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Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon?
- Thread starter Pluto15
- Start date
ParentsOf4
Well-Known Member
Over the years, we've taken our 4 children repeatedly to both water parks. Now that they are teenagers, we often take their friends with us.
In general, Typhoon Lagoon (TL) is the more shaded, more relaxing park. Blizzard Beach (BB) is the more adventurous park.
We love both WDW water parks. They are the best in the world and just as enjoyable as the 4 major theme parks. What distinguishes them is theming. Most water parks feel like cement with a bunch of water rides stuck in the middle. WDW avoids this with extensive theming, lots of greenery plus sand, careful maintenance, and incredible attention to detail. If you enjoy the little things Disney gets right at the major theme parks, you'll enjoy the water parks.
Our favorite water park has evolved as our children matured.
When they were very young (under age 6), Tikes Peak (TP) in BB was the way to go. Lots of water rides targeted for the very young. TL has a little kid's area, Ketchakiddee Creek (KC), but our children did not enjoy this as much. First, there were fewer water attractions so there was not as much for them to do. Second, the water cannons in the center of KC were used by groups of 8 year-olds and their parents, even though KC was supposed to be for the under 6 crowd. (Our 3-to-5 year olds could not even reach some of the water cannons so I understand why the 8-year-olds used them.) Disney clearly learned a lesson from TL when they built TP, increasing the number of water attractions and gearing the entire area for the very young.
As our children outgrew TP, our focus shifted to TL. They enjoyed the main wave pool and the lazy river ride (Castaway Creek). BB has a similar lazy river ride but their wave pool is not as much fun. The main pool at TL produces one large wave every couple of minutes while the pool at BB produces continuous swells that can make you seasick.
As our children grew (think tween), our attention shifted back to BB, this time to the Ski Patrol Training area. As they reached the magical height of 48", our attention remained focused on BB, but this time on BB's big thrill rides such as Summit Plummet.
It's hard to decide which water park is our current favorite. In general, TL feels more relaxing (our teenagers like to sunbath as much as anything else) but we enjoy the big thrill rides of BB as well.
If the weather is hot, we spend one entire day at each water park during longer trips. They serve as nice breaks from the constant go of the 4 theme parks. You don't have to get up as early, stay out as late, or walk as much. The water parks offer more entertainment than the resort pools and the water is a great way to beat the Florida heat!
The water parks are tougher to enjoy during shorter vacations; they need an entire day to be really appreciated. Many people squeeze them in during the afternoon, sandwiched between morning and evening trips to the major theme parks, and don't get to enjoy the water parks to their fullest. This makes the water parks the most crowded in the mid afternoon and so a lot of people see them only when they are packed. Morning crowds usually aren't too bad and the water parks tend to empty out for their last hour or two. We have photos of us being the only ones in the lazy rivers; these were taken during the park's last hour.
My favorite WDW ride (including the 4 major theme parks) is Teamboat Springs at BB. Your sit with your family in a large circular rubber raft as you descend down a long, twisting slide. One of my fondest WDW memories is seeing the faces of our young children the first few times we road Teamboat Springs together. Pure joy!
If you have to choose between the two water parks, Shark's Reef at TL should be mentioned. You get to swim with sharks and other sea creatures. BB has nothing like it.
Both water parks offer one of WDW's few bargains, a bucket of ice cream (called a "Sand Pail") with all the fixings at (I think) Sled Dog Expeditions (BB) or Happy Landings (TL). (Chocolate and Vanilla Soft-serve Ice Cream, Waffle Cone Pieces, Cookie Pieces, Sprinkles, Hot Fudge, Caramel Sauce, Strawberry Sauce, Whipped Cream and a Cherry.) The bucket is not to be missed if you like soft serve ice cream; it is large enough to feed the six of us. Last time I checked, it was $9.99.
A comparison of TL and BB is not complete without mentioning the music. Both water parks pipe in background music that adds to the experience. At BB, it tends to be a combination of California beach (e.g. Beach Boys) mixed with Christmas music, with an occasional yodeling song thrown in! At TL, it tends to be more Caribbean and beach songs. As people who only go a couple of times a year, we love it. However, I suspect it drives people who work there crazy!
Whichever one you visit, don't forget the Sand Pail!
