By Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
When people ask us which Disney World water park is better, we have a standard reply. Blizzard Beach works better for families traveling with small children, while Typhoon Lagoon is better for adults.
We should clarify that this is just our opinion, but you’ll find many similar assessments online. The addition of a Frozen area at Blizzard Beach was probably the tipping point.
We’d argue that Blizzard Beach features the more aggressive rides overall, but, as you’re about to learn, Typhoon Lagoon operates the one that’s probably the best of the bunch.
As for the theme, Typhoon Lagoon’s premise is equally charming to that of Blizzard Beach. The idea is that an island paradise once fell victim to an improbable typhoon.
Thankfully, this heinous weather event didn’t hurt anyone. It merely displaced a lot of beach necessities, many of which washed ashore as flotsam and jetsam.
You’ll find various ships and nets at Typhoon Lagoon. However, there was one unlikely victim of the storm. A ship named Miss Tilly somehow got impaled on the top of Mount Mayday.
During any Typhoon Lagoon visit, you cannot help but notice the oddity of a shrimp boat precariously sitting on the top of the mountain, looking as if any blast of air could send it flying to the base of the hill.
The whole story may sound menacing, but we can assure you it’s quite silly. In fact, Disney even threw in a ridiculous sight gag. Every half hour, the mountain erupts, shooting water 50 feet in the air.
Also, since Blizzard Beach gets a mascot, Typhoon Lagoon has one as well, and it’s also an alligator. You may see Lagoona Gator at the park during your visit.
By the way, before the pedants come after us, we’re aware of the order of the gator mascots. Typhoon Lagoon opened in 1989, while Blizzard Beach arrived in 1995. So, both water parks are more than 30 years old.
When Disney built Typhoon Lagoon, it decided that bigger was better. So, you’ll find a comically large wave pool here called the Surf Pool.
That name’s more intentional than you might think, as this wave pool’s so large that people actually surf on it! Think about how massive the pool has to be for that to be a possibility.
Also, the presence of actual surfing at Typhoon Lagoon explains why many adults choose it over Blizzard Beach. That’s not something you would expect at a water park, right?
In the Mount Mayday area, you’ll find several other attractions, starting with Mayday Falls. It’s a tube slide down the side of Mount Mayday. For thematic purposes, you’ll notice mountain rocks all the way down the slide.
Keelhaul Falls similarly offers a tubed ride through mountainous slopes. It’s quite gentle compared to Mayday Falls.
For something more aggressive, choose Humunga Kowabunga, a racing slide where you’ll face off against two others down a speed tube. This ride takes just a few seconds, but it’s a blast.
Should you prefer something a bit longer, try one (or all) of the three Storm Slides. To us, the Jib Jammer, the Rudder Buster, and the Stern Burner all feel the same, and we recommend each of them.
When you want more of a group activity, try Gang Plank Falls, a four-person tubing adventure that’s fun for the whole family. This one’s wholesome.
At Hideaway Bay, you’ll find what we consider the park’s best attractions, one of which is Disney’s best water park ride.
Miss Adventure Falls introduces guests to Mary Oceaneer, a member of the Society of Adventurers and Explorers.
She has a parrot named Duncan that’s a surprisingly great Audio-Animatronic. Attentive guests will notice him near the start of the ride.
As for the experience itself, it’s a lengthy two-minute raft ride that will absolutely soak you, and you’ll laugh the whole time. It’s our favorite water park attraction at Disney World.
Not that far behind it is the more aggressive Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a water coaster that allows you to choose one of three slides: the Banana Blaster, the Coconut Crusher, and the Pineapple Plunger.
For the longest time, Crush ‘n’ Gusher embodied the best of Disney, but we prefer the more laid-back Miss Adventure Falls. Try both and tell us whether you agree!
While we’re big fans of most of the stuff, the reality is that you’re most likely to find us on Castaway Creek, the glorious lazy river that encircles the park. David could spend all day here…and has tried a couple of times.
Parents should know that this park hosts toddler slides, the Bay Slides. You could make memories that last a lifetime here.
Also, you can be confident that Disney employs the best lifeguards possible. So, your child will be safe at either water park.
So, you can take them to Ketchakiddee Creek, the children’s play area, and feel safe knowing that they’ll have an amazing time! It’s such a relief because you’re on vacation, too. You should get to nurture a beverage, right?
Speaking of which, the main dining location here is Leaning Palms, although we’re partial to Typhoon Tilly’s…and yes, it’s 100 percent because of the name!
When you want a drink, you’ll head to a place called – we kid you not – Let’s Go Slurpin’, which may give you a Beach Boys earworm, but the pours are generous.
Finally, the main shop, Singapore Sal’s, will rent you equipment if you want to try surfing. Typhoon Lagoon even offers surfing lessons, albeit for a hefty fee of $165 in the morning and $175 at night.