Water parks aren’t exactly the first things that come to mind when people think about Walt Disney World. In fact, there are probably many people who don’t even know there are two Disney water parks, let alone one. And that makes us very, very sad. Why? For one, unlike those little water bottles with electric fans, a visit to one of the water parks at Disney World is a great way to escape the occasionally brutal Central Florida heat. We also happen to think Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks have some of the most enjoyable theming in all of Disney World. And finally, waterslides and lazy rivers! Need we say more?
Typhoon Lagoon is Disney’s second water park (its first, River Country, actually closed way back in 2001). Themed to look like a ramshackle island village after a furious typhoon blew through, Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is a lush, tropical escape in the heart of Disney World just across the street from Disney Springs. Are you thinking of catching some sun and waves at Disney Typhoon Lagoon? If so, we’re here to help! Keep reading for everything you need to know about the Typhoon Lagoon Disney water park, from attractions to tickets and everything in between.
As of October 1, 2021, the Disney Typhoon Lagoon Water Park remains closed.
Dive Into the Fun at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
As we previously mentioned, one of our favorite things about the Disney World water parks is the transporting, detailed theming with a backstory to match. Unlike Blizzard Beach’s quirky ski-resort-turned-water-park, Typhoon Lagoon’s design is subtle, with plenty of cheeky nods to the park’s origin story.
As legend has it, the water park sits on what was once the quaint resort town of Placid Palms. One day, a devastating storm swept through, setting off a chain reaction of an earthquake followed by a volcanic eruption. Ships were picked up by the wind and flung into Typhoon Lagoon, while items like surfboards and fishing gear were tossed wildly around the village. Placid Palms was destroyed. Fortunately, like those plucky, industrious businesspeople over at Blizzard Beach, the residents of the town made lemonade out of lemons, rebuilding their home out of the beach gear, boats, and other items that were strewn about and turning it into the water park that stands there today.
From the moment you enter Typhoon Lagoon, you truly feel as if you’ve landed on some island inhabited by scrappy, resourceful locals. It’s a tropical oasis filled with clever details, from its thatched roofs and Key West-style architecture to its creative use of everyday objects, like a sign made out of a buoy and ‘fruit bins’ turned into rafts. It is storytelling details like these that, though understated, are tons of fun to pick out once you know the backstory.
Overall, if you’re planning on spending several days in Central Florida and have some wiggle room in your schedule, not only is a stop by Disney Typhoon Lagoon a welcome escape from Orlando’s heat, it is also the perfect way to see a different kind of Disney magic.
Getting to Typhoon Lagoon in Florida
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is usually open every day for most of the year, even during the wintertime. However, it does also close for a few months every year so refurbishments can occur. Over this period, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is generally open instead. When it is open, Typhoon Lagoon hours are typically from 10 AM to 5 PM or 11 AM to 6 PM depending on the time of year. During the busiest days, the park does usually reach capacity in the early afternoon, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.
Typhoon Lagoon is located next to Disney Springs near Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort. Parking is free at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and, as there is no guard shack at the entrance, we like getting there as early as possible before the park opens. This lets us get ahead of the crowds, a double win that keeps the lines short and helps us snag a coveted clump of chairs in the shade.
For guests visiting Typhoon Lagoon and also staying at a Disney resort, buses run between your hotel and the water park. However, if you have a car, we suggest driving anyway since parking is free. Plus, you’ll be happy to sit in the heat of your car rather than the blasting A/C of a Disney bus on your way back to your room in your damp clothes.
Typhoon Lagoon Tickets & Prices
Guests wanting to buy Typhoon Lagoon tickets have a variety of options:
1-Day Water Park Tickets to Typhoon Lagoon / Disney Water Parks
1-Day Typhoon Lagoon Tickets with Blockout Dates cost $61.77 for children ages 3-9 and $68.16 for adults. A 1-Day Water Park Ticket to Typhoon Lagoon without blockout dates costs $67.10 per child and $73.49 per adult. Tax is included for all.
This is a great option if you only have time to visit one of the Disney water parks during your trip. For those with more time and wanting to visit more, we highly recommend opting for one of the options below.
