Diving into Orlando Water Park Fun: A Guide to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, Disney's Blizzard Beach & Universal's Volcano Bay
- paigelandrum
- Jun 17
- 8 min read
When the Florida heat hits full force, there's nothing better than spending a day cooling off at a water park. Each with unique theming, a wide variety of slides and pools, and fun for toddlers through adults, these water parks go beyond basic splash pads. Whether you're building in a non-park day during a Walt Disney World or Universal vacation, or you just want to cool off between theme park visits, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Volcano Bay each offer their own unique experience.
Typhoon Lagoon (Walt Disney World)
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is themed like a tropical island after a storm, complete with washed-up boats, surfboards stuck in trees, and an iconic shrimp boat, “Miss Tilly,” perched on top of Mount Mayday. The setting is lush, colorful, and gives a laid-back beach vibe, but there’s plenty of action too.
Key Attractions:
Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool: North America’s largest wave pool, which generates 6-foot swells every 90 seconds. It's more powerful than your average wave pool for your thrill seekers, however, families with younger kids can hang out near the entrance for more shallow water and calmer waves.
Castaway Creek: A lazy river that loops around the park, complete with waterfalls, caves, and mist zones.
Crush ’n’ Gusher: A water coaster made up of fruit-themed slides; Banana Blaster, Coconut Crusher, and Pineapple Plunger. You’ll get a mix of speed, twists, and surprising drops.
Mayday Falls: The highest and longest waterslide in the park, grab a raft and take a turbulent trip down Mount Mayday.
Miss Adventure Falls: A family raft ride that’s both scenic and exciting. There’s no height requirement, so younger riders can join in with an adult.
Ketchakiddee Creek: A favorite for toddlers and preschoolers, kids 4 ft and under can enjoy this shaded play area with pint-sized slides, gentle splash zones, and plenty of space to explore. Right next to here, kids 60 inches and below can enjoy Bay Slides, which are beginner waterslides, where kids can “test the waters” if you will.
Dining:
There are quite a few options for dining, including full meals, snacks, and tasty frozen treats. Some favorites:
Leaning Palms offers hearty rice bowls (a fan favorite), sandwiches, and plant-based options.
Typhoon Tilly’s offers the best from land and sea- here you can get fried fish, shrimp and clams, or opt for chicken or pulled pork.
Surf Doggies serves up hotdogs and Mickey pretzels.
For a sweet treat, Happy Landings serves up ice cream, floats, and sundaes.
Adults can find frozen drinks and tropical cocktails at multiple spots around the park.
Extras to Consider:
Beachcomber Shacks: Private shaded cabanas with cushioned seating, refillable mugs, towels, and a cooler stocked with bottled water. These are a good option if you plan to stay all day or want a comfortable home base. Cabanas can be reserved 60 days prior to check-in as an Enchanting Extra and prices start at $225 per day.
Surf Lessons: Held before the park opens or after close, these are best for older kids or teens interested in learning how to ride real waves in the surf pool. You can choose from open surf lessons (prices start at $270) or private lessons with your own group of friends.
Typhoon Lagoon also occasionally offers an afterhours extra ticketed event that you can add on to your vacation, H2O Glow After Hours. This limited capacity event is from 8:00pm - 11:00pm (but you can enter as early at 6pm) on select nights through the summer and includes meet-and-greets with special characters, lower wait times for key attractions, a DJ dance party, and complimentary snacks like popcorn and ice cream. Plus you get to experience how beautiful the park is lit up at night.
Blizzard Beach (Walt Disney World)
Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park is styled like a snowy ski resort melting in the Florida sun. Complete with chairlifts, slushy snowbanks, icicles, and waterslides instead of ski slopes.
Key Attractions:
Summit Plummet: One of the tallest and fastest body slides in the world. Riders free-fall down 12 stories at nearly 60 mph, this water slide is ideal for thrill-seekers.
Slush Gusher: Slightly more mild than Summit Plummet, this 90ft downhill slide rushes over 2 hills on the way down.
Teamboat Springs: A long, winding family raft ride that accommodates up to 6 riders.
Ski Patrol Training Camp: a tricky obstacle course with waterslides built in for extra fun. This is a perfect spot of tweens and teens wanting to test their skills.
Snow Stormers: This winding water slide allows the entire family to ride, no matter height.
Tike’s Peak: A Frozen themed toddler zone with kid-sized slides, water jets, and shaded areas. This area also includes a fun sandbox, if your younger kids want to take a break from the water.
Melt-Away Bay: one acre wave pool perfect for all ages.
Cross Country Creek: A scenic lazy river with fun details, including an “ice cave” with cool mist.
Dining:
When you get hungry, here are some great options:
Lottawatta Lodge serves up comfort foods like chicken tenders, burgers, and hearty salads.
Don’t miss the Mini Donuts stand: served hot and coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re a park favorite.
The Warming Hut: Here you can find snacks like pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, and a hummus tray. Nearby, The Cooling Hut has popcorn and Mickey pretzels.
Adults can find frozen drinks and tropical cocktails at multiple spots around the park.
Extras to Consider:
Polar Patios: Private cabanas with seating, towels, cold water, and food & beverage service. Prices start at $225 per day.
