parks. Partly because the tower isn’t very high off the peak, and also because of the tunnel. It also doesn’t seem as steep of a drop either. Anyway, we both got pretty buffeted around again, as DD6 & I would later experience on Slushin’ Gusher, also on the Green Slope. No idea why these slides aren’t as smooth as those in other parks. Could be too much water. Still a couple pretty decent thrill rides though. Whole family then headed to the final Green Slope ride, Teamboat Springs, which we pretty much walked right on. This is a MUCH better family raft ride than the one at Typhoon Lagoon with a couple decent drops (but nothing too scary) and it’s a long ride to boot. We did this ride repeatedly, never waiting at all, although at one point the line suddenly backed WAY up. Turns out, the ride was down for some reason. Once it came back up, the line cleared right out again. On the back side of the Green Slope is the lone Red Slope ride, Runoff Rapids. The walk up the stairs to get on this ride is a killer. We had to laugh at the warning at the top about people with heart conditions. Trust me, if your heart isn’t in good enough shape for this ride, it darn sure isn’t in good enough shape for the stairs!! That said, the open slides for double tubes were great, and the enclosed slide for single tubes was even better. So, we burned lots of calories on this attraction hoofing it up those stairs. Never much of a line, either. On the purple slope is Downhill Double Dipper and 2 mat rides. As a bonus, there is a conveyor hauling tubes & mats to the top for you on these. DDD is a very fast, 6 second ride on a tube following a 30-40 minute wait. Worth the wait once a day, but wouldn’t spend all day in that line to ride it a 2nd time. We all enjoyed the Toboggan ride (mat racers), but DW & I didn’t care for the old-school mat slides that zigzagged down the hill. Kind of hard on our 40+ year old backs LOL. Really enjoyed this park, but there is a LOT of walking required with many rides spitting you out nowhere near the entrance to anything else, nor even the entrance to the ride you just finished.



Friday 06/22/2012 – Final day in The World
BLIZZARD BEACH/TYPHOON LAGOON – Slept in again & got to BB around 9:45. Rain would threaten pretty much all day, though we did get a handful of hot, sunny times. Grabbed a large locker & headed to Teamboat Springs. Road this several times over the course of the day and once again it shut down at some point. We overheard the workers explaining to each other that apparently it was not a malfunction, but an attempt to send a wheelchair bound guest on the ride that caused a major delay. DD6 & I did Slushin’ Gusher again, we played in the wave pool, lots of trips down Runoff Rapids, 1 Toboggan ride, and 1 round on Downhill Double Dippers (again with a long wait). We had chips & drinks, but no real meal here. Around 3:00, we planned 1 final ride on Teamboat Springs before leaving, but were driven off by nasty storm clouds.
Back to the cabin for lunch & to wait out the storm. Having 1 WPFM visit left on our tickets, we arrived back at Typhoon Lagoon shortly before 6:00 p.m. in light rain. Both girls made one more trip through Shark Reef, and we did all 3 Storm Slider slides. The rest of the time was spent on Crushin’ Gusher. With the weather, the line was so light we weren’t required to even turn in our tubes. Instead, we just went on it continuously losing count of the # of rides we took. At 7:45, the storms were coming back around & announcements of the pending park closure were heard, so we called it a day.

 

[lisasuebj]

We prefer TL, BB pool is constant waves and its not very relaxing. We avoid bring water shoes in the park because they get in the way when going down slides. Also tuck your sunglasses when going down slides. I've lost a couple pair there! Over all its a great day. You can get a work out on the slides and steps going to them. But the lazy river is fantastic. I spend a lot of time enjoying that part. Hope you have a great time.

