The Complete Guide to the Water Parks at Walt Disney World

The World Disney World Resort is one of the most visited vacation destination throughout North America. The 43-square mile resort consists four world renowned theme parks, two water parks, dozens of resort hotels and a massive shopping / dining / entertainment venue (Disney Springs).

Being located in the Orlando, Florida area, the weather is quite warm with an average year-round temperature of 72 degrees with average temperatures of more than 80 degrees for the spring, summer and fall months. Warm temperatures make make for perfect swimming weather which is why Walt Disney World features two amazing water parks known at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.

In this Complete Guide we are going to review the attractions, experiences and dining options at both water parks as well as provide some tips & tricks to help make your day more enjoyable.

The Complete Guide to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park was the first of the two current water theme parks the Walt Disney World Resort, originally opening in June 1989. The park is know for its massive wave pool whish is one of the world’s largest outdoor wave pools.

As of March 2023, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon features 12 amazing water attractions, 13 food & beverage locations, a merchandise shop and locker rooms. The park typically opens at 10:00 AM and closes around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, remaining open later during peak summer months.

A single-day admission ticket with no blockout dates costs $69.00 per adult ages 10 and $63.00 per child ages three to nine years old. Tickets with blackout dates are priced at $64.00 per adult and $58.00 per child; blackout dates for 2023 run from May 27th to October 1st.

Highlighted by the “Miss Tilly” shrimp boat on top of Mount Mayday, the story behind Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is that a “typhoon” ravaged central Florida leaving behind an array of ships, surfboard and fishing equipment throughout the park. Mount Mayday is also a geyser that erupts every half hour during the day.

Attractions

As of March 2023, there are 12 water themed attractions at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon that range from those orientated towards children to several “thrill” rides.

Typhoon Lagoon Wave Pool

What’s a water park without a wave pool! The centrally located Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool is the largest wave pool in North America and produces swells of up to six-feet in height. These rides are perfect for bodysurfing and frolicking in the water.

Surrounding the pool is ample seating with lounge chairs spread out along a white sandy beach.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon also offers a private surfing session for experienced riders. During this session guests will enjoy a three-hour session that includes 100 waves (broken into sets of 25) along with experienced instructions to provide as much assistance as possible. Starting at 6: 45 AM in the morning or 5:30 in the evening, this experience is limited to a maximum of 40 guests, including spectators. Park admission is not required and more information can be obtained by clicking here.

Currently not available is Disney’s “Learn to Surf Like a Pro” surf class. These two and one-half hour surfing classes are perfect for first timers or beginning riders. Classes are limited to 12 students ages eight & older and surfing equipment is provided.

Crush ‘n’ Gusher

One of the most exciting attractions at the park is Crush ‘n’ Gusher which is a 400-foot long water coaster that takes riders on a wild ride with twists and turns and is propelled uphill by powerful water jets. The attraction ends by putting riders in Hideaway Bay.

Crush ‘n’ Gusher is limited to guests 48 inches in height or taller.

Humunga Kowabunga

The fastest and steepest water slide at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is Humunga Kowabunga. On this five-story body slide, riders plummet down Mount Mayday in the dark at a 60-degree drop before splashing into the bottom.

Humunga Kowabunga is limited to guests 48 inches in height or taller.

Castaway Creek

Castaway Creek is the parks lazy river. Guests will enjoy floating down the calm river as it circles the entire park.

Other amazing attractions at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon include:

Ketchakiddee Creek
Keelhaul Falls
Mayday Falls
Gangplank Falls
Storm Slides
Bay Slides
Mountain Trail
Miss Adventure Falls

Food & Beverage Options

From hot sandwiches to salads as well as ice cream, beer and cocktails, there are plenty of food & beverage options at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

Learning Palms
Happy Landings
Lowtide Lou’s
Hammer Head Fred’s Dive Bar
Typhoon Tilly’s
Snack Shack
Let’s Go Slurpin’
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
Surf Doggies
High ‘B Dry
Artic Dots Ice Cream
Mini Donuts by Joffrey’s Coffee
Tropical Amity Outpost

Merchandise

From sundries to beachwear as well as sunglasses and towel / umbrella rentals, guests will find everything they need for a day of fun in the sun at Singapore Sal’s.

Special Events at Typhoon Lagoon

Guests will enjoy a special, separately ticketed three-hour nighttime event called Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

Guests will enjoy not only access to the parks existing attractions, but special entertainment (with Disney Characters) as well as snacks & beverages throughout the evening. This special event is held on select nights from May 20th to September 2, 2023 from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

2023 dates include:

May 20th and 27th
June 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th
July 1st, 3rd, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th and 31st
August 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th
September 2nd

The cost for this event is $75.00 per adult ages 10 and up and $70.00 per child ages three to nine. Annual Passholder and eligible Disney Vacation Club members get a discount of $16.00 off the regular price.

The Complete Guide to Disney’s Blizzard Bleach

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is the second of the currently two water theme parks the Walt Disney World Resort. Originally opened in April 1995, the park is highly themed as a “former” ski resort right down to the Mount Gushmore still jump at the center of the park.

As of March 2023, Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed for refurbishment.

The park features 12 exciting water attractions, 11 food & beverage locations, two merchandise shop and locker rooms. The park typically opens at 10:00 AM and closes around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, remaining open later during peak summer months.

Similar to Typhoon Lagoon, a single-day admission ticket with no blockout dates costs $69.00 per adult ages 10 and $63.00 per child ages three to nine years old. Tickets with blackout dates are priced at $64.00 per adult and $58.00 per child; blackout dates for 2023 run from May 27th to October 1st.