10 Do’s and Don’ts for Disney’s Water Parks

It’s ALWAYS the perfect time of year to take a dip and have some fun at one of Disney’s Water Parks! Disney has put their magic touches on Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, offering two Water Park options. Whichever Water Park you decide to make your splash in, here are a few do’s and don’ts you’ll want to be aware of before jumping in.

1 – DO Your Research

Two awesome water parks, but just one day planned for water park fun? Choosing between Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon is no simple task. That’s why we highly recommend guests take the time to do a little bit of research before picking which water park will work best for the family. Blizzard Beach is known to be a more thrilling water park while Typhoon Lagoon is regularly the most popular due to its incredible theming and other attractions. Check out the park’s layouts and attractions and see which one works best for you! If you have the chance to enjoy both parks, a little bit of research might just help save time since you’ll have a better understanding of the parks before you even set foot in them!

2 – DON’T Just Plan for Summer

One of the greatest things about Disney World is its climate. While most of us tend to freeze over the fall, winter, and even early spring months – Disney World typically rocks out warm temperatures. It’s not always easy to imagine swimming outside of the summer months, but chances are you’ll find Disney’s Water Parks comfortable year-round. Plus, the pools are slightly heated when the weather does dip! So, don’t just think about summer plans. Workaround refurbishment dates for the water parks and beat the crowds during the off-season times.

3 – DO Snag the Ideal Spot

Stake out that shady spot first thing in the morning, and you will be so thankful you did in the long run. These spots go quick, as no one likes to spend a full day out in the direct sun. Putting your gear and towel down at a shady spot early on will make the day that much better later. Of course, you could look into renting a Cabana, but this does cost money, and it’s necessarily worth it if you can find shade for free!

4 – DON’T Wait for Crowds

We can’t stress this one enough! While you might like to warm up and/or build up the guts to drop straight down the mountainside on Blizzard Beach’s Summit Plummet – major attractions like this get crowded quickly. Head to the popular attractions first, and you’ll beat the crowds and save yourself a lot of wait time.

5 – DO Bring the Necessities

Get that packing list out and check it twice before heading off to a water park. Sure, most everything you really need can be rented or purchased right on site, but you’ll save your wallet by planning ahead. We suggest you bring your own towel since it costs money to rent towels at Disney’s water parks. We also suggest bringing along sunscreen (a must-have!), sunglasses, water shoes (hot pavement), and an underwater camera for fun!

6 – DON’T Overlook Swimsuit Regulations

Of course, you’ll remember to pack your swimsuit, but don’t forget to check it out before heading to the park. Does your swimsuit have any metal pieces on it? If so, you’ll want to purchase a new swimsuit, as any swimsuits with metal pieces (such as a metal buckle, clasp, or jewelry) are not allowed when going on raft rides. And ladies – while a two-piece suit might be great for a tan, if you are planning on doing some of the wild attractions (such as Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach), you may want to look for a one-piece so you’ll be comfortable knowing all parts of your suit remained in place and aren’t left on the slide behind you!

7 – DO Look into Renting a Locker

You’re going to have a great time whether you do or do not rent a locker. We personally feel a little safer knowing we have the ability to lock up some of our belongings while we leave our beach chairs and go explore the park. Completely up to do, but it can’t hurt to think about it and plan for it in advance.

8 – DON’T Forget Your MagicBand

Guess what – your MagicBand is durable and waterproof! Plus, much like the theme parks, you can scan your MagicBand to make payments if you have set it up in advance as a Resort Guest prior to your arrival to the water park. Water parks do have PhotoPass Cast Members, and it’s always fun to have them snap a few pictures and easily attach them to your MagicBand memory.

9 – DO “Treat” Yourself

Well, you are at Disney World, after all, and snacking at the water parks is no different than snacking at the theme parks. Some of the signature treats are the Sand Pail Sundae at Typhoon Lagoon and/or the Mini Donuts at Blizzard Beach. Typhoon Lagoon now offers exclusive Dole Whip treats. The quick-service food offers a good variety, but it is roughly as one would expect at a water park. We do, however, recommend purchasing one of the water park refillable mugs if you plan to make a stop at the soda fountain multiple times throughout the day.

10 – DON’T Necessarily Take the Bus

As Disney Resort Guests, the complimentary bus transportation is a wonderful thing and something we typically highly recommend! However, we suggest that if you have a car, you consider driving versus taking the bus. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are typically shared buses, meaning they tend to have more than one stop. For example, the Typhoon Lagoon bus will likely also pick up and drop off at Disney Springs. If you’re able, it’s sometimes nice to just jump in the car with your sun-tired and waterlogged self and head straight back to the resort.

We’d love to hear from you! What are some Do’s and Don’ts you’d recommend for the Disney Water Parks?