Now that fall is officially here, we’re all looking forward to a break from the Orlando heat. But as the weather cools, the water parks still offer a refreshing escape before the full holiday season kicks in!
Disney and Universal fans are often passionate about their favorite park, dedicating most of their time to either "The Mouse" or "The Other Park." But when the Orlando heat lingers, the waterparks become a perfect way to cool off while still enjoying that theme park magic. So, where do they fit into your fall plans?
If you only have one day to dedicate to waterslides and wave pools, how do you decide which park is right for you? Let’s begin with a little storytelling to set the scene.
Disney has two water parks in the Orlando area, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. As of 2021, they have staggered the opening of these two parks with only one open for guests, and the other usually getting refurbishments. Since Typhoon Lagoon is currently open, that is what this article will focus on.
In 1989 Disney opened Typhoon Lagoon after a huge storm wreaked havoc on a formerly pristine tropical paradise. Surfboards and fishing gear along with Miss Tilly, a shrimp boat impaled on Mount Mayday, ended up in Typhoon Lagoon. It was a disaster to be sure, but now visitors can enjoy the pools and slides left in the storm’s wake.
The park is delightfully well themed, as you would expect from any Disney creation.
“A furious storm once roared across the sea, catching ships in its path, helpless to flee. Instead of a certain and watery doom. The wind swept them here to Typhoon Lagoon.”
―Legend of Typhoon Lagoon poem
Universal’s Volcano Bay has a highly detailed backstory about the Watori (wah-Too-ree) people. They were islanders who traversed the vast seas in outrigger canoes in search of a new home. According to legend, they were guided by the mystical fish Kunuku who led them to their new home, Volcano Bay. When you visit Volcano Bay, the park welcomes you as part of the Watori family, encouraging you to embrace your own inner Watui, creating your own story full of aquatic adventure.
Universal really blew this one out of the water. The story line is incredibly in-depth. I just touched on it, but if you like rabbit holes this is a good one. Every aspect of this park is themed to this story from the River Village to the rides and even the food offerings. While creating Volcano Bay, they visited many of the islanders of the South Pacific, managing to create the park and not appropriate the cultures they observed. It is a creative win by Universal.
Food Offerings
Water parks are usually known for typical American fare of burgers and fries. Both of these parks offer that and quite a bit more while also accommodating special diets and allergies.
Universal themed all of Volcano Bay, including the food offerings. While you can still get chicken strips and fries, there are also curries, tacos, ribs and burgers that go from typical to imaginative. There are options for everyone, even those with food allergies. That said, finding those allergy friendly options requires a little planning ahead. Menus refer you to the chef instead of posting that something is “gluten friendly” or “dairy free” so doing a little research ahead of time can be helpful so no one ends up hangry.
Typhoon Lagoon has more limited offerings but still has a few solid options. With fried fish, pulled pork sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, and chicken rice bowls you may find yourself happier eating here if you prefer the more standard food options. Disney does an ok job here for food allergies and the menus are clear and easy to follow. You know exactly what you can and can’t eat and won’t go hungry, but it isn’t all that exciting.
Both parks serve themed adult beverages with Volcano Bay having its own microbrew. These drinks are perfect for a social media post with a frosty cold beverage and a gorgeous tropical background.
TIP- Both parks allow you to bring in snacks and drinks. I highly recommend bringing a small packable insulated bag for water and drinks.
Accessibility can be Problematic at Water Parks.
Volcano Bay, while not as accessible as Universal’s other parks, still does a great job compared to Typhoon Lagoon.
I am no lawyer, but the ADA is fuzzy about rules for water parks. Since the rules are unclear and requirements are minimal, access can be difficult or impossible for many experiences. Typhoon Lagoon was built more than 30 years ago and before the ADA became law (in 1990) so it can be problematic for those with limited mobility. This would not be my first choice if traveling with someone who had a disabling condition, especially children who may not understand why they can’t access all the rides in the park.
If you have mobility issues but you are able to transfer, Volcano Bay has accommodations including elevators to help get you to the following experiences:
Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides (elevator)
Krakatau Aqua Coaster (elevator)
TeAwa The Fearless River
The Reef • Waturi Beach
Puka Uli Lagoon
Kopiko Wai Winding River
I would suggest watching ride videos before you visit to get an idea if a ride experience is for you.
If you wish to visit Typhoon Lagoon, only the lazy river and wave pool are available. None of the slides have elevators to the top and there are many stairs where you wouldn’t expect them.
Pricing
Both water parks begin daily pricing at around $80 per person per day. This varies depending on the date, so make sure to check ahead.
It is also possible to add a water park visit to a Disney package with a Water Park and Sports or Park Hopper Plus ticket. This is a very cost-effective way to be able to visit the water park more than once. Universal also offers a 3 park pass that is also quite a good deal. To decide if this is the best option for you, I suggest reaching out to a Travel Advisor. They can help you get the smartest deal for your vacation.
If you can’t decide or just want to visit the waterpark only, tickets can be bought directly online with Disney and Universal.
(Please note, that because Disney and Universal are two separate companies, waterpark tickets for Disney can only be added to a Disney package and vice versa for Universal)
Tip- Use a Travel Advisor to save you time and create the best vacation for you.