Ticket with Water Park and Sports Option
Formerly called Water Park Fun & More, the Water Park and Sports Option starts out at an additional $70 over the base ticket price. Your total ticket price will depend on the day you decide to visit one of the theme parks. We like this option for those who plan to go to only one theme park a day and will still have some time left over to do other things.
Guests with this ticket will also receive admission to one of Disney World’s water parks or another sports-related attraction. The number of attraction entries will equal the number of theme park days on your ticket. For example, guests with a 3-day park ticket will also get 3 entries to one of the allowed attractions. You’re able to use up these admissions however you like, whether that means you want to go to Typhoon Lagoon all 3 times or you’d rather go to Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and one of the Disney World mini-golf courses. Attractions included in the Water Park and Sports Option are:
- Blizzard Beach Water Park
- Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
- Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course – Golfing & FootGolf
- Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course
- Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course
Park Hopper Plus
Park Hopper Plus tickets are similar to the Water Park and Sports Option above, but they also include park hopping. These start out at $85 more over the base ticket. Given that that’s only $15 more than the Water Park and Sports Option, we think this is a fantastic deal, as it allows you the flexibility to go to as many parks, including the Disney World water parks, as you can fit into a day.
Annual Passes
Unlike with the Platinum Plus Annual Pass, entry to the water parks at Walt Disney World is no longer included with any of the new annual passes. In other words, should you want to visit Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, you’ll need to buy a 1-day ticket alongside everyone else.
Typhoon Lagoon Discount Tickets
Looking to save some money on your Disney World vacation? We know – what kind of silly question is that? That’s why we are proud to offer some of the best discount Disney World tickets around as an authorized ticket retailer. For our current deals on Typhoon Lagoon discount tickets, click here.
Disney Typhoon Lagoon Rides, Slides & Attractions
Unlike the waterslide-heavy Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon rides are a well-rounded blend of attractions. The headliner here is the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool and its 6-foot waves, followed by supporting acts like a lush and winding lazy river and a whole slew of water slides. It’s this balance that, in our opinion, makes Typhoon Lagoon the more family-friendly option of the Disney World water parks. Alright, enough of all that boring stuff. Let’s start talking about the favorite part of any water park: all those water slides and other attractions.
Bay Slides
Height Requirement: Under 60” (152cm)
Tips: Have a kiddo or two in need of a confidence boost? The pint-sized Bay Slides could be just the ticket. Build up their bravery here before attempting one of the larger slides.
Attached to the Surf Pool, the scaled-down Bay Slides are a safe place for little ones to play while the adults fight the waves in the Surf Pool.
Castaway Creek
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Lazy River
Tips: Slide into Castaway Creek any time the lines for the waterslides get long.
Water slides are fun and all, but it’s hard to beat a leisurely loop around a lazy river. It’s the perfect escape from all that walking up stairs and getting knocked around in the wave pool. Castaway Creek runs for 2,000 feet, or around 22 minutes, along the outside of Typhoon Lagoon.
Crush ‘n’ Gusher
Height Requirement: At least 48” (122cm)
Type: Single and Double Rider Water Slide Coaster
Tips: There are several flights of stairs that you will need to carry your tube up, so keep this in mind if you choose to ride solo or have some questions about your upper body strength. Once you’re up there, remember to tuck your tail up throughout the ride to keep you from bumping your butt on the rollers built into the slide.
Laugh in the face of gravity on Crush ‘n’ Gusher. Down isn’t the only direction on this unique tube slide, as jets of water and rollers built into the slides propel you up, down, and all around on a rollercoaster-like ride. Three different slides are available – 2 double-rider slides and 1 single-rider – so feel free to return once or twice to try them all.
Gangplank Falls
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Whitewater Raft Ride
Tips: If you have to choose between Gangplank Falls and Miss Adventure Falls, the water park’s other raft ride, give Gangplank Falls a pass in favor of the newer, wilder Miss Adventure Falls.
Hop into a raft for this family-friendly trip down Mount Mayday. Stretching 300 feet, Gangplank Falls is the mellower option of Typhoon Lagoon’s two raft rides. Groups of up to 4 people can ride together, so if your group is on the small side, you may be placed with another group.
Humunga Kowabunga
Height Requirement: At least 48” (122cm)
Type: Body Slide
Tips: Those who tend to get claustrophobic may want to give this one a pass.
