Which Water Park better for our family?

[rtbreneman]

Taking my wife and kids down the last week of March. DS17, DD9 and DD4. We are going to spend one day in a water park, and we've never been to either TL or BB. Which would you suggest is best for our needs? What we are looking or most is: relaxed atmospehere, ability for us to do attractions together (not have the 4 year old left out), possibly have a decent QS lunch while there that's more than just burgers and chicken tenders, and have the day feel less crowded and rushed than our other days in the actual parks. We are willing to sacrifice the biggest thrill water attractions for more family fun on this day. Any suggestions?

 

[Klayfish]

We're huge fans of the water parks and my vote is that it really doesn't matter. They're both great and have plenty to offer. Not sure about a meal that's more than burgers or tenders...we bring our own food (we stay off site), but most of the restaurants I've seen at either of them are burger/fries/ice cream.

The family tube ride at BB can accommodate all 5 of you, TL can only do 4, so if you want a family tube ride, then go to BB. The wave pool at BB is much, much calmer...it's gentle rocking. The wave pool at TL is more intense than any wave pool you've ever been in. So pick which one you want (my kids, ages 12, 9, 9) LOVE the TL wave pool. They don't have to go into the intense part, they can go toward the back of it and it's far less intense. TL has Crush N Gusher, which is a water slide that pushes you with jets of water. It's awesome, and the 4 year old can ride with one of you.

Both parks have relaxing lazy rivers. Both have slower paced slides. Both have kid areas (though BB is a bit more organized, but that's not to slight TL). Both have plenty of shaded chairs available.

If I had to only pick one to totally relax, I guess I'd say BB. But frankly, I like TL just as much, if not slightly more. It lets us do both...relax and do fun/intense slides.

 

[BrianL]

TL also has a new family raft ride opening when the park comes back up from refurb, Misadventure Falls. It's supposed to be pretty cool and even have an animatronic or two (it's a parrot). I don't know how many it seats though, but you could look into it.

 

[Hootch]

There are other food options in the water parks. You can see the menus

http://touringplans.com/typhoon-lagoon/dining

http://touringplans.com/typhoon-lagoon/dining

We tend to go the Typhoon Lagoon. I have eaten at Typhoon Tilly's (fish and chips) and leaning Palms (turkey pesto sandwich) and bot were pretty good.

 

[ktate82]

Our family prefers TL over BB, but that is more for the slides and wave pool. It seemed to us that BB had more body slides where TL had more tube slides that people could ride together. Last summer at TL, we went to eat at Leaning Palms and DH got the Chicken with rice and beans. It did not look appetizing to me, but he said it was amazing. So I tried a bite and wow! It was awesome! We are hoping they still have it this summer when we go, because it was very good and different from the usual food offered. They also have the mini donuts at TL that are very good.

 

[rtbreneman]

I could see us floating in the lazy river for along time! Glad to know both parks have a good one.

 

[Klayfish]

Yes, both lazy rivers are really nice. Of course, you have to deal with kids (and some adults) who want to run through it, knock people out of the way, etc...but for the most part it's quite nice. IMO, the TL one moves slower...there are spots where my wife and I have had to "paddle" because we weren't moving at all. Be aware, both have spots where you WILL get wet because of waterfalls, sprinklers, etc...