Disney World Water Parks – Cool Off In Style

Do you feel that? It feels…sticky and humid, or as us Floridians call it, the indication of the return to summer weather. Do you know what else that means? Water Parks! One of the best things about Florida is the abundance of water parks in Orlando and across the state. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are some great water parks not on Disney property, (Try Adventure Island, Wet N’ Wild or Aquatica!), but Disney Water Parks are piece de resistance. Two highly themed worlds that transport you into a world of liquid goodness. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are wonderful additions to the Walt Disney World Resort that should NOT be ignored while you are on a vacation to the area. Here is a brief synopsis of the two parks “back stories” (Those imagineers…always wanted to tell a story!).

Typhoon Lagoon is how it is now after a (shockingly) typhoon ripped though a tropical paradise… well… used to be a tropical paradise. Boats, Cargo, everything was thrown all over the area, creating the rides and landmarks seen throughout the park. For example, Miss Tilly is the name of the shrimp boat atop Mount Mayday. (P.S. Remember, every half an hour, Miss Tilly shoots a 50 foot water geyser!) It opened in 1989.

Blizzard Beach has a more detailed story behind its creation. On this tiny sliver of the Disney property, a freak snowstorm hit. This, of course, launched the creation of Florida’s first ski resort. Amazingly, (That was sarcasm) the snow melted. The entrepreneurs had no idea what to do with themselves, until they saw an alligator (The park’s mascot, Ice Gator) sliding down one of the old slopes. They decided to turn the area into a water park…the smarter choice. The park opened in 1995.

Typhoon Lagoon has the world’s largest wave pool, while Blizzard Beach has the world’s tallest and fastest water slide. Typhoon Lagoon has a free to swim in Shark Reef, while Blizzard Beach has a really cool ski lift. They both have their own unique style.

Here are some generic water park tips though, wherever you end up!

• SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN! I don’t know if you know this, but the sun gives off these things called UV rays. They tend to burn human skin. You don’t want that. Florida is the sunshine state…named after the gigantic number of people who get sunburned in the state (Not really, but you get the drift!) Also, just don’t put on one layer in the morning and think you are good. Put on at least 3 layers throughout the day…or you will, literally, feel the burn later.

• Don’t be too worried about lines on water rides. They might look long, but water ride lines tend to move MUCH faster than regular theme park lines. If it looks long, just wait, trust me, it’s not bad!

• Feet don’t like heat…as a rule. The smartest decision would be to wear water shoes to protect your feet from the extremely hot concrete, but then you occasionally have to take themoff to ride certain slides. If you don’t want to make a fashion statement, then try to always on a shady spot on the ground or something that is still wet. It seems like a stupid suggestion, but don’t come crying back to me when your feet are redder then your newly burned nose.

• When it comes to finding a spot to leave your stuff, I suggest somewhere near either park’s wave pool. Both locations are relatively central so it won’t be as much of a hassle getting around.

• Bring a packed lunch! Nothing says a day at the water park like a nice sandwich. It will rid you of food prices and it will cut down on the time you are missing at the lazy river! (Another note, immediately after lunch, float around the lazy river. Great way to let your food digest while still soaking your feet!)

Do you have a favorite Disney water park? Favorite water slide? Favorite locker? Let us know in the comments below! Be sure to check back to the site for more water park information throughout the summer! And until next time…Have a Magical Day!