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With 3 water parks to choose from, one is bound to be nearby, wherever you’re staying. Wet ‘n Wild, located along I-Drive (listed separately on Theme Parks and Attractions page), has plenty in the way of high-speed thrills, though it offers an area appropriate for those not quite ready to make some of the more dramatic drops found throughout the rest of the park. Disney can claim ownership of the remaining 2 water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both are located in Lake Buena Vista, and both are of course uniquely themed à la Disney, offering an array of experiences for young and old alike.
Some Water Park Dos and Don’ts
Do
-Wear sunscreen (and bring extra for reapplication as the water will eventually wash it off). The SPF should be at least a 30, though a 45 or higher is best for kids.
-Wear a one-piece swim suit (just a suggestion for the ladies in the family, though of course boys can sport those great surf suits as well).
- Measure your kids to see how tall they are. Many of the slides and rides have height restrictions, and this will prevent unexpected disappointments when you arrive at the parks.
-Bring your own drinks and snacks (in plastic containers) as purchasing them at the parks ca n get rather expensive (though all of the parks do offer snacks and drinks).
-Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you are visiting during the hottest and sunniest hours of the day.
-Bring swim diapers for toddlers not yet potty trained. They are required in all of the water parks.
-Bring goggles instead of masks. Some parks won’t allow masks because they cover your nose. It is best to call ahead or check a park’s Web site for details regarding these restrictions.
-Bring an underwater disposable camera if you’re headed to Typhoon Lagoon. You can take pictures of the marine life swimming right alongside of you in Shark Reef.
-Bring water shoes. The ground can get quite hot in the searing sun.
-Bring along your ID. Many parks will require one if you are borrowing a life vest.
-Visit the parks later in the day (after 3:00 p.m.) during peak vacation seasons and holidays. Hours are generally extended during these periods, and many guests tend to arrive early, making for rather crowded conditions. Those arriving later in the day will find the crowds beginning to thin out. Some parks even offer discounted rates to those arriving after a certain time in the afternoon.
Don’t
-Wear swimsuits that have buckles, rivets, or anything that may catch on something or scratch on anything on any of the rides
-Wear shorts. Though in some parks they may be acceptable in the wave pools, they are generally not allowed on any of the slides or rides
-Bring glass containers of any kind into any of the parks. Although all 4 parks allow you to bring food and drinks (nonalcoholic only), just make sure nothing is in a glass container.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Fun+ For toddlers and younger kids
Fantastic For older kids and adults
Buena Vista Drive (close to the Hotel Plaza Boulevard and Downtown Disney areas),
Lake Buena vista
Phone: 407-939-4636 and 407-560-4141
Web site: www.disneyworld.com
Hours: Operating hours vary depending on the season, so be sure to check www.disneyworld.com for the most up-to-date information, though they usually open at around 10:00 a.m.
You will also find that the water parks close periodically for refurbishment, so once again it is best to check the Web site for the most up-to-date information. Inclement weather will also affect operating hours, but no refunds and rain checks are issued, so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time. Last, capacity may very well be an issue during peak vacation periods.
The water parks fill up quite quickly during peak seasons and of course on the hotter, sunnier, and more humid days as well. Remember to take this into consideration when making your plans.
Admission: A 1-day ticket to the park costs $39 for adults and $33 for children 3-9.
Parking is included in the admission fee.
Average touring time: Varies anywhere from a half day to a full day depending on how much your family likes water parks.
 The lines are longest right around park opening. If you prefer not to stand in the sweltering heat waiting to get in, wait until about a half hour after the park officially opens, when the lines should be more reasonable. On the other hand, if you wait too long, the prime spots to sit (those closest to the wave pool, near the kids’ areas, and under cover from the sun) are likely to be taken. Now, that’s not to say you won’t find a spot to sit at all - there’s more than enough to go around--but they likely won’t be within sight of the places you’ll want to play unless you don’t mind sitting in the full sun.
