Water Break: Cool Off at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
After the storm, comes the rainbow - or in this case, the shrimp boat.
Legend has it a massive typhoon swept through Orlando, but instead of leaving destruction in its path, it created 56 acres of water fun.
Well…and stranded one rather large shrimp boat. But we like to think those fisherman are splashing about down there, having as much fun as anyone.
While Disney’s water parks don’t get the same billing or hype as its ride parks, it’s a mistake to think of them as a lesser experience in any way. Typhoon Lagoon is far more than just a break from rides, music, magic, and attractions: it’s a destination in and of itself: a land of lazy rivers, soft, sandy beaches, thrilling water coasters and whitewater adventures.
Oh, and a record-breaking wave pool too - the largest wave pool in North America.
This is a Disney park, after all.
Here are the top things to do and see inside Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
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Float Away on Castaway Creek
There are few things in life more blissful than a leisurely meander along a cool, lazy river on a hot Florida day (or any day, for matter - we just love a lazy river.)
At Typhoon Lagoon, guests can glide their way along Castaway Creek, a 2000-foot long lazy river that meanders through cool mists, shady grottoes, and thundering waterfalls, before wending its way through a lush rainforest landscape and right into the center of Mount Mayday.
There are no height or age restrictions to journey along Castaway Creek, although children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by a guest over the age of 14.
Crush It, Dude: The Water Slide So Big it’s Really a Water Coaster
When it comes to water park thrills, the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water slide is so long - 400 feet, to be precise - and so thrilling, it’s actually called a water coaster. This tube-style “adventure slide” gives you the choice of three “fruit chutes”—the Pineapple Plunger, Coconut Crusher or Banana Blaster (no, the don’t come with whipped cream; we checked) — each of which allow you to plunge along the course solo or with a friend (like your mom…we like water slides, too.)
Feel the thrill as sudden drops send you hurtling around hair pin turns, plummeting through darkness and launched once again into the bright Florida sunshine. Propelled by powerful water jets, the Crush ‘n’ Gusher is a wild ride through uphill climbs that ultimately ends with a plunge into Hideaway Bay.
Guest must be 48” tall to ride the Crush ‘n’ Gusher, and an elevator is available for differently abled guest - just ask a Cast Member for assistance.
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Little Water Slides for the Littlest (Water) Guys
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At Typhoon Lagoon, water fun is for everyone. The teeniest among your vacation party can still have big fun thanks to the thoughtfully planned, whimsically executed Ketchakiddie Creek intended for - but not limited to - adventurers 4 feet tall and under.
Parents and kids alike can cool off and have some good-time water fun in shallow pools filled with whimsical crocodiles, squirting seals and playful elephants. Mini waterslides add a dash of excitement, along with a cool splash cave complete with waterfall (and a bit of welcome shade.) Soak your associates with a water cannon aboard the leaky tugboat S.S. Squirt while kid-friendly tunes propel the party along. Ketchakiddie Creek even comes complete with its own sandy beach, making it the ideal playground for water-loving little ones - and an ideal break spot for the grownups who chase after them.
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Disney’s White Water Adventure Experience
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Ask anyone who has visited a Disney park and they’ll tell you that the immersive experience, the magic that is Disney is what truly sets Disney apart from any other theme park - or any other vacation. Miss Adventure Falls is a reminder that this same magic extends to every corner of the Disney Universe; even the very wet ones.
Just beyond the pineapple fields of the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster lies Miss Adventure Falls, a family-centered raft attraction owned by Captain Mary Oceaneer, a sea-faring treasure hunter whose haul was swept away by the same powerful Typhoon that created this magical water park. Today that treasure is scattered across the many acres of this tropical paradise, just waiting to be discovered.
Each raft seats four and is pulled along an aquatic conveyor belt through the mad-cap rapids. Take care to spot precious artifacts collected by Captain Mary from all around the globe as the chute sends you along the rapids past hidden treasures - and of course, a talking parrot (what captain is complete without one?) It’s a great way to cool off on a hot day, and a perfect way to have some family fun together in a day of water adventures.
Miss Adventure Falls is open to guests of all ages and heights.
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Why You Should Make Water Parks Part of Your Disney Trip
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When it comes to vacation fun, Disney’s water parks are among the best value for your Disney buck. Access to the water parks is considerably less expensive than theme park tickets, and both parks pack a big wallop of joy. Both Typhoon Lagoon and the Blizzard Beach water park are fun for everyone, from the littlest of the crew right up to nana and pop-pop (we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: who doesn’t love a lazy river?)
Disney’s water parks are open year round, and with Orlando’s subtropical climate, the weather is likely to accommodate fun in any season. Make sure you ask your Willow + Wand travel advisor about the new perk Disney resort guests get in 2025...water park access without having to upgrade your park ticket? Say less.
Along with its attractions and wave pool, Typhoon Lagoon is home to solid food and beverage options and a fun late-night dance party. Plus, Mount Mayday and its teetering ship is among the coolest park icons Disney has ever created - and that, my friends, is saying something.
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Party like a Glow Star: H2O Glow After Hours
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What’s cooler than a pool party after dark? A pool party that glows in the dark. H2O Glow After Hours is a recurring special event with a super cool glow-in-the-dark theme that includes glow-themed food and beverages, an adults-only area, surprise character appearances, and super cool special effects and decor. reduced wait times and there's even a beach dance party, complete with a DJ.
Attendance at H20 Glow requires a separate ticket that includes popcorn, ice cream and soda, and after-hours access to the park from 8 to 11 p.m. (although party guests can enter the park as early as 6 p.m. to maximize the fun.)
The event takes place on select nights between May through September. The cost is $75 for adults and $70 for children ages 3 to 9. Discounts are available for Disney World annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members.
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FAQs: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
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How much does Typhoon Lagoon cost?
Prices for Typhoon Lagoon for the 2024 season (without tax):
One-day ticket without block-out dates:
$74 per adult
$68 per child ages 3 to 9
One-day ticket with block-out dates:
$64 per adult
$58 per child ages 3 to 9
Children 2 and under are free
Are towels and lockers included at Typhoon Lagoon? How About Blizzard Beach?
While guests staying at any Walt Disney World hotel get free towels at Typhoon Lagoon, non-hotel guests must rent towels at either the High 'N Dry Rentals kiosk or Singapore Sal's gift shop. Towel rental costs about $2, but guests are also permitted to bring their own towels. Lockers are also available for rental, and cost between $10 and $15 per day, depending on size.
Typhoon Lagoon also makes umbrellas available for rent, as well as private cabana-style structures known as Beachcomber Shacks. These can accommodate up to 12 guests and feature seating, towels, a locker, ice water, souvenir refillable mugs and a dedicated server. Pricing for these private areas range from $225 to $500, depending on size and the time of year.
Will I see Disney characters at Typhoon Lagoon?
What’s a Disney park without Disney characters? Lilo and Stitch frequently greet guests and pose for photos near the entrance of Typhoon Lagoon, while Captain Hook, Smee, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and other characters can be found partying with guests at the H2O Glow After Hours Light Up the Night event. If you're lucky enough to spot Lagoona Gator, Typhoon Lagoon’s mascot, be sure to grab a photo - his antics are always memorable.
What is the most popular attraction at Typhoon Lagoon?
Typhoon Lagoon currently has 11 attractions, with Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, their enormous wave pool, the attraction people are usually most excited to experience. The pool produces six-foot swells, and believe us - the thrill never gets old. Be sure to check the chalkboard near the pool entrance for the day's wave schedule.
In addition to the attractions named above, and the gigantic wave pool, the Humunga Kowabunga is a top attraction. These three side-by-side body slides propel riders down a near-vertical, five-story drop - in total darkness.
Are there dining options at Typhoon Lagoon?
You can’t slip, slide, or splash all day without stopping to refuel.
Typhoon Lagoon Leaning Palms restaurant offers quick-service options that include lighter far such as rice bowls, wraps, salads, as well as satisfying favorites like juicy burgers. You can even treat yourself to an ice cold beer. Surf Doggies is a great spot to grab hot dogs, plant-based dogs and Mickey-shaped pretzels, while Let's Go Slurpin’ boasts a full bar. We’re fans of the Sand Pail sundae at Happy Landings Ice Cream where ice cream aficionados can sample two flavors of soft-serve topped with just about everything you can think of, from bits of waffle cone to your favorite candies and syrups.
As with most Disney parks, guests are permitted to bring their own food and beverages to Typhoon Lagoon. Just remember that for everyone’s safety, coolers and bags are subject to inspection - and of course, alcohol, glass and dry and loose ice are not allowed.
Can you take surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon?
Typhoon Lagoon offers public and private surf lessons that take place over three hours in - where else - the park's iconic wave pool. During open surf sessions, riders share the wave pool with other guests, with the opportunity to attempt about 10 waves. Sessions cost between $230 and $290 and are offered morning and evening. Guests can also purchase additional add-ons, like meals and digital photography.
Typhoon Lagoon is a fantastic way to maximize your Disney fun and make lasting memories with the people you love most. To find out the best time to visit Typhoon Lagoon or be notified when Typhoon Lagoon reopens after refurbishment, subscribe now or reach out to one of our magical travel guides.
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