Magical Memories: Disney Water Parks

   

I recently spoke with some friends who were planning a trip to WDW.  They were looking to spend a day or two away from the theme parks and wanted some ideas.  I asked if they had been to the Disney Water Parks which they had not.  The Disney Water Parks are two of the top water parks in the world and also the most visited.                                                                                                                     

 Tyhoon Lagoon is located across from the West Side at Downtown Disney, if you are staying at a Disney Resort bus transportation is provided at no expense.  Disney Legend has it that a typhoon "wreaked havoc upon a formely pristine tropical paradise".  As you walk around the park you will see ships, fishing gear and surfboards strewn about from when the "storm" hit.

 Typhoon Lagoon is broken up into different areas:  Mount Mayday, Hideaway Bay, Typhoon Lagoon, Shark Reef and Castaway Creek.  Within each area you will find many attractions including:  The Surf Pool, the world's largest wae pool; the Crush 'n' Gusher, a water coaster; Humunga Kowabunga, an enclosed flume slide; and Gang Plank Falls, a family raft ride.  If you are just trying to relax try lying out on lounge chair on the Sandy White Beach.

 

Fast Food and snacks are available in Typhoon Lagoon with The Leaning Palms being the main counter service restaurant.  If you are looking to save money coolers are allowed into the park and picnic areas are provided.  Typhoon Lagoon also features a full service bar.   

Blizzard Beach is located  in the Animal Kingdom resort area near the Coronado Springs Resort.  As with Typhoon Lagoon bus service is provided from the Disney Resorts.  The theme of Blizzard Beach is that a freak snow storm hit Florida resulting in the creation of its first ski resort.  The snow didn't last and the ski resort was turned into a water park.  As with Typhoon Lagoon this park is broken into different areas:  the Green, Purple and Red Slopes as well as the Ground Level featuring food and beverage as well as merchandise.

Attractions at Blizzard Beach include:  Summit Plummet, a 120 ft water slide; Melt Away Bay, a wave pool located at the bottom of Mount Gushmore; Downhill Double Dipper, which is one of the world's only side by side racing slides; and Teamboat Springs, the world's longest family white water raft ride.

As with TL food and snack options are available.  Coolers are allowed in the park (though glass items and alcohol are prohibited) with picnic areas provided.  Separate admission to both water parks is required.  See the WDW website for prices.  The Disney Water parks are a great place to go if you want a day away from the theme parks, with something for each member of your family.