 

[MidgeD79]

We like both parks equally. I would never be able to choose one over the other. For the cost of a one day ticket, it't about the same amount to add the waterpark feature to your main ticket and then you don't have to choose just one.
Both parks : Arrive before park opening. The last we went, I drove the car and took the cooler and towels with me and picked out our spot for the day. After the rest of the group woke up, they took the WDW bus and called me on their cell phone to find out exactly where I was. We have never rented a locker and have never had anything taken. We also bought souveneir mugs which are refillable and can be used at both parks forever as long as you purchase a barcode for $5 for each visit. The youngest child we ever took was 5 years old. We also wear water shoes ALL OF THE TIME because the pavement is VERY HOT and going in the bathroom without something on your feet is GROSS! Wear sunscreen and REAPPLY often. Both have a river to float along in innertubes, but DO NOT think it will be relaxing because there are usually some kids that think of them as a race track on foot. BB has the themeing (watch out for "Blizzard" water!).
Typhoon Lagoon: This has THE BEST wave pool. It can be very intimidating. A horn is sounded before the BIG waves come, so if you're unsure get out and watch what happens in both the deep end and very shallow water. The bottom of the wave pool is VERY rough and can cause damage to tender skin badly. The kids enjoyed the rides and their swim level is moderate to good. Snorkerling at Sharks Reef is an experience I would NEVER do, but it is free for those who want to. Beware the water is VERY COLD and the line gets long fast. If someone wants to do this, be there at park opening and do it first!
Blizzard Beach: The bottom of the wave is better than TL, but it DOES NOT have big waves so you just kinda bob along. The family raft ride is better here and Ski Patrol was enjoyed by all. I liked it because I could actually swim there.

 

[momtwoboys]

awesome thread!! I was inquiring about all the same stuff! So if you wear waterproof sandals around the park what do you do with them when you need to get on a slide? I hear the pavement is hot, but then what?

 

[Brook1099]

We have done both parks, and in our opinion we love TL better!!The wave pool is awesome and we like the family ride, and my kids love the watercoaster.My kids like to snorkel there. Our only option when we go in November is what ever one is open and this year its BB. So BB it is. We have our own car, so dont use the bus transportation.

We pack towels, sun block, frozen water bottles( I never buy water in parks), lipbalm, Oh and make sure you have or buy one of the water proof money holders for around ur neck!! My Dh and I both have one for our park cards credit card and or cash.I wear flip flops but some of my family likes water shoes so they dont have to keep taking off and on.

We have never gotten lockers, we go at opening,(we have a crazy family rule go to the line furthest left)then when they drop rope we pick out a spot by the wave pools, lay our towels out on a couple of chairs, we are a family of 4 but only take two chairs, kids dont sit much so why waste spots.

We always buy the mini donuts as soon as they open, they are delicous, a must do.
Then later in day we get lunch from the parks, typical counter service food. And we buy the refillable mugs also.

Have a great trip!!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

awesome thread!! I was inquiring about all the same stuff! So if you wear waterproof sandals around the park what do you do with them when you need to get on a slide? I hear the pavement is hot, but then what?

A handful of slides you hold them as you slide (depends on who's up top running the ride as I was asked to remove shoes by one attendant, but not another on the same ride). This is only the tubeless slides. If you're in a raft, on a mat, or in/on tube of any kind, you just wear your shoes.

I also only removed my sunglasses for the tubeless/matless slides. I have a floating strap on them & did have to recover them in the TL wave pool once

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

Two quick questions: How much do the refillable mugs cost? Can you get ice water in a cup like in the main parks?

 

[MidgeD79]

The kids that go on the big slides either leave their water shoes with me for that ride or wear them. If you wear them, you have to take them off and hold on to them usually with your arms crossed over your chest. If you lose one on the way down, the shoe comes along with you and lands in the water about the same time as you do and then you can retrieve it.

 

[momtwoboys]

thanks for the tips on the footwear! Younger DS has crocs and the rest of us have birkenstocks....guess we should pack our Waterproof Birks. so helpful I am so thankful for all the info!