In general, Typhoon Lagoon (TL) is the more shaded, more relaxing park. Blizzard Beach (BB) is the more adventurous park.
We love both WDW water parks. They are the best in the world and just as enjoyable as the 4 major theme parks. What distinguishes them is theming. Most water parks feel like cement with a bunch of water rides stuck in the middle. WDW avoids this with extensive theming, lots of greenery plus sand, careful maintenance, and incredible attention to detail. If you enjoy the little things Disney gets right at the major theme parks, you'll enjoy the water parks.
Our favorite water park has evolved as our children matured.
When they were very young (under age 6), Tikes Peak (TP) in BB was the way to go. Lots of water rides targeted for the very young. TL has a little kid's area, Ketchakiddee Creek (KC), but our children did not enjoy this as much. First, there were fewer water attractions so there was not as much for them to do. Second, the water cannons in the center of KC were used by groups of 8 year-olds and their parents, even though KC was supposed to be for the under 6 crowd. (Our 3-to-5 year olds could not even reach some of the water cannons so I understand why the 8-year-olds used them.) Disney clearly learned a lesson from TL when they built TP, increasing the number of water attractions and gearing the entire area for the very young.
As our children outgrew TP, our focus shifted to TL. They enjoyed the main wave pool and the lazy river ride (Castaway Creek). BB has a similar lazy river ride but their wave pool is not as much fun. The main pool at TL produces one large wave every couple of minutes while the pool at BB produces continuous swells that can make you seasick.
As our children grew (think tween), our attention shifted back to BB, this time to the Ski Patrol Training area. As they reached the magical height of 48", our attention remained focused on BB, but this time on BB's big thrill rides such as Summit Plummet.
It's hard to decide which water park is our current favorite. In general, TL feels more relaxing (our teenagers like to sunbath as much as anything else) but we enjoy the big thrill rides of BB as well.
If the weather is hot, we spend one entire day at each water park during longer trips. They serve as nice breaks from the constant go of the 4 theme parks. You don't have to get up as early, stay out as late, or walk as much. The water parks offer more entertainment than the resort pools and the water is a great way to beat the Florida heat!
The water parks are tougher to enjoy during shorter vacations; they need an entire day to be really appreciated. Many people squeeze them in during the afternoon, sandwiched between morning and evening trips to the major theme parks, and don't get to enjoy the water parks to their fullest. This makes the water parks the most crowded in the mid afternoon and so a lot of people see them only when they are packed. Morning crowds usually aren't too bad and the water parks tend to empty out for their last hour or two. We have photos of us being the only ones in the lazy rivers; these were taken during the park's last hour.
My favorite WDW ride (including the 4 major theme parks) is Teamboat Springs at BB. Your sit with your family in a large circular rubber raft as you descend down a long, twisting slide. One of my fondest WDW memories is seeing the faces of our young children the first few times we road Teamboat Springs together. Pure joy!
If you have to choose between the two water parks, Shark's Reef at TL should be mentioned. You get to swim with sharks and other sea creatures. BB has nothing like it.
Both water parks offer one of WDW's few bargains, a bucket of ice cream (called a "Sand Pail") with all the fixings at (I think) Sled Dog Expeditions (BB) or Happy Landings (TL). (Chocolate and Vanilla Soft-serve Ice Cream, Waffle Cone Pieces, Cookie Pieces, Sprinkles, Hot Fudge, Caramel Sauce, Strawberry Sauce, Whipped Cream and a Cherry.) The bucket is not to be missed if you like soft serve ice cream; it is large enough to feed the six of us. Last time I checked, it was $9.99.
A comparison of TL and BB is not complete without mentioning the music. Both water parks pipe in background music that adds to the experience. At BB, it tends to be a combination of California beach (e.g. Beach Boys) mixed with Christmas music, with an occasional yodeling song thrown in! At TL, it tends to be more Caribbean and beach songs. As people who only go a couple of times a year, we love it. However, I suspect it drives people who work there crazy!
Whichever one you visit, don't forget the Sand Pail!
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What a fantastic post and the sand pail looks amazing!! Can't wait to try oneOver the years, we've taken our 4 children repeatedly to both water parks. Now that they are teenagers, we've often taken their friends with us.
