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We have never done TL or BB but because we have PAPs we're considering doing one or the other this September. So, now I have numerous questions...
1. Can we just claim a couple chairs and leave our beach bag and towels there? Or do you have to rent a locker?
2. What kind of footwear is appropriate? We have sandals and Teva flip flops. Don't own a pair of water shoes. Should we invest in some? What kind of shoes are allowed on the water slides?
3. Where do you keep your KTTW, ID and APs once you are in the gate? Do they allow you to wear one of those waterproof ID cases around your neck when you're doing the slides?
4. Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach? Any thoughts on which is better for a newbie?
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1. Can we just claim a couple chairs and leave our beach bag and towels there? Or do you have to rent a locker? When we got there (late afternoon) there weren't a lot of chairs but we left the stuff on Lenny's wheelchair without a problem. I would think if you got a chair and remembered where it is, it'll be fine. I remember we did get a locker once but I think it was because Lenny had his wallet with him and no one wanted to run back to the car with it.
2. What kind of footwear is appropriate? We have sandals and Teva flip flops. Don't own a pair of water shoes. Should we invest in some? What kind of shoes are allowed on the water slides? We have the water shoes and while it's been years since I've done a body slide, my understanding is if the shoes you have on can't be worn on the silde, they just have you hold onto them (with your arms still crossed over your chest) as you slide down. If that is the case, then I would wear what you have and/or whatever is comfortable for you
3. Where do you keep your KTTW, ID and APs once you are in the gate? Do they allow you to wear one of those waterproof ID cases around your neck when you're doing the slides? Again, it's been years since I did a slide but I would think if they don't want you wearing it on the body slide, then you can just hold onto that as well.
4. Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach? Any thoughts on which is better for a newbie? We prefer Blizzard Beach. The family raft ride is longer, the wave pool is gentle bobbing, not knock you on your butt waves, and it seemed more level ground versus the up and down of TL (I was pushing Lenny in his wheelchair so I would notice something like that). Looking at the map, to me it also has more to do. TL seems like it's only the one body slide then a bunch of tube slides. BB has 2 body slides, a couple of mat slides and several tube slides. Both have wave pools, family raft rides and lazy rivers but as I said, the raft ride is longer at BB as is the lazy river. Plus too for us, we stay at the AS resorts so it's much closer to our resort at the end of the night when we're pooped (and we don't have to wait for a bus so it's that much "shorter" of a distance).
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Blizzard Beach is also my family's favorite. We usually go right at opening and camp out at a favorite area near the end of the Family Raft ride at BB. There are a few shaded pavilions near there that we've been fortunate to nab; one even has lightning rods (where lifeguards go during storms). I usually bring a couple of our own beach towels so that we can recognize our loungers. Restrooms/showers aren't too far away.
We leave our beach stuff right there, and I usually grab a book to readWe've never needed water shoes, although the pavement can get hot near the entrance.
We also enjoy TL, especially the Crush/Gusher slides, and the kids love the wave pool.
Hope this helps.
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Disney Trips: BLT & Poly Bungalow 2016, VGF 2015, Fantasy 2015, Saratoga Springs Resort 2014, Grand Villa at VGF 2013, Fantasy 2013, BWV and Kidani Village 2011, BWV and Kidani Village 2010, BWV and Saratoga Springs Resort 2008,Beach Club Villas 2008,Villas at Wilderness Lodge 2006, BWV 2006, BCV 2005, HHI 2004,Polynesian 2003,Grand Floridian 2000/concierge, Honeymoon at Polynesian 1994,Polynesian 1980,Polynesian 1978
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Sue
We've always used the towels available at the parks, less to pack but I can see where it's nice to have a recognizable towel. Are you flying or driving and do you have to worry about luggage wt?
We've done both water parks, our family preference is TL. BB is nice and we had a fun day there but it's all in what you and your family will enjoy the most.