Lodge Umbrellas: A more affordable reserved seating option that includes two lounge chairs, an umbrella, and towels. This is great for families who want a guaranteed shady spot, and can accommodate up to 4 guests. Prices range from $49-$99.
Both of these options can be reserved 60 days prior to check-in as an Enchanting Extra.
BONUS! In 2025, guests staying at an on-site Walt Disney World Resort receive a complimentary visit to a water park on their check-in day. This is a great way to start your vacation off with a FREE splash, so plan ahead b arriving .
Volcano Bay (Universal Orlando)
Volcano Bay is centered around a towering volcano, Krakatau, and the entire park is designed to feel like a high-end tropical island retreat. You'll definitely know when it is about to ERUPT! It is absolutely a must see and visit for guests at Universal Orlando Resort who want to cool off while experiencing a thrilling day.
For incredible resort views, guests can select specific rooms at Cabana Bay Resort to enjoy this unique water park from the comfort of their room... it is even impressive to see at night! Speaking of resort views, both Cabana Bay and Aventura resorts have walkway paths to Volcano Bay that make it very easy to start your day early and grab the perfect spot in the shade. Don't forget to bring your own towel, though!
Key Attractions:
Krakatau Aqua Coaster: One of the most popular rides, this water coaster launches riders through the volcano using magnetic propulsion.
Ko’okiri Body Plunge: A near-vertical drop slide where the floor drops out from under you at the top of the volcano.
TeAwa The Fearless River: A thrilling lazy river where you wear a life vest and get carried along by a strong current.
Waturi Beach: The main wave pool, set at the base of Krakatau with soft sand and views of the waterfall.
Tot Tiki Reef & Runamukka Reef: Two separate toddler play areas with small slides, splash pads, and plenty of shallow water to explore.
Dining:
Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club offers island-inspired dishes like coconut curry chicken, mango BBQ pulled pork, and fresh fruit bowls.
Whakawaiwai Eats: enjoy pizza, hotdogs, and plenty of grab and go options, each with its own island flare.
Full-service bars and grab-and-go stands are scattered throughout the park with adult beverages.
Extras to Consider:
Volcano Bay offers cabanas in two different sizes: Single Cabana units can hold up to 6 people and Family Suite Cabanas can fit up to 16. Cabanas come with shade, snacks, a locker, concierge services, and a refrigerator.
Premium Seating: Includes two loungers with shade and a lockbox, this is a great option for families who want a designated rest area without the full cabana price.
Current Promotion: Universal often offers ticket bundles where Volcano Bay is included free as a third or fourth park in multi-day packages. An AMAAB Travel Advisor can help you find the best package that includes a water park day.
Which Water Park Is Best for Your Family?
For toddlers and younger kids: All 3 parks have robust toddler play zones. Blizzard Beach offers more shade and slightly less walking, in our opinion. We also feel like for younger toddlers, we liked Typhoon's play area best, but when our toddlers started liking smaller water slides, Blizzard Beach became a better area for them. If you have princess lovers, they may love the Frozen theming at Tikes Peak at Blizzard Beach. Volcano Bay also has specific areas that are a lot of fun for toddlers. Any of the above water parks will be sure to get all of their energy out.
For thrill-seekers: Volcano Bay and Blizzard Beach both have high-adrenaline slides, including drop slides and water coasters.
For a relaxing day: All three parks offer lazy rivers and cabana rentals, making each a great option. In our opinion though, Typhoon Lagoon wins the most laid back vibe award at Disney, and Volcano Bay is a great option if you are enjoying a Universal vacation.
For families staying at a Disney resort: Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach makes the most sense, especially with the current free admission offer.
For families doing Universal parks: Volcano Bay integrates easily into your existing itinerary and feels like a complete, separate park experience. It is definitely worth a stop if it fits in your itinerary.
For families wanting to take advantage of lower wait times: Check out the after hours event at Typhoon Lagoon. Tickets start at just $42.50 for kids.
Tips for Planning Your Visit:
Bring water shoes or slide-resistant sandals. The pavement gets hot, and many slides require climbing stairs. One 'cool' thing about Volcano Bay is that they spray the sidewalks so that it is a bit easier to get around without shoes!
Reserve cabanas or premium seating early. They do sell out, especially during peak travel weeks. However, always check once there if you are still interested as people do cancel.
All three parks allow sealed bottled water and small snacks. You can bring coolers, but there are size restrictions. Note that glass and alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be brought in.
Each park offers life jackets, family restrooms, and shaded rest areas. You can also rent towels if you don’t want to pack your own.
If you are taking advantage of the free Disney water park on check-in day, pack your waterpark bag separately from your other luggage. Drop your luggage off at the resort (if flying), and take your water park bag with you straight to the park.
Florida is HOT. Don't forget the essentials: sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, electrolyte packets, refillable water bottle, ChapStick with SPF, and a change of dry clothes. Read more about staying cool this summer here.
Is a water park in your summer plans?
With fun theming, standout rides for every age group, and amenities designed for families, these three water parks offer more than just a break from the heat, they can also be a highlight of your vacation. Whether you want to make a full day of it or pop in for just a few hours to cool off, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Volcano Bay each bring something different to the table.
If you’re not sure which fits your family best, or you want help taking advantage of current promotions, our AMAAB Travel Advisor team can help you find the best fit and take care of the details so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the some fun in the sun!
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