The Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Parking and Transportation

Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort are offered complimentary transportation to and from Typhoon Lagoon. However, at present, most guests have to take a bus from their resort to Disney Springs. They board a transfer bus to Typhoon Lagoon across the street from there. This extra step is not terrible, but it will take an extra 15 minutes since you have to change buses. Note that you cannot walk from Disney Springs to Typhoon Lagoon. It is a high-traffic area, and no crosswalks are available.

*From time to time, direct bus transportation runs from the resorts to the water parks. Signage at the resort bus stop will indicate whether or not you have to transfer.

Typhoon Lagoon offers complimentary parking for all guests. Since we live nearby, we almost always drive. If we visit later in the day, we drive to the front of the lot to see if we can find a spot where someone has left early.

Learn More>> Typhoon Lagoon Transportation Options

Attractions

Typhoon Lagoon offers several attractions to enjoy during your visit. The water park has something for everyone, no matter your age. We’ll discuss each attraction below to help you plan your day. If you’re traveling with little ones, you might like to preview our list of attractions with height requirements for Typhoon Lagoon.

Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool (Wave Pool)

Typhoon Lagoon is widely known for its Surf Pool, which is 2.5 acres and holds several million gallons of water. It is the largest wave pool in North America. Throughout the day, you can experience two types of waves: the bobbing wave and the surf wave. The surf wave is the giant wave that runs most of the day.

When the surf wave is in motion, a wave forms about every 90 seconds. You will hear a distinctive siren warning when a new wave session begins. Typically, the large wave sessions run for about 1.5 hours. Then, the bobbing wave runs for approximately 30 minutes. The times for both waves are posted on a chalkboard in front of the wave pool.

It’s important to note that the surf wave is strong. Signage near the pool warns of the following:

• Strong waves may occur.
• Children under the age of 12 years old must have adult supervision.
• Weak swimmers should use Typhoon Lagoon personal flotation devices or a swimmer’s aid and remain in shallow water. (There is a red line near the 5-foot mark that guests wearing life jackets cannot cross. If you do, a lifeguard with a megaphone will yell for you to get behind the red line.)
• No food, drink, or glass in the pool or on the pool deck
• Guests must shower before entering.
• For safety, diaper-age children must wear plastic pants or swim diapers.

The Surf Pool is our favorite thing at the water park, but the big waves are not for everyone. We like to sit toward the back of the pool and enjoy it from afar. You will not want to leave any possessions like shoes or towels toward the back of this pool. When the big waves start, they will reach much further than guests realize. Nearly every visit, we see the waves gathering shoes and pulling them back into the pool!

Learn More<<Preview Photos of the Wave Pool at Typhoon Lagoon

Castaway Creek (Lazy River)

Castaway Creek is the lazy river that circles the park. If you’re facing Mount Mayday, the river travels to the left. It’s a long, lazy river that you can loop for hours if you like. It takes approximately 18 minutes to travel full circle. We like to use the lazy river to travel around the park. For instance, if we’re at the front of the park, we might take it to ride the falls slides. Then, when we’re finished, we will take the lazy river to the Storm Slides and Humunga Kowabunga. Each landing will have signage indicating what’s available nearby.

Learn More >> Preview Photos of the Lazy River at Typhoon Lagoon

Miss Adventure Falls

Miss Adventure Falls is a family raft ride that holds up to four guests. This attraction is on the right side of the park, past Crush N’ Gusher. Miss Adventure Falls is comparable to Teamboat Springs at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. This ride requires at least two riders per raft. You will be loaded with someone else if you’re a single rider. While this attraction does not have a set height requirement, it requires everyone to be able to hold the handles. Therefore, toddlers and infants cannot ride.

This attraction is unique because it loads the raft at the bottom of the ride. So you do not have to climb any stairs to access the loading platform. Throughout the queue, you’ll see signage that indicates the efficient way to board the raft. You’ll then be sent up a giant conveyor belt, and at the top, you’ll meet rushing rapids as you make your way back down. It’s thrilling fun with lots of twists and turns. You’ll be laughing and holding on for dear life at that point!

While this attraction is thrilling, it’s still family-friendly. I would ride it any day, unlike a few other attractions.