Typhoon Lagoon’s shorter, less steep take on Blizzard Beach’s Summit Plummet, Humunga Kowabunga is a thrilling ride down Mount Mayday. This trio of slides boast a near-vertical drop of 60 degrees down 5 stories in complete darkness.
Keelhaul Falls
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Single Rider Tube Slide
Tips: Prep yourself a bit before coming in for a landing to ensure you don’t lose your swimming trunks in the process.
Summit Mount Mayday once again for this solo tube ride. There are no frills or gimmicks here – just a smooth and speedy slide that is immensely enjoyable for both kids and kids-at-heart.
Ketchakiddee Creek
Height Requirement: Under 48” (122cm)
Type: Water Play Area
Tips: Let your kids splash around here while the teenagers are out doing their own thing or to help boost their confidence after you first get to the park.
Little ones can enjoy fun-sized waterslides and 10 different aquatic activities at this water play area with kiddos in mind. This shallow area is ideal for both supervised and solo (but still supervised from afar) exploring.
Mayday Falls
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Single Rider Tube Slide
Tips: We aren’t kidding when we say this slide can be rough. If you prefer a smoother ride, you may want to skip this one.
They don’t call it Mayday Falls for nothing. This single-rider slide is Typhoon Lagoon’s tallest – and also its bumpiest. So, be sure to hold on for dear life to both your swimsuit and your inner tube for this rocky run down Mount Mayday.
Miss Adventure Falls
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Whitewater Raft Ride
Tips: As Typhoon Lagoon’s newest slide, the lines can get long here quickly. Beat the rush by coming here first thing in the morning.
Embark on a rollicking adventure on the high seas on Typhoon Lagoon’s newest ride. This family raft ride is the longest Disney water park attraction, carrying you up a conveyor belt mountain before sending you into the perilous rapids below.
Storm Slides
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Body Slide
Tips: This is a body slide, meaning that you will feel every crease and bump in the tube. So, keep that in mind if you prefer slides with a smoother ride.
Slip down a trio of 3-story waterslides on your back before splashing into a pool at the end on the Storm Slides. These body slides are filled with twists, turns, and tons of speed. Almost completely open, the middle slide does include a portion of tube that is completely in the dark.
Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool
Height Requirement: Any height
Type: Wave Pool
Tips: While they’re easy enough to ride, those 6-foot swells can knock you on your behind if you aren’t paying attention. Keep your wits about you – and corral your little ones closer to the shoreline – to avoid accidents or injuries.
Those looking for an authentic ocean experience without all the beachfront property will love the Surf Pool. Typhoon Lagoon’s signature attraction and the largest wave pool in North America, the Surf Pool features towering 6-foot swells alternating with gentler waves.
Surfing Lessons
With a name like the Surf Pool, it should come as no surprise that you can actually grab a board and hang ten in Typhoon Lagoon’s wave pool. Private sessions and group surf lessons are both available. Offered on certain days before park opening with classes capped at 12 students, Typhoon Lagoon surf lessons are open to all guests age 8 and above and are a truly unique Disney VIP experience. Continental breakfast, digital photos of your lesson, and tax are included in the $199 price tag. Private Typhoon Lagoon surf sessions can also be reserved before or after the park opens. These 25-person maximum (including spectators), 3-hour sessions feature 100 waves split into 4 sets of 25. Food and beverage packages can also be added.
Typhoon Lagoon Strategy Recommendations
As we’ve mentioned before, we love getting an early start for our Disney days. If you can swing it, we recommend doing the same thing at Typhoon Lagoon. This helps you beat the lines by knocking out the water slides before the crowds get too thick and also lets you claim the best pool chairs before they’re all taken.
In general, if you do make it for park open, the first thing you should accomplish after entering the park is to grab enough beach chairs for your party. Shaded spots and those surrounding the Surf Pool get chosen the fastest. There is also a nice shaded area near the entrance to Crush ‘n’ Gusher. Of course, if you’d like a home base but you rather not have to run for it, you can also rent a Beachcomber Shack or a Getaway Glen Umbrella (more on those a bit later).
Once you’ve determined your landing pad for the day, you’ll want to start conquering all the attractions next. Start with the waterslides first, then move on to the lazy river and the wave pool. Alternatively, if you arrive at Typhoon Lagoon later on in the day, simply reverse that order and end your day on the slides.