Shower and locker facilities are available, as are towels and life vests. Life vests are available at no extra charge, but there’s a limited supply. Unlike in other water parks, flotation devices brought into the park from the outside are not allowed. Inner tubes (required for some of the rides) are complimentary as well. Coolers are allowed, but glass containers of any kind and alcoholic beverages are not.
Life guards are scattered about throughout the entire park, but close supervision of children is required.
With a shipwreck - looking as if it may very well have been tossed about in a typhoon-- teetering high above atop a volcano, this island paradise features snorkeling, surfing, and of course plenty of sliding amongst the wreckage. There are surfboards and cargo scattered about (though actually carefully placed) to further enhance the theme.
The latest and greatest addition to the park arrived in 2005 – Crush ‘n’ Gusher. It made its debut in May, and it’s definitely a hit. Central Florida’s only “water coaster” offers one-of-a-kind thrills and spills, and believe me when I say that this one’s not for the faint of heart. There are 3 different experiences to choose from, each differing in the degree of sloping and turning that will be experienced throughout the ride. The Banana Blaster, the Coconut Crusher, and the Pineapple Plunger, each appropriately named, will have you careening and winding through an old rusted-out tropical fruit warehouse - it is a tropical island after all. Something to note, though, is that the slide is located a bit off the beaten path on the right side of the park and just beyond the lockers. I found it a bit confusing to find, actually having to ask where it was even though there are signs everywhere throughout the park with arrows to the different rides and slides. A rather large sandy area surrounds the pool and is filled with lounge chairs, but most are right out in the full sun. The advantage is that it’s a great place for younger members of the family to relax, hang out, and play while the more adventurous ride the slides, the large pool providing the perfect place to cool off. While the riders are splashing down in the far end, there’s a slight separation so those not sliding can enjoy swimming and splashing around themselves - watching those making their way up and down the slide. The zero entry makes it great for younger kids too.
With saltwater snorkeling, surfing, and sandy white beaches lined with swaying palm trees and dense tropical greenery, Typhoon Lagoon has something for everyone in the family. The littlest ones (ages 2-6) will be able to happily splash about for hours in Ketchakidie Creek, with tons of fun water activities including miniature slides, water boats, bubblers, geysers, fountains, water squirters, and more. The shallow water play area features a pint-sized creek of sorts winding its way around through the entire children’s area. It features a zero entry on the far left end and then gradually becomes a bit deeper (though it never reaches above most kids’ knees). A large rock formation provides a great background for the pint-sized pool, with waterfalls spilling and splashing down, soaking anyone willing to stand underneath them. The caves behind the falls will keep explorers (big and little) much dryer. Kids can float along their own miniature lazy river in pint-sized tubes or play around the wooden gators lurking in the shallower waters. The sand castle (this one permanent) is the perfect spot for spraying water cannons, but you’re bound to get wet no matter where you head as the water snakes, fountains, and squirters are everywhere.
The beach areas are bound to be a hit with everyone in the family no matter what their age. Kids can play in the sand and splash about the shallower waters while Mom and Dad relax in the hammock, enjoying the shade of the palm trees. The wave pool features a zero entry to the far left side. It’s appropriate for smaller kids as it’s somewhat separated from the most intense action of the main area, but be aware that kids can easily wander over to the main wave pool, which, unless they are very good swimmers, is not a safe place. The wave pool, however, is one of the most popular spots in the park. Watch out for the “whoosh” that signals when the next wave will be coming through (and that’s every few minutes). Shark Reef is a saltwater pool where guests find themselves sharing the waters with such marine life as butterfly fish, tangs, groupers, French angels, and even nurse sharks. If snorkeling isn’t your thing but you still want to check out the underwater inhabitants, the shipwreck in the center of the pool offers those who prefer not to get wet a pretty good view through its portholes. Be aware that the wreck may be slightly unsettling for younger kids as the submerged sub creaks and groans, clanks and bangs, giving you the feeling that you’re truly on the bottom of the ocean. The eerie lighting and sloped floor just add to the experience. Bridges spanning across and above the reef offer decent views as well, just from above the water instead of below.