In general, Typhoon Lagoon (TL) is the more shaded, more relaxing park. Blizzard Beach (BB) is the more adventurous park.
We love both WDW water parks. They are the best in the world and just as enjoyable as the 4 major theme parks. What distinguishes them is theming. Most water parks feel like cement with a bunch of water rides stuck in the middle. WDW avoids this with extensive theming, lots of greenery plus sand, careful maintenance, and incredible attention to detail. If you enjoy the "little" things Disney gets right at the major theme parks, you'll enjoy the water parks.
Our favorite water park has evolved as our children matured. When they were very young (under age 6), Tikes Peak (TP) in BB was the way to go. Lots of water rides targeted for the very young. TL has a little kid's area, Ketchakiddee Creek (KC), but our children did not enjoy this as much. First, there were fewer water attractions so there was not as much for them to do. Second, the water cannons in the center of KC were used by groups of 8 year-olds and their parents, even though KC was supposed to be for the under 6 crowd. (Our 3-to-5 year olds could not even reach some of the water cannons so I understand why the 8-year-olds used them.) Disney clearly learned a lesson from TL when they built TP, increasing the number of water attractions and gearing the entire area for the very young.
As our children outgrew TP, our focus shifted to TL. They enjoyed the main wave pool and the lazy river ride (Castaway Creek). BB has a similar lazy river ride but their wave pool is not as much fun. The main pool at TL produces one large wave every couple of minutes while the pool at BB produces continuous swells that can make you seasick.
As our children grew (think tween), our attention shifted back to BB, this time to the Ski Patrol Training area. As they reached the magical height of 48", our attention remained focused on BB, but this time on BB's big thrill rides such as Summit Plummet.
It's hard to decide which water park is our current favorite. In general, TL feels more relaxing (our teenagers like to sunbath as much as anything else) but we enjoy the big thrill rides of BB as well. If the weather is hot, we spend one entire day at each water park during longer trips. They serve as nice breaks from the constant "go" of the 4 theme parks. You don't have to get up as early, stay out as late, or walk as much. The water parks offer more entertainment than the resort pools and the water is a great way to beat the Florida heat!
The water parks are tougher to enjoy during shorter vacations; they need an entire day to be really appreciated. Many people squeeze them in during the afternoon, sandwiched between morning and evening trips to the major theme parks, and don't get to enjoy the water parks to their fullest. This makes the water parks the most crowded in the mid afternoon and so a lot of people see them only when they are packed. Morning crowds usually aren't too bad and the water parks tend to empty out for their last hour or two. We have photos of us being the only ones in the lazy rivers; these were taken during the park's last hour.
My favorite WDW ride (including the 4 major theme parks) is Teamboat Springs at BB. Your sit with your family in a large circular rubber raft as you descend down a long, twisting slide. One of my fondest WDW memories is seeing the faces of our young children the first few times we road Teamboat Springs together. Pure joy!
If you have to choose between the two water parks, Shark's Reef at TL should be mentioned. You get to swim with sharks and other sea creatures. BB has nothing like it.
Both water parks offer one of WDW's few bargains, a bucket of ice cream (called a "Sand Pail") with all the fixings at (I think) Sled Dog Expeditions (BB) or Happy Landings (TL). (Chocolate and Vanilla Soft-serve Ice Cream, Waffle Cone Pieces, Cookie Pieces, Sprinkles, Hot Fudge, Caramel Sauce, Strawberry Sauce, Whipped Cream and a Cherry) The bucket is not to be missed if you like soft serve ice cream; it is large enough to feed the six of us. Last time I checked, it was $9.99.
A comparison of TL and BB is not complete without mentioning the music. Both water parks pipe in background music that adds to the experience. At BB, it tends to be a combination of California beach (e.g. Beach Boys) mixed with Christmas music, with an occasional yodeling song thrown in! At TL, it tends to be more Caribbean and beach songs. As people who only go a couple of times a year, we love it. However, I suspect it drives people who work there crazy!
Whichever one you visit, don't forget the Sand Pail!
View attachment 81567
alhenton
Member
My family and I visited WDW last summer and only had time for one water park. We chose Typhoon Lagoon for the wave pool. We also did the lazy river and some of the water slides, but the giant waves is what brought us there. Lots of room and different locations to experience the wave from.