 

[Butler_chic07]

I just want to thank everyone who is sharing their advice and tips and answering everyone's questions. I've gotten more info here than when I searched for it... It's nice to have them all in one place. I'll try to figure out how to organize it too... like FAQ links or something... I've never done that before. I'll try to figure it out!



Thanks again!

 

[momtwoboys]

 

[DonnaBoo]

Two quick questions: How much do the refillable mugs cost? Can you get ice water in a cup like in the main parks?

I can't rememberthe price, but for some reason I'm thinking 10.00. If you go back another day during your stay, you can buy the sticker with the scan code on it for half the price( I think).

Does anyone know if the mugs are the same as last year? Thanks.

The best piece of advice I can give for the water parks is arrive early. Grab a chair close to the wave pools.

have a great time.

 

[CanadianPaco]

What a great thread!!! We're goi to both parks is Aug as well as a half day til close!!! Can't wait!

 

[Rosebud123]

The water parks are awesome! We much prefer BB to TL (and we're not huge thrill ride junkies), but you'll have a great time at either one.

Get there before rope drop to claim a spot and to enjoy a good hour or two with little or no wait on any of the big slides.

No need to bother with water shoes, IMO. We never have. We wear flip flops and leave them by our chairs w/our towels. We do put them on before a potty break or lunch.

Rent a small locker for your car keys and WDW tickets, but leave your towels and $20 in a bag on your chair so you don't have to run back to the locker when it's time for lunch.

Go on a cloudy, cool day (if possible). You'll have the place practically to yourselves!!! We experienced that twice in April and it was amazing. Much, much better than the day when it was warm and sunny. (In the summer, I'm sure the WPs are packed no matter the weather.)

At TL Shark Reef: Get life vests for everyone, even if you're strong swimmers. Didn't do that on our last trip and I regretted it. It's much easier to float slowly and quietly above the sharks when you're wearing a vest. This attraction is the best part of TL, IMO. We wouldn't even bother going here if it wasn't for Shark Reef.

Beware the wave pool at TL. I know a lot of people love it, but we always end up scratched and cut up!

The family raft ride at BB blows TL's out of the water. It is waaayyyyyyyy longer than the one at TL, and you don't have to carry your own tube. TL's only fits 4, BB's fits 6. (However, if you only have 3 in your group, BB makes you wait for another party of 2 or 3.) The family raft ride at TL is only worth it if the wait is 5 minutes or less. Really, it's that lame.

Get mini donuts on your way out!!

 

[dairyqueenmom]

On a whim last summer we rented a Beach Shack at TL- it was our kid's hands down favorite day of our vacation. We had a safe to put valuables, a water cooler with cold water - covered chairs for all 6 of us, a server to bring drinks and food that we paid for, and it overlooked the wave pool. It is a major splurge but it was so worth it. We still talk about that day, and I have saved the money to rent another this year. We all felt a bit special having our own beach shack. It included towels and drink mugs for everyone too.

 

[msheriffm]

On a whim last summer we rented a Beach Shack at TL- it was our kid's hands down favorite day of our vacation. We had a safe to put valuables, a water cooler with cold water - covered chairs for all 6 of us, a server to bring drinks and food that we paid for, and it overlooked the wave pool. It is a major splurge but it was so worth it. We still talk about that day, and I have saved the money to rent another this year. We all felt a bit special having our own beach shack. It included towels and drink mugs for everyone too.

About how much did it cost? Can you rent it ahead of time and arrive at your convenience? We are not rope drop kind of people.

 

[Jennifer S]

subscribing - going this August and trying BB for the first time

 

[Disney Doll]

Sunscreen. Especially @ BB. I got the worst sunburn of my life there because a lot fo it is painted white and so the sun reflects.

 

[momjkm]

Refillable mug question:
is it the same mug at both waterparks? SO if I buy it and use it at TL and then re-use it at BB (after buying a new barcode? that day). Or does that Barcode 1/2 price deal only work at the same park, different day. TIA Jill