Typhoon Lagoon v. Blizzard Beach

[JCrane]

Upon hearing the news that Typhoon Lagoon will be closed for refurbishments soon after I arrive in Orlando, I was curious on some aspects of Blizard Beach.

Having never been to BB in all my visits can anyone tell me whether or not it has a 'beach' area much like Typhoon Lagoon and it's huge wave pool area. Photos and clips that I've seen suggests it's mainly a water based thrill-ride park and I've used these days at the water parks more for relaxation from the hectic park goings-on...with TL being having the perfect mix and, of course, the luxurious setting!

People have told me however, that BB is by far the superior of the two so I was just looking for some clarification on the subject. I'll have to squeeze a visit to TL on the final day befiore it closes so all is not lost...but any info you guys could share would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Nansafan]

Blizzard Beach has a smaller wave pool with gentle waves, nothing like the crashing waves at Typhoon Lagoon. BB has more slides and a great family tube ride, Teamboat Springs. The lazy river is very nice. Our family is torn between the 2 water parks. We have wave pool people and slide people so we always do both water parks when on a summer trip with both parks are open.

 

[JCrane]

That's great info Nansafan but does BB have a 'beach' area much like TL's sandy, sun-bathing type thing?

 

[Nansafan]

Loads of chairs scattered all over property but the beach, like the wave pool is much smaller than TL.

 

[Rayray]

You ought to visit BB. It has a totally different atmosphere from TL and is enjoyable. The lazy river is spectacular because of all the little surprises (e.g., cold waterfalls, cold jets, etc.).

 

[wdwfreak05]

I would visit TL personally. I've never been a big fan of BB. I mean, when i go to a water park I want to be in water most of the time, not standing in line!!

And the Crush n' Gusher at TL is a MUST. It in my mind pushes TL over BB IMO.

 

[JCrane]

I can't speak highly enough of TL personally...absolutely love it and am so gutted that it will be closed! Basically, I had earmarked a few days throughout the fortnight to visit the park but now I only have the day after I arrive which is a Saturday (enter potentially HUGE crowds!). But, not wanting to be a sour-puss I'm pleased that I'll get to see it again...especially as I haven't been to Orlando/Disney for over 4 years!!

I think most of my questions have been answered now...I was concerned that BB appears to be mainly queing, sliding and splashing which is not what I had in mind for one of our 'day's off'. Typhoon Lagoon seems to have the right mix of both but I'm sure I'll love BB just the same once I see it! Visually it looks great...

It's my gf's first visit to WDW and she's become accustomed to beach holidays which is why I was relying on Typhoon Lagoon to offer her some reprieve from all the hectic goings-on...but, you can only play the hand you've been dealt so I'll just get on with it! 29 weeks, 3 days and counting...

 

[Victoria]

Blizzard Beach is a lot of fun. The theming is over the top. The beach area there is decent (not as big as TL) but you can still relax enough. Teamboat Springs (family raft) is a lot of fun. The lazy river there is one of the best I have ever been on. Also, if you have some extra time I would recommend going over to the WinterSummerland mini golf course (its on the other side of the parking lot). It is so hysterical and I think the prices are pretty reasonable considering it is Disney afterall. Definetly give BB a try. I prefer TL too but BB is still a lot of fun.

 

[JCrane]

Thanks guys...I shall be sure to visit both during my stay!

Un-related quickie...was there not a 3rd water park some years ago? I seem to remember visiting a placed called 'River Country' or something? It was done out using Davey Crockett type theming and if I remember the water was green!

Come to think of it, BB looks similar in set-up but much larger...did they just expand? Or did I just dream this woodland/water day out?

HELP!:veryconfu

 

[Clark Griswold]

Blizzard Beach is a ton of fun; Teamboat Springs and the the lazy river are my favorites. Summit Plummet is also really cool, but get there early before the crowd comes (VERY early) or the storm arrives so you can get it out of the way with minimal wait. The wave pool is also nice but it isn't the signature spot of the park.


"For your safety on downhill double dipper..."

 

[MainStreetMouse]

We love both Water Parks and on our recent trip visited both parks twice.

TL does have more sand / beach area. The beach around the BIG wave pool is bigger than BB, TL also has a nice sandy area near Crush 'n' Gusher.

So if it sunning on the beach atmosphere you are looking for then TL is the best place.

BB has a smaller wave pool and a smaller beach area.

Slides are better at BB.

Here are a couple videos I took of TL and BB recently:

Blizzard Beach:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8082764290380083060

Typhoon Lagoon:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3571328367371808666

Have a great time!
Gary

 

[JCrane]

Does anybody remember this River Country Water Park or am I just imagineering it?

Must be going back 10+ years...but I could've sworn it existed!!

 

[Polyman]

Of course it existed. Been there many times. It was Disney's first waterpark located in side Fort Wilderness along the shores of Bay lake. It consisted of a couple of small water slides, a rope and tire play area, beach, freshwater pool, etc. It was phased out and closed down forever by TL, BB, and environmental issues. There are many threads on River Country on this site. Just do a search.

 

[KumbaRider]

If you haven't been to Blizzard Beach then you definitely need to go.

 

[Tornado]

When is Typhoon Lagoon down for rehab?

 

[JCrane]

According to the release of October's times and dates TL closes for business on Sat 28th October right through to the new year.

Apparently, either one of the parks goes down each year for maintenance work each year...this year it's TL's turn!

 

[Julius & Boobah]

I still can't decide which is my favourite. They're both very different yet both so much fun. If you've never been to BB GO you might just love it.

 

[Julius & Boobah]

According to the release of October's times and dates TL closes for business on Sat 28th October right through to the new year.

Apparently, either one of the parks goes down each year for maintenance work each year...this year it's TL's turn!

I thought T/L Went down last October too actually?

 

[Rayray]

Does anybody remember this River Country Water Park or am I just imagineering it?

Must be going back 10+ years...but I could've sworn it existed!!

http://www.mousetyme.com/files/WDW_River_Country.jpg A map of the now defunct River country.:wave: