Top Ten Things to do at Walt Disney World: Typhoon Lagoon

This is probably my favorite part of this park. I love just about everything about it. For those brave enough to take the plunge, the view is breathtaking. At no extra cost guests are provided with a mask and snorkel so they can experience the world of the shark from their perspective.

This attraction is slightly secluded and can be easy to walk by. The front of the attraction is set up to look like small dive shack. Actually it is a dive shack, as they do offer diving with the sharks for a small fee. Guests are given a mask and snorkel, both of which have been sanitized between guests, and sent to the queue. Before getting into the water guests are given a quick snorkeling lesson. After life guards ensure that the equipment is in its proper place guests are allowed to make their way across the pool. The water is a little cold, and the saltwater can burn your eyes, but overall it is worth it.

There are blue tangs (just like Dory), yellow tangs, and of course sharks and rays. The sharks and rays tend to stay near the bottom, but the smaller fish will come right up to you. The only thing I don't like about this attraction is how quickly its over. Make sure that you bring your underwater camera because you will want to show these pictures to your friends back home.

These water slides have attitude. Technically, these slides are actually water coasters. Just like the name implies, this ride is just like a roller coaster. Guests are given inner tubes and ride down in pairs. There are three separate slides, all of which are exhilarating. I rode all three and honestly, I couldn't tell you if there are any differences between them or not. These slides take riders up and down and into tight turns. During the busy season there are even Disney photopass photographers waiting at the bottom to take pictures are you make your splashy exit.

This ride often has a long line, but thankfully it goes by fairly quickly. The slides are a lot of fun and a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.

Trust me when I say that you will want to make sure that you have plenty of sun screen when you visit the water parks at Disney. Make sure to reapply every few hours to keep it effective and protect your skin.

This is not your average wave pool. This pool is intense. Every 90 seconds a six foot wave is produced. Trust me, this wave is strong enough to knock you over if you aren't paying attention. I strongly recommend keeping a close eye on young children and all young swimmers should have a life verst on. It is not uncommon to find body surfers catching waves in the deep end.

If you want a completely ridiculous picture for your holiday card you are in the right place. During the busy season photopass photographers hang out near the surf pool. They will get right there in the water with you and snap the picture right as the wave come crashing into you.

If you have ever wanted to learn to surf, but where unsure about it this is the place for you. Before the park opens guests can actually surf in the wave pool. This is the perfect place to learn to surf. You are guaranteed waves, there are no dangerous sea creatures (jellyfish, sharks), and you have trained life guards watching your every move.

Overall this pool is good family fun. It's a great place to let the kids tire themselves out. However, if you are looking for somewhere to relax, I would try the lazy river instead.

If you are looking for a place to relax this is it. Grab an inner tube and float along around the park. This ride is just like any lazy river you can find at any water park. Along the shores are tropical looking trees, which gives this stream a secluded feel. Just like with some of the bigger attractions at the park photopass photographers can be found here during the summer.

A word of warning: this lazy river moves faster than you think. I strongly recommend using an inner tube and that young children or those that are not strong swimmers wear a life vest. The water is heated during the winter making it possible for guests to enjoy this attraction when its colder out.

Yes, it is a water park, but there is a tropical island feel to this park that makes it seem like an island paradise. After all, the theme is a tropical island was suddenly hit with a typhoon and the left behind all the attractions. There are white sand beaches with chairs, hammocks, and cabanas all around the park. Some of these beaches are rather secluded and great for catching a few afternoon zees.

If you are planning on spending the day at this park you will want to stake a claim on your chars as soon as you get to the park. The rides will still be there in a few hours, the chairs won't be. If you have any valuable items that you don't want to leave out I would suggest renting a locker.

This is a great place to let the little ones enjoy some fun in the sun. There are small slides and fountains specifically designed for young children. There is a sandy beach for the adults to catch some sun, while the little ones play in the water. Of course, no one would blame you if you wanted to join your kids in playtime.

This water slide is rough. It is a tube slide that has the feel that riders are going down a river filled with rapids. It is a fun family ride. Like all of the slides at Typhoon Lagoon the lines can get a little long, and if given the option I would rather wait in line for a different slide. But, if the line is short I would totally pop on and enjoy the ride.

There are two tidal pools, Blustery Bay and Whitecap Cove, located on either side of the wave pool. These pools are zero depth and surrounded by white sand. The shallow water is easily heated by the sun which means this water is warm. If you are looking to relax in the water, sit in the sand, and just let your cares drift away this is the place for you.

The Storm Slides send guests down three stories through turns and drops. As if that wasn't enough there are three separate slides.

Humunga Kowabunga is the tallest slide at the park. It is a five story drop. This ride is fast. Well, I should say slides. With Disney thinking of the guests they had three identical slides constructed. With three slides wait times are cut drastically. After all, who wants to wait in line for a water slide all day in the hot Florida sun?

• This park serves alcohol. That means you can have a nice adult beverage while enjoying the sun, sand, and water. Keep in mind that water activities and alcohol don't often mix well, and you will get more dehydrated in the hot sun.
• There are many different places to grab a snack or even a full meal throughout the park. But, if you are looking to save a little on food there are two picnic areas. Coolers are allowed in the park, just no glass containers.
• Characters, usually Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, Donald, and Pulto, often make appearances at Typhoon Lagoon in the busy seasons.
• The water parks have free parking. For this reason they tend to fill up quickly. If you can't get a spot in the Typhoon Lagoon parking lot just go to Downtown Disney and catch a bus to the park. Most of the resort buses that run to Downtown Disney go to Typhoon Lagoon on the same loop.
• Unlike the theme parks the water parks will close during thunderstorms. You can take shelter in a gift shop, or leave the park. Typically, the water park will not reopen until it has been half an hour since the last lightning strike.