Disney does water parks too! (Disney's Typhoon Lagoon)

Member Name: Daisy

Product:	Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Date:	04/08/01 (252 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: see text

Disadvantages: only if you arrive late

Typhoon Lagoon is one of Disney’s three water parks, and in my opinion the best of the three. During our recent trip to Florida we visited twice and we all had a great time there.

Basically Typhoon Lagoon (TL) is Disney's untypical version of a typical water park themed in a tropical island setting. The park contains all of the activities you would expect to find in a water park – slides, pools, a slow river - plus others you won’t find anywhere else: including a surf pool and a saltwater artificial coral reef full of tropical fish which you can snorkel through!

As you enter TL you walk along a short path. There is then a slight hill and at the end of this you catch your first glimpse of Mount Mayday atop of which is perched “Miss Tilly” a boat that ran aground here during a storm. Of course this is the “story” but it provides an excellent backdrop for the surf pool and beach. The beaches are of course of the best quality sand and there are plenty of chairs and sunbeds throughout the park to choose from, although naturally those in the shade are snapped up first (as we learnt to our cost on our second visit when it was nearer lunch time when we arrived).

Although the surf pool is great fun the waves, which come every 90 seconds, are actually very strong – my 7 year old daughter was swept quite a way with them and although she thought this was hilarious if you are not a good swimmer it could be dangerous. There is actually a schedule of the wave/surf posted and everyone is warned when stronger waves are coming. There are of course plenty of lifeguards on duty throughout the park.

On the left slopes of Mount Mayday there are three raft slides. At the entrance to each of these you collect an inner tube or raft and carry it up with you. Keelhaul falls is the tamest of the three and also seemed to have the shortest wait. There is then a Family Raft Ride which requires a minimum of 3
people – we all got drenched on this one! Mayday Falls is the highest and of course scariest of the raft rides and I’m sorry but I wasn’t brave enough and can’t comment personally on this one!

On the right of Mount Mayday are the body slides, Humunga Kowabunga and a combination of three ‘storm slides’ aptly titled the jib jammer, rudder buster and stern burner! No of course I didn’t try them I just had fun watching other people lose their swimsuits coming down at huge speeds! If you are not sure if you are brave enough for a particular slide you can always climb to the top, have a look and climb back down if you change your mind!

Shark Reef is one of the more unusual attractions. As you enter the area you are given a face mask, snorkel and life vest (there is no extra charge for this). You are then given instructions on how to use the equipment and then its on to the chilly saltwater area to view the tropical fish and sharks (only small sharks of course) Unfortunately because this area is so popular you are not encouraged to linger. We have found that it’s best to visit as soon as the park opens before the place gets busy.

Most water parks have a river that circles the park and this is no exception. Castaway Creek gently carries you around and there are various point where you can enter or exit. However during the course you are sprayed with mist which is pleasant and also assaulted with cold water from ‘broken pipes’ – be prepared for these areas!

The children’s area is known as Ketchakiddee Creek and was given a huge thumbs up by my two children. It has mini version of many of the slides and rides as well as a mini lazy river that they loved. There are also a variety of squirting animals,boats etc and a grotto with water squirting throughout it which my two loved running through.

Of course as with most Disney parks the earlier you arrive the less t
ime you spend standing in queues. Plus of course you get to grab the best chairs in the shady areas. Once the park reaches capacity no one else will be admitted until the crowds subside. Lockers and towels can be rented for the day although children’s life vests are provided free of charge. There are a variety of places to eat and there are also picnic areas where you can eat your own food (and many people brought their cool boxes). A good deal that we found was buying an insulated cup for $9. This could be filled as many times as you wanted throughout that day with soft drinks, which worked out really well for us in the heat.

Overall this is a great and relaxing day to spend the day, with something for everyone. Prices per adult are approx. $29 but many of the Disney park tickets include visits to the water parks. If you are in the area I would highly recommend Typhoon Lagoon for a day away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.

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