Jacksonville, did you know that just a little over two hours away in Orlando there is an iconic water park where you can enjoy the Disney magic we know and love AND you can cool off during the summer with lots of water slides, a lazy river and more? Well let me tell you all about Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. This water park is one of two on Disney property – the other being Blizzard Beach. It doesn’t matter which water park is open during your visit, both Disney water parks promise an exciting experience but I personally love Typhoon Lagoon a little more.
Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Overview
The lore and legend behind this water park is that a terrible storm ravaged Mount Mayday years ago, creating Typhoon Lagoon. The park has a large tropical bay that is full of “shipwrecked” items, including the iconic “Miss Tilly” (a boat that now rests atop Mount Mayday), stray surfboards, sand castles, and lots of other wrecked boats and items scattered all around the park. I just love the tropical theming and fun vibes and the idea of being “stranded” with Disney characters like Stitch and buckets of ice cream doesn’t sound all that bad to me.
The water is heated during the cooler months, so you can enjoy Typhoon Lagoon year round, although being in Florida – there are many months we want and need that cooling refreshment of a water park. Some of the perks to going to the water park outside of cooling off include the more affordable ticket price compared to the main Disney parks, the fact that parking is complimentary for guests of Disney World’s water parks, and the unique characters you get to meet.
It is important to know that during peak times, Typhoon Lagoon can reach max capacity in the early afternoon and will not re-open for entry until later in the day. For this reason, and to get ahead of the crowds in general, I highly recommend arriving at park opening. This will allow you plenty of ride time when there are the fewest people in the park.
Typhoon Lagoon Water Slides and More
At Typhoon Lagoon, you can find an attraction for every age. I particularly think this park is very baby and toddler friendly compared to most water parks. There is a kids area with small splash puddles and slides that vary for toddlers all the way to 6-8 year olds. There is truly something for everyone depending on each person’s desired thrill level. Whether it’s floating along a lazy river, splashing in a baby puddle, catching a family large raft ride, or rushing down a bullet style drop, Typhoon Lagoon offers plenty of fun under the sun. Outside of the main rides, there is also a huge wave pool that is enormous. It feels like surfing trying to catch each wave as the alarms sound and the waves roll out. Those interested in learning how to surf or honing their skills can also book private sessions and lessons on surfing before or after the park closes.Â
The most thrilling attraction in Typhoon Lagoon or most popular if you will, is definitely the Crush N Gusher. This coaster-like raft ride features a two-person raft. There are three different slides within the Crush N Gusher attraction to choose from and this makes It even more fun because you can switch it up and not get bored riding this ride over and over again.
After you have had your share of thrilling excitement and you’re ready to take it slower and relax, hop in Typhoon Lagoon’s lazy river, a 2,000-foot-long, there are tons of float options from double floats, single floats and lounger floats to choose from so you can be optimally relaxed as you drift through the park.
Tips and Advice for Visiting Typhoon Lagoon
- Here are some top tips that are tried and true when visiting Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. If you follow these you will be more prepared to deal with the heat, manage your time and have the overall best experience!
- The park opens at 9 usually, sometimes 10 am. Make sure to check online or in the My Disney Experience app to be sure, If opening at 10, my advice is to try to be parked by 9:30am so you ensure a parking spot and entry to the water park as it can reach capacity in the hotter months.
- If you are able to reserve an umbrella from the gift shop, you will be glad you did. They aren’t terribly expensive and you will be happy you are not sitting on a blistering hot plastic chair in direct sunlight during your breaks from rides and attractions troughout the day.
- Get started right away getting to the longer line rides, typically between 9-10:30, you can ride the more popular rides such as Crush N Gusher without having to wait at all, and most times you can run them repeatedly before it gets crowded. Even during peak times and in the thick of summer the ride wait times are often no longer than 10 minutes which is dream for those who have gone to other theme parks and water parks.
- If you are a soda drinker or anyone in your family is get the Disney cup refill for sodas. One cup will quench a whole families thirst, just bring yourself an extra tumbler to be able to share. You can also bring your own water and towels in to save some money as well.
- Be sure to use sunblock before entering the parks and again once settled, and again every few hours. The sun is direct in a lot of areas in the park and it is very easy to get burnt. You do not want to ruin the rest of your trip or be in pain the next day so be smart with the SPF.
- Speaking of being smart, make sure you hydrate. Water cups are free at each quick service eatery in the park so ask for as many as you need at no charge to stay hydrated.
- I personally recommend bringing water shoes. Yes, the ugly kind that look like they came out an 80’s summer camp movie. They may not be fashionable but they are allowed on the rides and in the wave pool and lazy river and they will absolutely save your feet during your day. Crocs, flip flops and other shoes are not permitted on rides or in any body of water.
Rest assured, whether you visit Typhoon Lagoon during the summer or even on a cooler month, you are guaranteed to have a fun time. Make sure you try an iconic dole whip and say hi to Stitch when you visit!Â
Looking for other great water parks to visit?
Lindsey has lived in Jacksonville now for over 12 years and is originally from the southeast Georgia area. She is a business and data manager for UF Health Emergency and Trauma services downtown by day, a travel agent, social media influencer, and BLS instructor by night. Lindsey is also the mom of three kids, Lily, Logan, and Ruby. She is married to a very talented musician, Cody who plays locally all around in the Bold City Classics and Blue Muse and with the symphony as well. Lindsey started posting on social media about her trips to Disney and beyond on social media in the last few years as a means to document the joy and help others with planning their trips, balancing traveling and motherhood and finding the true magic in it all. As her presence grew she was invited to become a travel agent specializing in Disney and other theme parks because of her expansive knowledge. You can follow Lindsey on Instagram and tiktok as well as request a free travel quote for your trip @magicmomlife or send her an email at [email protected].