Learn More>> Miss Adventure Falls Complete Overview

Crush ‘n’ Gusher

Crush ‘n’ Gusher is another thrill attraction or water coaster. It is the first attraction on the right side of the park before you get to Miss Adventure Falls. Crush ‘n’ Gusher requires a 48″ height requirement, and the pool depth at the bottom of the slide is 3’6″.

When you join the line, you’ll pick up a float at the pool area. You can ride as a party of two or as a single rider. When you get to the staircase, you’ll have to pick a line. The options are Pineapple Plunger, Coconut Crusher, or Banana Blaster. Double riders can choose any line. Single Riders have to do the Coconut Crusher.

Personally, I can’t tell a big difference between them, but the kids always say one is faster or better. To me, they are all fast. Besides the wave pool, this is our favorite attraction at the park. We love it and usually ride it multiple times!

Learn More>> Crush ‘n’ Gusher Water Coaster

Gangplank Falls

Three “falls” rides are available toward the back of the park. Gangplank Falls is a family raft ride that’s supposed to be similar to white water rafting. You’ll have to pick up a raft about halfway up the stairs. They are oversized and relatively heavy. From my experience, they are difficult to manage if you’re a single parent or a smaller party. When you reach the top, you’ll board the raft, and a cast member will push you down the slide, which is approximately 300 feet long. To me, it’s a rather short ride. We much prefer Miss Adventure Falls over Gangplank Falls.

Learn More>>Gangplank Falls Family Raft Ride

Mayday Falls

Mayday Falls sits between Gangplank Falls and Keelhaul Fauls. It is an innertube slide for single riders. At the bottom of the slide, you’ll pick up an innertube. Mayday Falls is the longest of the three slides. It’s a pretty fast ride back down to the bottom. All three water slides in this area are fast, and in my experience, the innertubes tend to go up on the sides of the slide. You’ll want to make sure you have water shoes!

Learn More>> Mayday Falls Inner Tube Slide

Keelhaul Falls

Keelhaul Falls is the last of the three tube slides. It’s pretty similar to Mayday Falls. However, the innertubes are shaped differently. A wait time is posted at the bottom of each slide. You can usually gauge how many people are waiting from the base of the slide.

Learn More>> Keelhaul Falls Inner Tube Slide

Storm Slides

On the opposite side of the mountain, you’ll run into the Storm Slides. These slides are called body slides. They twist and turn down the mountainside. You must hold any shoes or sunglasses in your hands for these slides. Most water park shoes have a band to slide over your wrists to help keep them secure. You’ll lay down and cross your arms over your chests for these slides. While the Storm Slides are fast, I prefer these over the falls because you don’t feel out of control or worry about flipping out of the innertube. The Storm Slides have three options: the rudder buster, the stern burner, and the jib jammer. You can ride whichever you like once you reach the top!

Learn More>> The 3 Body Slides at Typhoon Lagoon

Humunga Kowabunga

Humunga Kowabunga is a thrilling body slide at Typhoon Lagoon. I refuse to ride it because of the steep drop! You’ll find me in the waiting area at the base of the slide. Humunga Kowabunga has a 48″ height requirement. You’ll want to verify your height before heading up the staircase to the slides. A cast member will check if your height appears questionable once you reach the top. Humunga Kowabunga is a five-story drop down the side of the mountain in the dark! It’s 214′ long! You can see the splash guests make in the photo below as they come out of the slide almost horizontally to slow down!

Learn More>>The 5-Story Drop Thrill Slide at Typhoon Lagoon

Ketchakiddee Creek

This tremendous water playground is perfect for little ones! Ketchakiddee Creek is located in the back corner of the park, behind the Surf Pool, and near the three Falls attractions. This attraction is for children under 48″. It’s the perfect area for little ones to play. Everything is on a smaller scale. Ketchakiddee Creek has mini-slides and even a miniature water raft ride. Parents can place their children in it at the start and then walk to the other end to pick them up. It’s too cute.

A fun tugboat, the leaky S.S. Squirt sits in the center of the play area. Children can climb aboard and aim water cannons at unsuspecting guests—a spray of water squirts from the top occasionally. A small cave sits behind it. Parents, if you look behind the cave area, you’ll find plenty of seating options in the shade.

