11 Typhoon Lagoon Tips: Essential Survival Guide

Is visiting Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon included in your Orlando itinerary? If not, you’re missing out! From thrilling waterslides to a surf pool with six foot waves, there are no shortage of exciting things to do. Want something a little more relaxing? Float along the lazy river or throw your towel on a beach chair and take it easy instead. Whatever you decide to do, these Typhoon Lagoon tips will help make an amazing day even better.

In all the times I’d been to Orlando, visiting Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon had never been on my Orlando itinerary. After finally getting the opportunity to experience it, my daughters and I were left wondering what took us so long. We’d been to water parks before but none that compared to this one. It was a fantastic experience for all of us. If you’re planning to visit anytime soon, these Typhoon Lagoon tips will help you get the most out of your day.

Arrive Early For A Shady Spot

We don’t slow down long enough for this to apply to us, but if you’re  planning to sit back and relax, you’ll want to get there early to find a spot in the shade. You’ll have to be quick to get those chairs before they disappear.

Hit The Photo Ops First

Unless you have a GoPro, you’re probably not going to want to carry your camera around all day. We hit the best photo ops first, then put the camera away. There are several great spots just inside the entrance.

When you enter the park, pay attention to the path that leads to the right. It’s a very short walk, but it leads you to a picturesque overlook.

Wander the park a little more and you’ll find plenty of other great photo spots, like rafts that resemble Mickey Mouse ears or giant, child-eating sharks.

Rent a locker

While our things would probably have been safe if left by a beach chair, I don’t like to take chances. We rented a locker, so we’d have somewhere to store our phones, sunscreen and everything else while we floated down the lazy river and rode waterslides.

The regular sized lockers are $10 for the day and the larger ones $15. Select a 4 digit PIN to access the locker, allowing you to roam the park without having to worry about keeping track of a key. Don’t worry, if you need to reapply your sunscreen, you can access your lockers as much as you want throughout the day.

Use Your Magic Band To Pay

One of my favorite things about Disney’s Magic Bands is that they can be used to pay for food, drinks, souvenirs and anything else you may need. Since you’re not going to be carrying a purse or wallet around a water park, this makes things a lot easier! Don’t worry, they’re waterproof so you can keep them on all day.

Get A Picture With Lilo and/or Stitch

Before you put all your stuff in a locker, be sure to get a picture with Lilo and Stitch. Since they alternate, we only saw Lilo when we were there, but if you plan it just right, you can meet both characters. Go straight as you enter the park and you’ll find them near the High ‘n Dry rentals (just look for the surfboards).

Ease Into The Surf Pool

The Surf Pool is amazing! We had so much fun splashing in the waves that we could have done it all day. With that being said, you should start off easy. Not only should you ride out the first waves in the shallow end, you’ll also want to grab one of the free life jackets for any children who aren’t strong swimmers.

The waves may look big from far away, but that’s nothing compared to seeing them up close. Our first experience with the wave pool was both exciting and terrifying at the same time! The first wave hit with such force that it pulled my five-year-old right out of my arms. For a few seconds, I couldn’t see a thing. When she popped out of the water yelling that she wanted to do it again, I knew we had a hit on our hands!

With 6 foot waves, this is North America’s largest wave pool and we all absolutely loved it.

TravelingMom Tip: While the Surf Pool was by far our favorite part of the park, I can’t emphasize enough that you’ll want to start off slowly.  My adventurous five-year-old thought it was fun to get swept away by the waves, but other young children may find it frightening.

Relax With Your Toddler At Ketchakiddee Creek

If you have younger kids, take a break in Ketchakiddee Creek for a while. It’s meant for toddlers but even my five-year-old had fun sliding down mini-slides and playing in the fountains. There’s also a mini inner-tube rapids ride, crawl chutes, water cannons and more. It’s a great place for moms to relax on the sidelines for a bit, while still keeping an eye on their little ones.

Bring Your Own Food & Drinks

Save a few dollars by bringing your own food and drinks into the parks. Disney will allow you to bring a small cooler, though they will check it for alcohol or glass containers (not allowed).

Share Lunch

If you don’t feel like bringing your own food, there are plenty of dining choices at Typhoon Lagoon. You’ll find everything from shrimp baskets to sandwiches and the food we ordered had generous portions.

My girls and I each ordered a lunch and though our sandwiches were delicious, they were so big that we didn’t finish them. We could easily have shared and used that extra money for ice cream later (or a Pina Colada for mom).

Don’t Forget The Sunscreen

While there are places in the shade to hide out, you’ll spend plenty of time in the direct sun at Typhoon Lagoon. It is in Central Florida, after all! Bring plenty of sunscreen, and be sure to reapply it throughout the day. If you happen to forget it, you can always buy some in the gift shop.

Take Surfing Lessons

This will cost an extra $165 but if you’ve always wanted to try surfing, you can take lessons!

Offered before the park opens and after it closes, these lessons are available whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned expert. Just make reservations ahead of time because the classes are popular and fill up fast.

A trip to Disney is always fun, and the next time your plans involve visiting the water parks, be sure to remember these easy Typhoon Lagoon tips and you’ll have a great time.