And for those of you wondering whether Typhoon Lagoon can be done in a day, the answer is emphatically yes. If both water parks are open, you’d even have time to go to both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Whatever you decide to do, Typhoon Lagoon in Florida is a great way to spend a park-free day at Disney World.
Disney Typhoon Lagoon Restaurants & Dining
Is your stomach a-grumblin’ after a few hours in the sun? Fortunately for you, Typhoon Lagoon has more than enough dining options available to keep you and your crew happy. Let’s take a look at what’s available!
Arctic Dots Ice Cream
That’s right, folks – everyone’s favorite sphere-shaped ice cream is available at Typhoon Lagoon. Snag a small, medium, or large cup at the stand right next to Singapore Sal’s.
Funnel Cakes at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Funnel cakes may be the only thing in this snack stand’s name, but they aren’t the only things on the menu. Swing by this food kiosk near the Surf Pool and Let’s Go Slurpin’ for funnel cakes dripping in ice cream and chocolate sauce for a Fried Ice Cream.
Happy Landings Ice Cream
Cool off with an icy snack from this snack hut across from Leaning Palms. Grab a shovel and a friend and dig into a massive Sand Pail Sundae or go for a classic Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae, Waffle Cone, Mickey Ice Cream, or a Root Beer Float.
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
Located near Let’s Go Slurpin’ and the Surf Pool, Joffrey’s is a mainstay throughout Disney World, and offers up tons of hot, iced, and frozen coffee beverages and tea. Pastries are usually available as well, and kiosks will often feature seasonal drinks for a limited time.
Leaning Palms
Tuck into island-inspired flavors like the Jerk Chicken Cobb Salad, Cuban Burger, and Adobo Pork Rice Bowl at this quick service restaurant located at the rear of the Surf Pool next to Castaway Creek. Alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages are both available here, as is Disney’s famous Dole Whip.
Let’s Go Slurpin’
Catch a wave to Let’s Go Slurpin’, an open-air drink shack near the back of the Surf Pool. Guests can sip on an array of alcoholic beverages here like frozen and on-the-rocks cocktails, beer, and wine.
Lowtide Lou’s
The tide may be low but the drink level is high over at Lowtide Lou’s, a seasonal walk-up food & beverage window near the Bay Slides, Surf Pool, and Falls slides. Here, guests can choose from a limited food menu including sandwiches, ice cream, and snacks like Smoked Fish Dip with Crackers or Stuffed Pretzels, as well as a selection of tasty beverages like Lou’s Wavy Mango Wine Slushy.
Mini Donuts by Joffrey’s Coffee
Any time is breakfast time at this snack stand near Singapore Sal’s. Snag a hot or cold drink and a full or half dozen of these yummies. And whatever you do, be sure to grab a white chocolate, chocolate, or raspberry dipping sauce for dunking.
Snack Shack
Attached to Typhoon Tilly’s, the seasonal Snack Shack serves up a selection of light entrees, frozen treats, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Although they’re connected, the menus are different. Come here for flavorful options like the Smoked Fish Dip, Shrimp Wrecked Salad, or Guacamole Dip with Pineapple Bacon. You can find the Sand Pail sundae here as well.
Typhoon Tilly’s
For those hoping to chow down on some seafood while at Typhoon Lagoon, there’s no better option than the seasonal Typhoon Tilly’s. Although this quick service restaurant offers both surf and turf, this is the place to come if you’re in the mood for all things fish.
Beachcomber Shacks, Getaway Glen Umbrellas, Lockers & Other Rentals
From making sure your belongings are secure to having a shaded place to rest, expert water park goers will tell you that the key to a successful visit is being prepared. Fortunately, Typhoon Lagoon has your back even if you’re one of those people who always seem to forget something (guilty as charged).
Beachcomber Shack Cabanas
Beachcomber Shacks are Typhoon Lagoon’s rentable cabanas. These covered, open-air shelters accommodate groups of up to 6 people and come with a variety of amenities including cushioned seating, towels, a locker, refillable drink mugs, and all-day ice water. Cast members are on-hand to help with food and drink orders. Although the prices vary depending on the season, they are typically around $360, not including park admission. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY, or you can check for same-day availability at Singapore Sal’s.
