Which water park for young kids

[Cruisin'Linda]

I was wondering if anyone had any tips about which water park would be best suited for 2 nearly 5 year olds and a 7 year old. My oldest is a pretty good swimmer, but the younger 2 wear the arm floats. Anyone have any experience with Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach?

Thanks

 

[anabelle]

My kids seem to like BB better, but I thought the kiddie area at TL was better themed and more fun. I was outvoted. You know your kids. Are they shy and like being around little ones more , then TL... If they are a little more adventurous, BB.

 

[suerob]

I've been to Typhoon Lagoon but don't really remember it much and going to BB for first time in August. I have 5 and 7 yo DD's and I chose BB becuase I've heard they have better areas for little kids. I believe there's an area for preschoolers and one for kids a little older. I've read on these boards that they have lots of activities for little ones. You might try and do a search for some more info.

 

[RyMickey]

Personally, I think that the kid's area at TL is better-suited for the younger crowd. BB has a "pre-teen/tween" area that, like someone previously said, is a little more adventurous. One advantage BB does have, though, is that their wave pool just has little tiny waves, whereas TL's has monstrous ones.

So, I'm not sure whether I helped or not, but there's a few more things to think about.

RyMickey

 

[sha_lyn]

the kids area in BB is much better. About the only thing to do in the TL kids area is play in the sand and get squrited in the face. BB kids area OTOH is great. Poor DD was boared to death with the kids area at TL.

 

[BevS97]

another vote for BB - there are 2 areas at BB for kids - the smaller area has proper slides that the little ones can do, and at the top there is even an area for the very teenies - once they have mastered this area, they can move onto the teens area (ski patrol) which has mroe challenging things that are still easier than the adult slides. Plus the family raft ride here is just superb. I don't much like the theming here, but for facilities for all ages, it really is much better than TL.

The kids area at TL has a lot of squirting water, and my dd really did not like this as she kept getting hit in the face with water. It also has a river, and sand, but I can't really remember much else -DD wasn't at all happy here, so we didn't stay long. the family raft ride is also veryshort and quite disappointing.

 

[kelscross]

There was also a mini raft slide for little ones in TL. My girls loved the kiddie area.

 

[AlwaysEeyore]

Whick would be better for a 2-1/2 year old??

 

[jbwolffiv]

I vote for TL since my at that time DD 16 mo loved it! I am a little biased since I have not been to BB. Sorry! I loved TL too!

 

[F1Julie]

This may be a stupid question, but does Blizzard Beach not have sand? From what I read on this thread, it sounds like Typhoon Lagoon does have sand.

 

[BevS97]

there is no sand at Blizzard Beach - Typhoon Lagoon has lots of sand. For me, no sand was a big plus, as we felt that the sand got into everything and my dd wasnt' that bothered about digging in it.

 

[Lorix2]

Cruisin'Linda -

We loved TL with my 5 and 10 yr olds. I have not been to BB so I cannot compare. I hear though that TL is more relaxed, more tropical and layed back as BB brings in more of the teen crowd because of it's bigger and steeper slides.

Just some FYI for you about the waterparks. For you're 5 y/o's you can rent the floatation vests. My 5 y/o could swim, but when you come down the slides, you will go under momentarily and when it's crowded it's definitely peace of mind knowing they cannot go under with these on. My son tried to and thought it was so funny. THey are very lightweight and very comfortable on them, he never complained about it. I think I read that arm floaties and other swimming devices are not allowed.

You can "rent" the vests at the entrance. I think they hold you're license.

 

[HopperFan]

WE DO BOTH AND LOVE BOTH, but I think they'll love the theme...

I think the kiddie area was very well planned as the 2nd park to be built. (TL's original kiddie area was too small and it was expanded). BB has a large area, with more slides and lots of seating, play area and only a couple ways in and out. Very well supervised. I found it a more peaceful kiddie area, especially since it was off the main path of traffic.

BB wave pool is tamer and will be more enjoyable. TL wave pool is very very powerful. FUN for the older folks.

Right across the river is the pre-teen area that your older one will probably enjoy trying. Family raft ride is great fun as well as the lazy river for the kids. Skylift to top of rides so you don't have to climb steps.

We see no difference in the teen population! While BB has a couple more thrills, TL has the awesome wave pool and shark reef making it equally attractive.

 

[Barbmouse63]

We are going to both soon (see countdown!) and are so excited! My dks are 7 & 10 so I think both will be fun for them. Does anyone have a recommendation for which one to do first. From what I've read BB seems to be the favorite. Opinions?

 

[HopperFan]

I think go to BB first. It has the cartoon theming, the great pre-teen area, and is on a more high energy level. Save TL for a more tropical/relaxing day (if that is possible). Do Shark Reef early before it is crowded and the sediment gets stirred up. Enjoy the island atmosphere.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Last year we visited BB after many recommendations from others. This year we thought we'd give TL a shot. My ds's are 5 and 7 and they had a great time!! We stayed from 9 am to 3 pm.

As a family, I think we had a much better time at TL than we did at BB. We did most of the slides together, the family raft ride, and then spent hours in the wave pool! They did not like the Shark Reef at all and made me promise never to take them in there again. It is a saltwater tank and didnt taste very good! LOL

I liked the more relaxed feeling, loved the lazy river and used it to get around the park rather than walk.

TL has more shade also if I recall correctly.

We will definitely return to both but will wait until the boys are older for BB.

 

[debbiedana]

We took DD to WDW for her 3rd bday, and we went to both TL and BB.

Out of ten, I think she would have rated BB a 9 and TL a 7.5. She really really liked both, but BB a little better mainly because of water shooting at her face in TL. But you sure wouldn't hear her complain if we had only gone to TL!

I think both water parks were great, and so did my daughter. When we went this January, she really missed going to them.

 

[PAFamily]

We went to BB last year and my kids loved it so much that when I suggested we try TL this year they said no way. They were 2 and 4 last year and BB had enough small slides and activities to keep them entertained all day. We had a blast- I highly recommend it!