The lazy river, Cast Away Creek, surrounding the park is a family favorite as well, allowing you to lazily float about the park relaxing and soaking up the Florida sunshine. What’s particularly helpful is that you can enter from numerous spots along the creek instead of only a single entry point. This also helps to keep congestion to a minimum. Older kids will want to try out Bay Slides (as long as they’re under 5 feet tall) for body sliding. For the thrill seekers in the family, there are 3 rather wild raft rides (Mayday Falls, Keelhaul Falls, and Gangplank Falls), the Storm Slides body slides (the Rudder Buster, Stern Buster, and Jib Jammer), and of course Mt. Mayday’s feature attraction, the Humunga Kowabunga waterslides, which drop you down one of three dizzyingly steep slides through rocky caverns and back out again at speeds of up to around 30 miles per hour.
A handful of walking trails wind their way along the volcano as well, including the Mountain Trail, which is surrounded by even more lush greenery, and the Forgotten Grotto, where you can walk about and explore the island caves.
In general, the left side of the park is relatively milder, appropriate for kids from tots to preteens, with a few areas better suited for older kids and adults. The right side of the park features the most intense slides and rides. The centerpiece of the park is of course the gigantic wave pool. All of the rides and areas are well signed and include fairly detailed descriptions and warnings that make it easy to judge whether it’s appropriate to ride.
The incredible landscaping would lead you to believe that there’s nothing else around for miles - that you’re truly shipwrecked out on a remote island in the middle of nowhere. (Would you expect anything less from Disney?) Pathways are lined with towering palm trees, lush landscaping, and dense shrubbery as they wind throughout the entire park. Keep in mind, though, that because of this it’s easy to get turned around-- even lost - here. Everywhere you turn there are lounge chairs and tables set in among the greenery, in the sand, and along the beaches. Some are covered by colorful parachute pieces, others are under the shade of makeshift lean-to’s …you’re shipwrecked, remember? - and still others are found in the midst of the palm trees. Every detail is in keeping with the surfing and island themes, from the scattered wreckage and surfboards found throughout the park to the hanging lanterns lighting the winding pathways.
Surf’s Up, Dude
The Surf Pool is one of the world’s largest inland wave pools, and for an additional fee (though not a small one at $135 per person) you can learn to surf before park opening.
Craig Carroll’s Cocoa Beach Surfing School is available to kids 8 and up, but the size of the class is limited, so make your reservations well in advance at 407-939-7529.
If you find that you get hungry after all of that swimming and sliding, there’s plenty to choose from, including kid-friendly favorites like burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and sandwiches (though there’s plenty more for adults). With several snack spots and a handful of more substantial eateries located throughout the park, you’re sure not to be too far off from one or another. If you prefer a picnic, you can do that too.
Something New
If you’re headed to either of the Walt Disney World Resort water parks, you can easily avoid the long lines at the ticket counters. Let me explain. Instead of having to make your way through the long lines at the ticket counter in the sweltering Florida sun, Disney has installed automated ticketing machines with touch-screen technology. All you need to use it is your credit card or your Walt Disney World room key. Simply select the proper ticket type (child or adult) and the quantity of each that you need. Just sign the screen and out pops your ticket. The machines located at Blizzard Beach even offer the option of purchasing tickets to Disney’s Winter Summerland miniature golf course (located just nearby).
Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista (located between Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Phone: 407-824-4321
Web site: www.disneyworld.com
Hours: Operating hours vary depending on the season, so check www.disneyworld.com for the most up-to-date information, though the park usually opens at around 10:00 a.m.
