Disney world on its own is lots of fun, but you know what’s also a ton of fun?
Water parks!
Specifically we’re talking about Typhoon Lagoon. The cute themed water park that came about after a typhoon hit the island.
You’ve got all the theming of a wrecked island.
The leaning towers, the ship on top of the island, and knick knacks scattered throughout the walkways.
Plus the largest wave pool in North America, thrilling water rides and boatloads of snacks (and adult beverages) to keep you entertained all day!
While it’s not the famous parks like magic kingdom, it is still Disney themed, and tons of fun in Florida’s warmer weather. I highly recommend you check it out.
Can you bring food into Typhoon Lagoon?
Yes! You can bring in snacks or meals that don’t require refrigeration. While Typhoon Lagoon does have quick serve options here, it can get pretty crowded around lunch time. We like to bring in fruit, water, juices, and some light snacks.
Do you need to bring your own Towels to Typhoon Lagoon?
Yes! Bring in your own towel unless you are staying on Disney Property (then you get towels at the towel stand)
Head to the other park? See the Guide for Blizzard Beach Water Park instead.
Quick Guide to Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon is one of Disney World’s two water parks. It has *some* Disney theming, but it’s really unique in that it’s the old style of imagineering (where Disney likes to transport you to a new land!)
It is located by Disney Springs, and you can drive there or take Disney World transportation.
There is no fee for parking, and you do not need a park pass to enter.
The hours are less than typically theme park hours, so check ahead of time when planning your day!
What should you pack for Typhoon Lagoon?
Bring swimsuits, sun protection, towels and water!
I also like to pack a fan for those that get too hot in the sun, plus some light snacks like fruits and something salty to replenish electrolytes.
Consider water shoes/quick drying shoes, and a plastic waterproof cover for phones or other electronics you don’t want to get wet!
10 Tips for Making the Most of your Typhoon Lagoon Adventure!
Wait times are less than the wait times at the theme parks
I won’t say that there’s no wait time at Typhoon Lagoon, but I will say that the wait times are decent.
Typically, we have less than a 15 minute wait in the kids area (even when it is busier). Other rides, and sometimes the lazy river, can have upwards of a 30 minute wait when things are busy! The busiest days are the weekends year round, and the weekdays during the summer months.
When we go on holidays (a favorite past time for my family) like Christmas, the park is pretty empty and has lots of other fun activities planned!
As always, plan a ‘must do’ list so you do your favorite items when you first get there, and then there are no surprises at closing time.
life vests are stationed around the park. You can bring water wings but you don’t have to!
Simply grab a vest for whoever needs one in your party, especially those that aren’t strong or confident swimmers.
You have to try to save some room for dessert. They have so many amazing and delicious options!
We got the bucket of ice cream and it’s quite literal. They give you an entire bucket full of ice cream and toppings! Delicious!
The wave pool is crazy fun, but it’s also pretty serious
Maybe it’s my anx-it-tea or maybe it’s just come with age. But the wave pool is both really fun and mildly scary if you are not a strong swimmer or have children with you!
They do have lifeguards on duty, and a shallow area where you can go and not get the full effect of the wave pool.
Towels are a pretty obvious thing that you know you’ll need.
But you might not know that you have to rent towels…
You need to shell out 2 bucks a towel if you don’t bring your own. And then return them at the end of the day.
Lots of fun for the little kids!
Good news is they have lots for them to do! They have their own play area, katchakiddee park. It has a fun splash pad, some very shallow wading pools, a refreshing waterfall and the best part, a gentle yet exciting tube ride!
The height restrictions are enforced here, because they only want the smaller ones going on the rides. So no parents or older kids allowed.
You can catch a ride to the water parks from the resort
While slightly confusing, the buses do run to the water parks. The confusing bit is that it’s normally a shared bus with another destination. (So typhoon Lagoon shares with Disney Springs or EPCOT, and Blizzard Beach with Animal Kingdom)
Word of caution though, the busses tend to run on 30 min cycles, not 15 like they do for the parks. We waited forever to get there and come home. Next time we might drive, or take a Minnie van.
It’s a full day park
Lots of people try to plan the water parks for an afternoon, but let me tell you, there’s a lot to do. Especially when you consider that the hours are less than the theme parks for most days (typically 10-5, or 12-6, or another combination of shorter hours)
The first time we went since kids we allocated 5 hours and we could have easily spent the entire day there. We’ve got season passes, so I know we’ll be back, but if your traveling in from afar, consider your time frame.
During the summer they are open from 10-8 and a family with teens could absolutely spend that entire time running around the water park.
Water shoes, or other foot coverings are recommended!
When you head to the water park to cool off, you need to remember that just because you feel cool in the water, doesn’t mean everywhere else is cool.
They have sprinklers set up along the walkways to help barefoot travelers, but it’s still very hot! Watch out! Bring shoes that can get wet or prepare to scuttle across the hot bridges and walk areas.
We have crocs for the kids, my husband wears his olakais, and I have water shoes. They are a must have when headed to the water park and wanting to walk around!
Staying hydrated at the water park is a no brainer- but they also have a special option you need to be aware of so you can take advantage!
Special Mugs for all day refills
They have mugs available similar to the resorts, buy it for the day and get unlimited refills. It’s a great value and you get another Disney mug to take home.
Photopass is hit or miss here
Since this is Disney we’re talking about, and the parks are technically parks, you will find some photopass opportunities (sometimes)
Is it fun for families, Big Kids or just adults?
Typhoon lagoon is lots of fun, but I do think it falls in line with the rest of the parks. They really are best for families with kids older than 5 through adults.
While we had fun with our toddlers, it’s was a bit of a mess with the hour we spent collectively waiting for transportation and having to keep an eye on them to make sure they didn’t run to the main wave pool.
Yes, lifeguards are abundant! So that made us feel safe. We will be back, but we are also local and can drive there for a few hours when we want them to splash around.
For older kids, teens and adults this is a fun way to spend the day. It gives lots of opportunities to hang out and converse, which can be harder at the parks with deadlines, fighting crowds and loud music.