The Florida heat finally got the best of us this year and we ended up spending some time visiting one of Disney's water parks, Typhoon Lagoon. We have been here before, but it was many years ago and very little of it looked familiar. Not to worry. While this place was full of fun things to do, there was not a Fastpass in sight. Of course, there were occasional lines for some of the more popular water rides: the downhill tubing rides and the exciting plunge down Storm Slides and Humunga Kowabunga, but for the most part, a day here—or in our case, a couple of hours—at this water park was a refreshing and relaxing experience.
There are several “rides” at Typhoon Lagoon. They're all around the periphery of the gigantic Surf Pool. The level of excitement you can expect from these rides ranges from a lazy float along a slow meandering river in an inner tube to a full-on plunge down the side of a mountain in a dark tube of water. Several of the tubing rides are moderately exciting, and still suitable for families.
The Surf Pool releases a wave of water every so often that quickly makes its way across the deepest part of the pool and packs a wallop. If you're in water more than knee-deep, you can expect a minor thrashing from the wave as it pounds by. In the shallower areas of the pool, the wave is barely noticed.
Just like at other Disney parks you scan your Magic Band or ticket and use your finger to get into the park. Photo by Donald Fink.
As you walk around Typhoon Lagoon you will find a lot of great theming and photo ops. Photo by Donald Fink.
This is the first photo op you'll see shortly after you enter the park. Notice the Woody station wagon in the background. Can anyone guess its model? Photo by Bonnie Fink.
This part buoy, part diving bell, and other odds and ends makes a good prop for a photo. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
There are Joffrey's kiosks around Typhoon Lagoon if you need that cup of coffee. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
There are two sizes of lockers. A large locker holds an average daypack, along with a few other items. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
There are dressing rooms near the lockers. Inside you'll find everything you might expect, including clean showers and plenty of room to get changed for the rest of your day at Disney. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
There are several areas with free lounge chairs around Typhoon Lagoon. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
There are life jackets at various spots for the little ones. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
Floating down Castaway Creek is cool, refreshing, and certainly relaxing. It's not the thrill ride some folks want, but it's the lazy float along a mild river that others need. Photo by Donald Fink.
You can enjoy floating around Typhoon Lagoon in Castaway Creek. This “ride” features a gentle current that will circumnavigate the park as you ride along on a tube. You can enter and exit at many different points throughout the park. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
This is the exit pool for Crush 'n' Gusher. You can ride one of three different kinds of multi-passenger tubes on this roller coaster type water ride. You can also just float around and cool off in the pool. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
Humunga Kowabunga is a body slide that hurtles down five stories from atop Mount Mayday, mostly in the dark. At the bottom, as if the descent isn't thrill enough, you're treated to an almost instant braking action from slightly deeper water. Hold on because it stops faster than it starts. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
You will find lots of snack stands while walking around Typhoon Lagoon. Disney certainly doesn't mind if you bring your own lunch, but you'll not be hungry if you decide to get it here. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
The wave in the Typhoon Lagoon surf pool starts out at about six feet, which is plenty big enough for a brief ride on a surf board. Disney says that this is the largest surf pool in North America. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
By the time the wave reaches the shallows, it packs a punch, so hang on to your hat. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
You can totally get a surfing lesson here at Typhoon Lagoon, dude. The lessons are conducted either after the park closes, or before it opens, depending on circumstances. Classes are limited to 25 people, so you'll have the park mostly to yourself, and 24 other people who think they have the park to themselves. You can learn more about surfing Typhoon Lagoon here.
The waves are strong in Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, so keep ahold of the little ones—or anything else you want to keep—as they go by. Photo by Donald Fink.
Ketchakiddee Creek is a great area for kids 48 inches and under. There are slides, raft rides,aing and bubbling jet areas. This area is not part of the Surf Pool, but near it. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
A not so Hidden Mickey. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
If you're warm there are misting nozzles over the soda fountain at Lowtide Lou's. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
Leaning Palms is a quick service restaurant with a selection of burgers, pizza, chicken, and much more. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
There are a lot of shaded seating areas at Leaning Palms. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
Stitch makes regular appearances at Typhoon Lagoon. He's up front, by Singapore Sal's. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
If you're looking for souvenirs, Singapore Sal's is your go-to place. You can find it as you enter the park. It's on the right after you enter, but before you reach the lockers. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
Singapore Sal's has a nice collection of beach towels. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
Singapore Sal's also has a selection of T-shirts. If you want a memento, or just need a new T-shirt, here they are. Photo by Bonnie Fink.
So far, of the two water parks on Disney property, we've only made it to Typhoon Lagoon in recent years. We found the experience to be positive and relaxing. It has an element of excitement with the more ambitious rides as well as the lazy lap around the park in Castaway Creek. We'll no doubt continue to include water parks in our future annual passes.
Here's a quick video showing some of what we found at Typhoon Lagoon. We think visiting this park has a lot to offer, whether it's a family outing or a kid's party. Take a look and see if you agree. Video and Stills by Donald and Bonnie Fink.