WDWVolFan
Well-Known Member
Hi,
If you had to choose one water park to visit which one would it be and why? Would be great to hear all your views about what your favourite water park is and what you like best about it.
Have a great day
If you like wild water slides, Blizzard Beach is the place for you. I am afraid of heights so I like Typhoon Lagoon because their slides are just right for me and my phobia. I also do not think that BB has a wave pool and Typhoon Lagoon's wave pool is fantastic. It feels like real waves in the ocean, minus the salt and stuff.
TB4244
Well-Known Member
BB every time for me. I prefer it to TL because I'm not keen on all the sand everywhere, I like the ski theming more at BB with the snow and ice piled up in the hot Florida sun. Also it has an added bonus of having Winter Summerland right next door, so when we've finished lazing on the cross country creek, we get changed and go for a quick round of Christmassy mini golf. Love it
07vanquish
Active Member
Both water parks are awesome and both have great theming, but if I had to pick, I'd go Typhoon Lagoon. You just can't beat Crush 'n' Gusher. However, Teamboat Springs is a close second.
belledream
Well-Known Member
This question! 
I change my mind all the time. 
BB for the slides - Toboggan Racers are awesome! TL for the wave pool obviously...and Crush N Gusher...it's like a slide-turned-water-rollercoaster. Sorry, I'm not helping - BB for the adventure/older kids, TL for the relaxation/younger ones.
I change my mind all the time. BB for the slides - Toboggan Racers are awesome! TL for the wave pool obviously...and Crush N Gusher...it's like a slide-turned-water-rollercoaster. Sorry, I'm not helping - BB for the adventure/older kids, TL for the relaxation/younger ones.
StarWarsGirl
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- No
I like Blizzard Beach better because I like the slides over there better. There are more slides and the slides are more intense. I love the mat racing, the inner tube slides over at the Red Slope, and Teamboat Springs. All of these slides are better than any of them over at Typhoon Lagoon. I also think that the theming and attention to detail are better over at Blizzard Beach.
I enjoy Typhoon Lagoon, but to me, the slides there are not as good. I can do the wave pool, Crush 'n Gusher and a few other slides and be done in half a day.
I enjoy Typhoon Lagoon, but to me, the slides there are not as good. I can do the wave pool, Crush 'n Gusher and a few other slides and be done in half a day.
Chef Mickey
Well-Known Member
River Country.
popcenturylover
Well-Known Member
Thanks for this thread as we are visiting both waterparks on our next visit! Something we haven't done before!Hi,
If you had to choose one water park to visit which one would it be and why? Would be great to hear all your views about what your favourite water park is and what you like best about it.
Have a great day
Nick Wilde
Well-Known Member
SnarkyMonkey
Well-Known Member
I think ParentsOf4 laid it out really really well. It really comes down to if you are looking for thrills or relaxation. My vote is TL, although I will agree that the theming at BB is awesome.
It's a shame river county closed. Not sure how long ago the video you posted was taken looks really derelict now. I think it was to tough to keep uncontaminated from Bay Lake. Did anyone ever manage to go?
The Braveheart
Member
I voted for BB. The big thrill rides are brilliant and it caters for the full families needs. TL is good but unfortunately every time we go someone leaves injured. My wife left with a perforated ear drum due to the wave pool and I managed to split my back open on the lazy river! Ouch
FettFan
Well-Known Member
Typhoon Lagoon. Having lived through Allison, Andrew, Gustave, Katrina, and Rita,
the Miss Tilly holds a special place in my heart.
Always makes me think of the S.S. Hurricane Camille, in Gulfport Mississippi.
When Camille blew through back in the 1960s, the ship was washed ashore, becoming a notable landmark on the beachfront road...
and then was later converted into a gift shop.
But it's no longer there. It was demolished in 2008 to make way for condos.
the Miss Tilly holds a special place in my heart.
Always makes me think of the S.S. Hurricane Camille, in Gulfport Mississippi.
When Camille blew through back in the 1960s, the ship was washed ashore, becoming a notable landmark on the beachfront road...
and then was later converted into a gift shop.
But it's no longer there. It was demolished in 2008 to make way for condos.
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Do you have any pics of it?