Learn More: The Aquatic Play Area for Children at Typhoon Lagoon

Bay Slides

The Bay Slides are probably the most often overlooked area of the park. We visited Typhoon Lagoon many times before I noticed them! These slides are in an area called Blustery Bay, which is on the far left side of the Surf Pool. The waves run off into this rocky area, which creates a bit of a barrier, making them more gentle. This duo of slides has a maximum height requirement for the enjoyment of children 60″ or less. It’s an excellent area for children who are not big enough to take on the big waves. Parents, you’ll find a few seating areas along the rock wall to relax while the children play.

Learn More>> The Bay Slides and Blustery Bay at Typhoon Lagoon

The Mountain Trail

The Mountain Trail is like a secret attraction at Typhoon Lagoon. It starts at the entrance of Gang Plank Falls. You’ll see a sign that says Mountain Trail. Take the path up to the rope bridge that leads to the overlook. You’ll feel as though you’ve reached a tropical paradise. I rarely run into anyone up here! Waterfalls run over the walkways, providing an excellent place to cool off. You’ll even get a close look at Miss Tilly as she rests on top of the mountain! As you continue, you’ll make your way down the opposite side of the mountain. You’ll come out between Humunga Kowabunga and the Storm Slides.

Learn More>> Exploring the Rope Bridge and Mount Mayday

Dining Options

Here’s a quick list of the dining options at Typhoon Lagoon. We have an entire Typhoon Lagoon Dining Guide that shares the menus, prices, and photos of the food we’ve tried!

• Happy Landings Ice Cream: This quick service is known for its ice cream treats, such as the pineapple upside-down cone and the sand pail sundae!
• Leaning Palms is the primary quick-service restaurant at Typhoon Lagoon. It offers a little bit of everything and is a great place to enjoy lunch.
• Let’s Go Slurpin’: This is the pool bar by the Surf Pool and the primary place to purchase alcoholic beverages.
• Lowtide Lou’s: Enjoy Mickey pretzels and other snacks near Ketchakiddee Creek.
• Snack Shack: This is your one-stop shop for Dole Whip Treats. This year’s version is the Dole Whip Bath Tub Sundae, which features green matcha and other flavors!
• Typhoon Tilly’s: This is Typhoon Lagoon’s secondary quick-service restaurant. They have a shrimp boil and several fried fish and chicken options.
• Hammer Head Fred’s Dive: This fun-themed location is near the former shark reef, where you can pick up a unique beverage.
• Joffrey’s Coffee: This location near the Surf Pool offers specialty coffee and frozen beverages.
• Mini Donuts: This stand near the front of the park has mini donuts and dipping sauce.
• Funnel Cart: A visit to a water park wouldn’t be complete without a funnel cake, right?
• Fruit Stand: Pick up cups of fresh fruit at this location near the front of the park.
• Arctic Dots: Think Dip n’ Dots in all sorts of flavors!
• High ‘n’ Dry: This location is at the front of the lazy river. It offers snacks and several frozen beverage options, such as Jack and Coke or Rum and Coke.
• Surf Doggies: This hot dog stand is near the Surf Pool.
• Crush Cart: This kiosk sells pretzels and other snacks near Crush ‘n’ Gusher.

Refillable drink mugs cost $12.99 and are available at most dining locations throughout the park. If you have plans to return to the water park, you can have them reactivated for $8.50.

Learn More>> Everything You Need to Know About Refillable Mugs at Typhoon Lagoon

Touring Tips

My best tip for having fun at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is to explore everything. You can easily do every attraction in the park at least twice during a full day. At first sight, the park might feel large. But it’s fairly compact and easy to get around.

When you first arrive, we always rent a locker. I’ve added a section below that explains locker rentals in detail. Then, we head straight to Miss Adventure Falls or Crush ‘n’ Gusher. These attractions are always our early morning priorities because wait times will build for them more quickly than anything else. Typical wait times on a busy day are approximately 25-30 minutes. The line for Miss Adventure Falls goes pretty fast. But sometimes, the line for Crush ‘n’ Gusher is challenging because you’re waiting on flights of stairs with a large float. But it is not to be missed!