Special Events
Typhoon Lagoon hosts H2O Glow after hours parties from the end of May through August. For 3 hours you can enjoy the water park with special lighting and complimentary snacks like ice cream bars, popcorn and sodas. In typical Disney fashion, there will be character meet and greets, a dance party and (fingers crossed) shorter lines.
Volcano Bay sometimes closes early for private parties but currently doesn’t offer any afterhours experiences for the public.
OK, But What About the Rides???
Typhoon Lagoon sits on roughly 56 acres (per Disney) and has 12 attractions, including 7 waterslides and the largest wave pool in North America. All the attractions are richly themed and immersive. The park is designed in a circle with the attractions off the main path. You can do a lot of walking here because the wave pool is in the middle of the park, so cutting back to revisit a slide you liked may take a bit more time and a lot more steps.
This park really stands out for two attractions: Crush’n’Gusher and the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. The first is a water propelled roller-coaster with a choice of 3 different slides. You must be at least 48 inches tall and be able to carry a raft of several flights of stairs. This coaster is a blast, and you don’t find too many like it at water parks. Get ready for lots of giggles and fun!
As far as I’m concerned, the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon has the best surf this side of the ocean. This pool generates waves up to 6 ft tall, or if you are a surfer, overhead and it’s enormous. For anyone that is not a confident swimmer (adults included- there is no shame in the self-care game), there are life jackets available to use at no cost. I highly suggest the life jacket because those waves can really pack a punch even in the shallow area. The bottom of the pool is ROUGH, so water shoes are not a bad idea either.
Mis Adventure Falls is also a fun ride for the whole family. This is a round tube ride that takes you to the top of the mountain via a conveyor belt and then sends you back down through the rapids in search of treasures. This was a favorite of both my teen and tween for its theming and simple fun.
This park also has a really cute kids' area and a 2,000-foot relaxing lazy river that winds around the perimeter. This is a great park for the whole family and won’t take an entire day to experience.
Volcano Bay is roughly half the size of Typhoon Lagoon, coming in at 27 acres but it boasts 30 unique experiences and 15 rides! This park is packed tight around the center volcano and wave pool. While this wave pool doesn’t generate the same overhead waves that you would find at Typhoon Lagoon, the theming is spectacular with the Krakatau Volcano rising up from the depths of the pool and streaming with waterfalls.
The backside of the volcano is open and houses some of the largest slides in the park. One of my favorites, the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, winds its way through the volcano. This is a ride that has an elevator, so it’s considered accessible. It’s a bit of a tight squeeze getting into the elevator, but the ride is doable as long as you can get in and out of the rafts. This is a ride that is similar to the Crush’n’Gusher, but I personally feel like the Krakatau Aqua Coaster is more fun and there is no raft to carry up several flights of stairs.
Tip- The rollers under the Crush’n’Gusher and Krakatau Aqua Coaster can be a little tough on the tailbone. Lift up your bottom to limit any unwanted bumps.
One of the great things about Volcano Bay is that you don’t have to haul your raft anywhere! All rafts and ride vehicles are ferried to the top of the ride via a conveyor belt, so you can just focus on having fun.
Volcano Bay also has a very unique not so lazy river. With periodic waves and a much faster flow, TeAwa The Fearless River, is a one-of-a-kind experience. Life jackets must be worn by everyone, and the bottom of this ride can also be a bit tough on the feet, so water shoes can come in handy again. Hang onto your sunglasses as well and have fun watching the riders on the aqua coaster as you float through the volcano.
The small children’s area Runamukka Reef, is designed for those under 48 inches. There are plenty of places to sit while your little one plays on the smaller sized slides and spray park, or you can join in the fun.
Many of the other slides are more intense and geared toward an older audience. While Volcano Bay is great for all ages, it really shines in the tween and up age group. This park is a full day experience.
Tip- Bring along those water shoes to protect your feet from the heat and rough pool surfaces. You can buy them at the parks, but they will be expensive.
Is There an App or Band?
Why yes, yes there is. In fact, both.
Typhoon Lagoon uses My Disney Experience (MDE)/Magic Band and all of the capabilities there with mobile order and scanning tickets. You can use your magic band to get into the parks and pay for meals and get on-ride photos. You must purchase the band and link it to MDE.
Volcano Bay has chosen to do it a little differently. When Universal opened Volcano Bay they created the TapuTapu band. It is similar to the Magic band as you can link your credit card info into the app and you can use the band to pay but it stays at the park and is complementary to use for your adventure.
With TapuTapu you can scan into rides to get return times (this is also complimentary), pay for meals and treats, have photos taken, and open your locker. It also triggers some hidden surprise elements throughout the park like music or water features.
While TapuTapu is clunky and can be a bit hard to adjust so it stays on your wrist, it is handy to not have to have your phone out all day and risk it in the water.
To Sum Up
Both Disney and Universal have created wonderful waterparks and my family has enjoyed both of them on multiple occasions. I personally feel that younger families can have fun at both parks, but that families with older children may prefer Volcano Bay. There are many differences between the two parks, but both provide a memorable experience and are a great way to spend some time with family and friends.
Jill Romine, Travel Advisor
Looking for the full package of theme parks, water parks, shopping, dining and more? Connect with our travel advisors today. PLUS now through April 2025 guests can receive a free dining card with select hotel and ticket packages with Universal OR a free waterpark day when you check-in to your Walt Disney World resort.
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