The water parks close periodically for refurbishment, so once again it is best to check the Web site for the most up-to-date information. Inclement weather will also affect operating hours, but no refunds or rainchecks are issued. Last, capacity may be an issue during peak vacation periods. The water parks fill up quickly during peak seasons and of course on the hotter, sunnier, and humid days as well, so just remember to take that into consideration when making your plans.
Admission: A 1-day ticket costs $39 for an adult and $33 for children 3-9. Parking is included in the admission fee.
Average touring time: A half day to a full day, depending on how long you want to be splashing around and how much you and your family like water parks. It may also depend on how tall your kids are since the thrill rides and slides here all require that kids be a minimum height of 48”. There are certainly areas appropriate for younger (and smaller) kids, though the majority of its slides and rides, as truly unique as they are, are really geared to the thrill seekers in the family.
Showers and lockers are available to use throughout the day. Life vests are also available at no extra charge (just keep in mind that they have only a limited number). Unlike other water parks, flotation devices brought into the park from outside are not allowed. Inner tubes are complimentary. Coolers are allowed, but glass containers of any kind and alcoholic beverages are not.
Who would have thought that you’d find snow-capped mountaintops in Orlando? Add in a little Disney magic, and it’s no surprise that such a place exists. At Disney’s Blizzard Beach you may not actually know if you’re at a water park or a ski resort, at least until you’ve plummeted down the vertical drops at speeds that may very well rival some on skis, in the end only to find yourself splashing down into the warm, 80-degree waters below. It’s a visual experience that really must be seen to be believed.
Older kids and adults who thrive on thrills will appreciate Summit Plummet. On what in my opinion resembles an Olympic ski jump, riders will be plummeted straight down at speeds of around 55 miles per hour. Other favorites include the Slush Gusher, Snow Stormers, Runoff Rapids, and the Downhill Double Dipper to name a few, each offering a unique variation and experience in sliding and riding. Even the Chairlift is pretty cool, fashioned after a ski lift yet sporting a brightly colored extra-wide umbrella overhead to protect you from the sun’s rays as you make your way to the top of the mountain.
Melt-Away-Bay, the park’s 1-acre wave pool, and Cross Country Creek, its lazy river (or creek, in this case) pool that literally surrounds the entire park, are two of the best ways to relax and cool off at Blizzard Beach, especially for those of you not quite ready to plunge at dizzying speeds into the water below from high atop a mountain.
The Ski Patrol Training Camp, geared especially for tweens, features a handful of unique and interesting challenges. Included is an iceberg walk, where you have to make your way across the water--without falling in--by walking on the floating (and rather tipsy) icebergs with only a rope overhead to help you along. A t-bar drop and a handful of smaller slides are among some of the others.
Tinier tots (those under 4 feet tall) will appreciate Tike’s Peak, a miniature version of Mount Gushmore. It comes complete with a variety of smaller slides and a gigantic snow-castle fountain where splashing about is practically a requirement. Gentle waterfalls, dancing water areas, and a m iniature tube slide are just an example of what you’ll find for younger kids.
Just picture a small village in the Bavarian Alps just slightly misplaced in the middle of Orlando and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect. The theme is apparent from the minute you enter as the shops, restaurants, and eateries that line the walkways are all snowcapped, adorned with skis and snowshoes, many of which resemble miniature ski lodges. Even the many sandy sitting areas feature small wooden roofed chalets to protect you from the Florida sun.
If you find that you get hungry after all of that swimming and sliding, there’s plenty to choose from, including kid-friendly favorites like burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and sandwiches (with even more choices for adults). With several snack spots and a handful of more substantial eateries located throughout the park, you’re sure not to be too far off from one or another. You can also picnic if you prefer.
A Note: If you can get to only one of the area water parks, I highly recommend the Disney water parks. No one can create a world (or water park, in this case) of fantasy quite like those Disney imagineers can. Now, don’t get me wrong--the other two parks are certainly good choices. It’s simply that Disney adds that extra little bit of magic that makes theirs the best of the bunch.
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