After that, we continue to the Storm Slides and Humunga Kowabunga and then head over to the Falls. By the time we finish the slides, it’s usually time for lunch. We’ll then grab a bite to eat and the rest of the day is spent relaxing. When my son was a teenager, he often returned to the slides while I found a spot to relax near the back of the wave pool. He would find me later.

If you stay all day, you will usually find shorter lines for everything in the last hour the park is open. Many guests leave early to prepare for dinner or because they’ve had too much time in the sun. So, if you have enough energy left, the end of the day is an excellent time to enjoy some of your favorite attractions.

Learn More>> One-Day Itinerary for Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Renting Lockers and Towels

You won’t have any trouble renting a locker at Typhoon Lagoon. They have plenty of options. Locker sizes are small ($10.00) and large ($15.00). If we bring a cooler, we always rent a large locker. (Loose ice is not allowed!) The signage indicates that a standard locker holds one backpack, and a large locker accommodates two backpacks. We never have any trouble fitting our items into the large locker. If I’m visiting alone and only have a pool bag, clothes, and shoes, I usually get away with a small locker. They are somewhat narrow but are relatively deep.

Towels are available to rent for $2.00 each. If you’re a Walt Disney World Resort guest, towels are complimentary. To pick up extra towels, you’ll need to show proof of reservation with your MagicBand or Keys to the World card. Towels are available inside Singapore Sal’s, the park’s gift shop.

Related: Everything Towels at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Beachcomber Shacks and Umbrellas

Guests can rent a private seating area with an umbrella, two lounge chairs, two beach chairs, towels, and a drink table for $49.00 to $99.00 per day. These options sell out quickly because there is little shade throughout the park.

Beachcomber shacks are also available for rent. They range from $225.00 to $500.00 per day and can be rented from High n’ Dry near the front of the park. They come with the following:

• Cushioned Seating (Up to 6 Guests)
• Towels
• A locker
• Cold water (All-Day)
• Souvenir Refillable Mugs
• Dedicated Service (An attendant will take food and beverage orders throughout the day, but you must pay for anything you order.)

Learn More>> Beachcomber Shacks at Typhoon Lagoon

Surf Lessons

Surf lessons are available for an additional fee on select days before and after the park opens. You can learn more about surf lessons at Typhoon Lagoon on Disney’s website. This is something we haven’t done. But I always see surfers waiting to enter the park nearly every time we leave near closing time.

Singapore Sal’s Gift Shop

Singapore Sal’s is an excellent gift shop that offers a variety of swimwear and other products. You can pick up a pair of water park shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, or waterproof phone case at this location. However, if you’re planning a trip to Typhoon Lagoon, it will be much more budget-friendly to purchase these things ahead of time. You can preview photos of Singapore Sal’s Gift Shop if you want an idea of what to expect.

H20 Glow Nights

H20 Glow Nights is a popular Disney After Hours event held on select evenings from May through August. Guests of the event are granted exclusive access to the park between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. However, you can use your admission to enter the water park beginning at 6:00 p.m. The park typically closes to the public at 7:00 p.m. on these evenings.

Extras at this event include:

• Complimentary Ice Cream Treats, Popcorn, and Soda
• Complimentary Towel Rental 
• Surprise Character Appearances

Exclusive food and beverage items are available for an extra cost. Per Disney, “This after-hours party turns the water park into a beach bash extravaganza, creating an energetic atmosphere with waves and pulsating beats. Guests can immerse themselves in radiant lighting effects, vibrant decor, and high-energy DJ dance parties with some of their favorite Disney characters, like Goofy, Stitch, and Chip and Dale.”

Resort Water Park Benefit for 2025

In 2025, guests can enjoy complimentary access to a water park (based on availability) on their check-in day. Per Disney, this new benefit is only for registered guests on the resort reservation. It is suitable for guests who arrive early enough to use it on their check-in day.

*Day tickets are available to purchase at the water park entrance, or you can include them with your theme park tickets ahead of time.

Extras

Before we wrap things up, I want to mention some extras that help us during the day. For starters, I have a waterproof phone case, but I prefer to put my phone away and enjoy the day. If you’re worried about the time or have plans to meet back up with your family later, you can look to the giant clock over the Board Room to check the time. The Board Room is a surfboard area near the back of the wave pool. You can’t miss it. The clock is visible from many locations throughout the park.