Day: May 30, 2013

As we are now in the unofficial post Memorial Day summer season, I thought I’d talk about Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. So full disclosure, I have actually been to Typhoon Lagoon before. The first time I went though I don’t really count as I was only there for about an hour before the park closed due to weather. That is one of the things you need to be aware of is that the safety of the guests and Cast Members will always come first, so if there is any lightning or major inclement weather, the park is subject to temporary closure. Both times I have visited now were stormy days in May and June, so knowing the Florida summer weather, this is not a rare occasion.

The first time I went, back in June of 2008, I was able to experience two attractions, which was good because I didn’t get a chance to do them this trip. First up was the Shark Reef. This snorkeling experience in chilly (about 68 degrees) saltwater, allows you to gently float in a pool with a few different types of sharks and several species of fish swimming below you. I opted to take an underwater camera, but the pictures came out kind of dark since it was a stormy day. This is a cool activity to try and doesn’t have an additional cost to borrow the snorkel equipment.

The only other thing I was able to do before the park closed was Castaway Creek, the lazy river where you

can gently float along in an inner tube around the perimeter of Typhoon Lagoon. I absolutely love this attraction and was a little sad I wasn’t able to do it last week when I went. It is so relaxing to just chill, but beware, there are also spots along the creek where other guests can shoot water cannons to spray you from the bridges above. It is also really convenient that there are multiple access points where you can get in and out of the creek, or go all the way around.

When we first arrived, we headed to grab dinner at Leaning Palms. There are several quick service and snack locations throughout the park that even accept the dining plan. I was excited to see that they have the mini donuts at Typhoon Lagoon, which I have only had before at Blizzard Beach. I had a fantastic turkey pesto sandwich with homemade chips and fresh fruit and a soda.

This past week was the first time I was able to do any of the water slides at Typhoon Lagoon, so this is why I consider it my first real trip to the water park. I started off with a ride on Humunga Kowabunga, a five story straight drop in only seconds. This is like doing Splash Mountain on your back without a flume. It is quite the thrill! Next up were the Storm Slides, which I enjoyed a bit more. These three winding slides still provide a thrill at a three story drop.

From here, we went to one of my favorite rides we did, Gangplank Falls, a family raft ride that combines fun twists and turns with drops and even some unexpected water effects. I really enjoyed this as you can ride with three others and this makes a fun attraction for the whole family! The last ride I did was Mayday Falls, a single inner tube slide that takes you through tubes, under waterfalls, and is one of the fastest of the single tube slides. I liked this one too, but got a little scared when I got turned around partway down. Luckily, I was able to turn back around before the splashdown.

Overall, I had a fun time on the slides. Gangplank Falls was my favorite of the rides I did. I wish I had been able to do Crush ‘n’ Gusher as I’ve only heard fantastic things about this exciting water roller coaster that shoots you up and down hills on an inner tube. One of my absolute favorite things to do was actually to sit on the seats along the edge of the wall at the side of the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. The waves come and splash you every few minutes cooling you off as you relax.

Here are a few things you need to know, that I wish I had known, before I went to Typhoon Lagoon. There are quite a few (read as hundreds, if not thousands) of stairs to get to many of the attractions. I was more sore the next day after going to the water park for two hours from doing stairs than I am after a 3 mile run. You’ve been warned! Also, there are signs around most of the slides warning you not to wear jewelry on the slides. Take it from me and heed these warnings. I don’t know if it was on a slide or in the wave pool, but I lost one of my toe rings that I never take off because they are now just a part of me.

On the subject of the wave pool, don’t underestimate the height of the waves. I was in the pool with Zoe and realized she wasn’t going to be tall enough to jump over the wave, so I tossed her over the wave, but wasn’t able to brace myself and was knocked over. I was fine, other than a small scrape on my knee, but pay attention and try not to get caught in no man’s land where you are in between where the waves break. You are better off going either deeper to where the waves aren’t breaking yet, or more shallow closer to the beach after where the waves break.

Typhoon Lagoon was a ton of fun and I can’t wait to go back to try the last few attractions I haven’t done yet. They also have a great kids only area for younger children called Ketchakiddee Creek if your kids aren’t as daring as Zoe, who at almost 7 does all of the big slides too. This area is like a mini version of the rest of the park with different types of attractions like slides, tube rides, fountains and caves with waterfalls. I also look forward to going to Blizzard Beach for the first time to do something other than eat donuts. 😉

Have you been to the Disney water parks before? What are your favorite attractions at Typhoon Lagoon? Take time to cool down this summer outside the theme parks and take advantage of all the great offerings at the water parks.