Getaway Glen Umbrellas
Getaway Glen Umbrellas are a more affordable alternative for those looking for reserved seating. Getaway Glen Umbrellas accommodate up to 4 people and include access to a beach umbrella, towels, a drink table, two reserved beach chairs, and two reserved loungers. Prices are typically around $75, not including park admission, though that can increase during busier periods. As with Beachcomber Shacks, reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY, or you can check for same-day availability at Singapore Sal’s.
Typhoon Lagoon Lockers
Although you might be tempted to leave your belongings on a beach towel-covered chair, we recommend stashing everything in a locker instead. Pricing depends on which size locker you need – a regular (12.5” x 10” x 17”) costs $10 per day while the large (15.5” x 13” x 17”) costs $15. Rentals are completed on an electronic kiosk using either cash or a credit card. Once you’ve paid, you’ll then choose your own 4-digit PIN to unlock your locker for the rest of the day. Look for a locker at Singapore Sal’s and High ‘N Dry Rentals.
Typhoon Lagoon Towel Rentals
Towels can take up a ton of space in your suitcase. That’s why we like to get a Typhoon Lagoon towel rental instead. Stop by Singapore Sal’s or High ‘N Dry Rentals to get a towel for the day. Towel rentals are complimentary for guests staying at a Disney resort or $2 for everyone else.
Typhoon Lagoon Life Jackets
Is there someone in your party who is uncomfortable with their swimming skills but would still like to enjoy the water? No problem! Just get them a free life jack rental (refundable deposit necessary).
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park FAQs
Want to know more about Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park? Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions.
Is Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach better?
It honestly depends on what you’re looking for. Typhoon Lagoon is a lush, beautifully landscaped water park with attractions the whole family can enjoy. And better yet, several of these rides can even be enjoyed as a family. While there are solo slides available (and even these are calmer than their Blizzard Beach counterparts on average), two different raft slides, a double-rider tube slide, a relaxing lazy river, and the can’t-miss wave pool make Typhoon Lagoon the most family-friendly Disney water park. Of course, if you’re an adrenaline junkie with a thing for heights and speed, or if you’re the type of person who goes to Disney for the creative theming, then Blizzard Beach might be a better option for you.
Can you swim with sharks at Typhoon Lagoon?
Unfortunately, with the closure of Shark Reef in 2016 (and much to the disappointment of Typhoon Lagoon fans everywhere), guests are no longer able to swim with sharks at Typhoon Lagoon. The Miss Adventure Falls raft ride was built in its place following the closure.
What should I wear? Can you wear water shoes at Typhoon Lagoon?
Not only are water shoes allowed at Typhoon Lagoon, but they are also encouraged. The ground can get pretty uncomfortable to walk on between attractions. Unlike sandals, you’re actually able to wear water shoes on slides, so they’re the perfect choice for keeping your feet from hurting throughout the day and getting disgusting beyond measure in the public bathroom. As for swimsuits, those with sharp pieces like zippers or buckles are allowed in the park; however, they are not allowed on the attractions.
Can you take food into Typhoon Lagoon?
Yes, just like the rest of Walt Disney World, you are able to bring your own food into Typhoon Lagoon. Remember that if you choose to pack your food in a cooler, it will be checked for prohibited items like glass, alcoholic beverages, and loose or dry ice. Use ice packs to keep your items cold instead.
Is the water heated at Typhoon Lagoon?
Yes! All of the water at Typhoon Lagoon is heated.
Is renting a Beachcomber Shack cabana worth it at Typhoon?
That depends on your priorities for your trip to Typhoon Lagoon. There’s plenty of shade available at Typhoon Lagoon. So, unless you’d like to splurge, you’re planning on spending most of your day at your cabana, or you’ve got a group of 6 people who are willing to split the cost for the convenience of having a home base with an attendant to help with any food or beverage needs, we say you’re better of saving your money and finding somewhere to sit for free.
Well, that concludes our Disney Typhoon Lagoon guide. Make the most of your time at Walt Disney World with one of our one-day plans to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios. Or, stretch your dollar with our discounted Walt Disney World tickets.
Are you a Typhoon Lagoon fan? If so, let us know! We love hearing about any tips and tricks that we’ve missed.
