Off the beaten path: Typhoon Lagoon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Ryan Seeloff

Surprised our kids today with a trip to Typhoon Lagoon. Neither my wife nor I had been to a Disney water park since we worked for the Mouse back in the mid 90's and we were really excited to finally have the opportunity to take the kids.

What is Typhoon Lagoon?

Centered under Mt. Mayday, it is Disney's second water park (remember River Country over at the Fort Wilderness Campground? That was Disney's first Florida water park). Located between EPCOT and the Disney Marketplace, Typhoon Lagoon offers quite a bit for those needing to take a refreshing dip to throw off the nasty effects of the central Florida summer heat from wedgie creating almost vertical waterslides to a wave pool that produces up to six foot walls of water to a saltwater tank where you can snorkel with live sharks!

How many water slides are there?

Although not as many as nearby Wet N Wild, Typhoon Lagoon has 14 different slides for adults and older children including; the Crush 'n' Gusher, Gang Plank Falls, Humunga Kowabunga, Keelhaul Falls, Mayday Falls, and the Storm Slides.

- Crush 'n' Gusher sends up to three riders on your choice of three slides that are about 400 feet long.

- Gang Plank Falls is the parks "family" water slide where up to four guests can ride in extra large tubes as they spin and spin again.

- Recall that little "wedgie creating" comment at the start of this story? Well get ready to start picking after you drop nearly five stories on one of three enclosed, almost vertical waterslides as you yell," Humunga Kowabunga!".

- Keelhaul Falls sends solitary riders down one of three slides that speed through many turns and even a cavern or two.

- Mayday Falls sends a single rider down the longest slide in all of Typhoon Lagoon. It is also the fasted tube ridden slide in the park. Hold on to your eyeballs!

- Storm Slides rounds out the water slides at Typhoon Lagoon and it's just you and the water slide as you zip down the twists and turns. There are three different slides to try out with each one having a unique design.

What else is there to do?

Tired of all that sliding? Then grab a tube and take a relaxing lap around Castaway Creek, Typhoon Lagoon's version of a lazy river. Castaway Creek is also a good way to get around the park if you don't feel like walking as there are many enter/exit points as you make your way around. Do be prepared for bumping and splashing as it can get crowded in the Creek.

Do you have little Mouseketeers traveling with you? No problem as Typhoon Lagoon has an area set aside for the little ones called Ketchakiddee Creek. It is a perfect place for the Under 48" crowd to hang and they even have their own tube ride!

The surf pool is in the center of the park and visitors to this inland oasis can find themselves facing waves up to six feet in height as they seem to magically appear from the back edge of the pool. To the left side (If you are facing the pool) of the surf pool are a pair of water slides for younger guests. My daughter came down one of these slides at the same time one of the waves was washing by and it took her on an unexpected ride of it's own.

Do you like sharks?

Sharks at Typhoon Lagoon?

You read correctly. There be sharks in these here parts. You can take the plunge and snorkel in a pool of toothy critters if you dare. You should dare because once you hit that chilly saltwater (it's several degrees cooler than the freshwater in the park), you will be amazed to see an abundance of sea life just beyond your reach (No you shouldn't be reaching for the sharks silly). Cast members make sure you stay at the surface and move right along and they be quick to point out to the dawdlers that this isn't play time with Jaws.

A mask and snorkel are provided, but if you happen to bring your own along you will be able use them and probably see a bit better as the supplied masks are prone to fogging up. Life jackets are available to for the negatively bouyant (That means you sink) which is a club neither my son nor myself are members of.

If you really enjoy spending time with the toothy critters you can spend even more time with them (Yes you still have to stay at the surface) by paying a visit to Hammer Head Fred's Dive Shop and asking about the SAS (Supplied Air Snorkeling) system. There is a charge for this service.

Okay, I'm hungry now

Not a problem. You have several choices actually. Stop by one of the quick service shops for anything from a small snack to a full meal or even something sweet like some delicious ice cream (and 'm always a sucker for those Mickey ice cream bars).

Or you can pack your own meal into the park inside a cooler. The cast members at Typhoon Lagoon are very flexible with what they will allow into the park and a general guideline is that as long as it doesn't have wheels is okay to bring. Remember this simple phrase," Bringing your lunch in the park is okay, but if the cooler has wheels it's no way". Catchy? Maybe the Mouse will be calling soon to take advantage of my awesome marketing skills.

I just want to find a place to sit down

This can be a little bit of an issue especially if you get to the park in the early afternoon. There are literally hundreds of seats available for guests, but the best ones (the ones in the shade) get snapped up first and you may get stuck with seats out in the sun.

Now if you get to the park early enough you can reserve seats in a little area off to the side of the park complete with tables and umbrellas. There is a charge for this convenience, but it can be well worth the cost if you want a nice place to relax.

I forgot my suncreen

Not a problem. The main shop at Typhoon Lagoon will take care of guests that might have forgotten sunscreen, swim suits (don't laugh, it has probably happened), or anything else you may need during your visit.

My feet are burning!

Yes, this is a major concern when visiting Typhoon Lagoon as the pathways that stay in the sunlight throughout the day tend to get very hot. We found ourselves mentally mapping out the spots of shade on the pathways and racing for them. One way to aleviate this is to wear flip flops, sandals, or water shoes. This will also lessen the wear and tear your feet will receive while walking around the park and in the lazy river.

Now you know what Typhoon Lagoon is and what there is to do. Our kids had the time of their lives and we made the decision to purchase "After 2:00 p.m. Water Park Annual Passes" as they were only a few more dollars per ticket than a single day pass. This offer is only good for residnets of the Sunshine State.

We are now looking forward to taking the kids over to Blizzard Beach. Stay tuned as we head Off the beaten path once again.

For more information on Typhoon Lagoon please visit their offical spot on the Walt Disney World website Here.

 

Back to Destination Brevard Home