Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon is a water park located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States.
The park, which opened on June 1, 1989, is home to the world's largest outdoor wave pool.[1] The theme of the park is the "Disney legend" of a typhoon that wreaked havoc upon a formerly pristine tropical paradise. Ships, fishing gear and surfboards are strewn about where the storm flung them. The centerpiece of the park is "Miss Tilly," a shrimp boat impaled upon a mountain named "Mount Mayday" that erupts a 50-foot (15 m) geyser of water every half hour, right before the bells of the watch sound on Miss Tilly. The parks’ mascot is named “Lagoona Gator” who is related to Blizzard Beach’s mascot Ice Gator.
In 2008, Typhoon Lagoon admitted approximately 2.06 million visitors, currently making it the most visited water park in the world.[2]
Typhoon Lagoon closes for about two months each year for annual refurbishments, beginning mid-fall.[3] During its closure Blizzard Beach remains open.
Of the major parks at Disney World, Typhoon Lagoon is the only one that lies within the city limits of Lake Buena Vista. Blizzard Beach and the four theme parks are within the adjacent city of Bay Lake. However, Lake Buena Vista is the mailing address for the entire Walt Disney World Resort.
Mount Mayday
Overview
Mount Mayday, located behind the surf pool, features “Miss Tilly” as well as many of the park's waterfalls and slides.
Attractions
- Humunga Kowabunga: Three enclosed "speed slide" flumes that send riders downward five stories in seconds reaching speeds of 75 mph (Height Restriction: 48” or taller).
- Storm Slides: Three body slides (Jib Jammer, Stern Burner and Rudder Buster) that send riders from a height of three stories down twisting, winding channels to a splash pool at the bottom.
- Gang Plank Falls: Family raft ride featuring large four-person inner tubes.
- Mayday Falls: Tube slide flume with winding "rough rapids" feel.
- Keelhaul Falls: Tube slide flume with smoother ride, spiraling down through a water fall and cave.
- Forgotten Grotto: A cave walkway through Mt. Mayday
- Overlook Pass: A walkway across the slope of Mt. Mayday, with small waterfalls.
Hideaway Bay
Overview
Hideaway Bay, formerly “Out of the Way Cay”, is a sandy beach area located behind the dressing rooms. It is in the most hidden part of the park and features the newest attraction at Typhoon Lagoon.
Attractions
- Crush 'n' Gusher: Water coaster where two to three person rafts are propelled by water jets through hairpin turns and drop-offs. This attraction includes a choice of the water coaster slide "Banana Blaster", "Coconut Crusher", or "Pineapple Plunger" (Height Restriction: 48” or taller).
- Sandy White Beach: Beach area with lounge chairs as well as a wading pool area adjacent to Crush 'n' Gusher.
Typhoon Lagoon
Overview
The largest section of the water park houses the feature attraction as well as many shaded, white sandy beaches to relax and recuperate.
Attractions
- Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool: Wave pool, which alternates on a 90-Minute surf (6 foot high) waves/30-Minute bobbing waves cycle.
- Bay Slides: Beginner slide designed to send toddlers down gentle slopes that end in a secluded corner for the “Surf Pool”.
- Blustery Bay: Zero depth entry tidal pool near the clock tower, adjacent to the “Surf Pool” and is surrounded by sandy beaches.
- Whitecap Cove: Zero depth entry tidal pool near “Surf Doggies”, adjacent to the “Surf Pool” and is surrounded by sandy beaches.
- Learn to Surf: Hosted by “Craig Carroll’s Cocoa Beach Surf School” a two and a half hour surf lesson before the park opens (additional cost).
Shark Reef
Overview
Two saltwater reefs separated by a sunken tanker provide guests with an "experience" with Caribbean sea creatures.
Attractions
- Shark Reef: Hosted by NAUI, snorkel through an unheated, saltwater reef populated with stingrays, bonnethead, leopard sharks and tropical fish.
- Sunken Tanker: Underwater viewing area of the reefs. Viewing provided through tankers portholes.
- S.A.S Adventure: A 30-minute “Surface Air Snorkeling” experience. Using a “pony” tank, a small regulator, and a buoyancy vest experience the “Shark Reef” in a different way (additional cost). All participants must be at least 5 years of age.
- Hammer Head Fred’s Dive Shop: Snorkels, masks, lifejackets and unheated showers provided.
Castaway Creek
Continuous flowing, 2,100-foot (640 m) "lazy river" that slowly circles the entire park, passing through gentle waterfalls, lush rainforests, mist screens, and Mount Mayday itself. Riders can float on their own or in inner tubes provided.
Other attractions
- Ketchakiddee Creek: a play area for young children featuring small slides and fountains. There are water features that spray everywhere including a tugboat and a mixture of whales and seals throughout the play area. A small sandy beach is also provided.
Food and beverage
- Leaning Palms: Previously the Placid Palms resort, the main counter service restaurant. Surrounded by shaded seating areas. Located near the main entrance.
- Typhoon Tilly’s: Located near the “Shark Reef”.
- Happy Landings Ice Cream: Located in between “Getaway Glenn” and “Castaway Creek”.
- Let’s Go Slurpin’: Bar located on the beach by the wave pool.
- Surf Doggies: A sufers car set up on the beach, adorned by surf boards!
- Crush Cart: A small cart opposite the entrance to Crush n Gusher.
Picnic areas
There are 2 designated picnic areas located in the park. However there are no restrictions as to where to have a picnic.
- Getaway Glenn: Located behind "Happy Landings" near the front of the park.
- Hideaway Bay: Located near Crush 'n' Gusher and the dressing rooms.
Coolers are allowed in the waterparks. The only restricted items are glass and alcohol.
Merchandise
- North Pearl: Jewelry store featuring pearls. Located in “Hammer Head Fred’s Dive Shop”.
- Singapore Sal’s: Main merchandise store offering souvenirs, swimwear, footwear, etc.
- High ‘N Dry Towels: Rental location offering locker and towel rentals and complimentary lifejackets.
References
External links