My advice is to download the park maps and learn about the rides and then decide which you think would suit your family the best.
Good luck with your decision and no matter what park you decide on, you will have a great time! SW+7
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We've always used the towels available at the parks, less to pack but I can see where it's nice to have a recognizable towel. Are you flying or driving and do you have to worry about luggage wt?
We've done both water parks, our family preference is TL. BB is nice and we had a fun day there but it's all in what you and your family will enjoy the most.
My advice is to download the park maps and learn about the rides and then decide which you think would suit your family the best.
Good luck with your decision and no matter what park you decide on, you will have a great time! SW+7
We're flying, but packing 2 beach towels is not a big deal - it's just DH and I.
I was just looking at the park maps yesterday and also viewing youtube videos of some of the attractions at the water parks. That was very helpful.
1. Can we just claim a couple chairs and leave our beach bag and towels there? Or do you have to rent a locker? When we got there (late afternoon) there weren't a lot of chairs but we left the stuff on Lenny's wheelchair without a problem. I would think if you got a chair and remembered where it is, it'll be fine. I remember we did get a locker once but I think it was because Lenny had his wallet with him and no one wanted to run back to the car with it.
2. What kind of footwear is appropriate? We have sandals and Teva flip flops. Don't own a pair of water shoes. Should we invest in some? What kind of shoes are allowed on the water slides? We have the water shoes and while it's been years since I've done a body slide, my understanding is if the shoes you have on can't be worn on the silde, they just have you hold onto them (with your arms still crossed over your chest) as you slide down. If that is the case, then I would wear what you have and/or whatever is comfortable for you
3. Where do you keep your KTTW, ID and APs once you are in the gate? Do they allow you to wear one of those waterproof ID cases around your neck when you're doing the slides? Again, it's been years since I did a slide but I would think if they don't want you wearing it on the body slide, then you can just hold onto that as well.
4. Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach? Any thoughts on which is better for a newbie? We prefer Blizzard Beach. The family raft ride is longer, the wave pool is gentle bobbing, not knock you on your butt waves, and it seemed more level ground versus the up and down of TL (I was pushing Lenny in his wheelchair so I would notice something like that). Looking at the map, to me it also has more to do. TL seems like it's only the one body slide then a bunch of tube slides. BB has 2 body slides, a couple of mat slides and several tube slides. Both have wave pools, family raft rides and lazy rivers but as I said, the raft ride is longer at BB as is the lazy river. Plus too for us, we stay at the AS resorts so it's much closer to our resort at the end of the night when we're pooped (and we don't have to wait for a bus so it's that much "shorter" of a distance).
We just visited the water park for the first time as a family and I have to say that I loved it. I expected to not have that much fun, but it really was great. We went to TL and the wave pool bottom is really rough. I had purchased water shoes for myself and my daughter but my DH didn't think he would wear them. He did regret not having them. The sidewalks got really hot in spots plus he did cut his foot at the wave pool and the lazy river.
One thing I do remember about BB is getting one of the worst sunburns I've ever had when I was in high school. All that white reflected the sun and I blistered. So don't forget lots of sunscreen. But I did have a great time at the park.
We had an absolute blast and only did the lazy river, toddler area, and wave pool. We will go back for sure. Enjoy!
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Well, my family really likes Typhoon Lagoon--but that's because we don't want to look at snow, even the fake kind, while on vacation. See enough of the real stuff at home.
My DH does not mind walking around barefoot but my kids and I have to have water shoes. We have done BB in Dec & April and both times the pavement got HOT. Add in bits of trees etc on the ground and it is no fun. Yes they do spray down the pavement in areas but not enough to cover all the walkways. Also in the wave pool I have really scratched up my toes without water shoes on our first trip. You can pick up cheap water shoes at Target or Walmart. If you are not sure, they sell them there and the prices are not too terribly awful.
Bring your own towels, even if they are hotel towels. That way you avoid having to rent some.
Depending on when you travel they do shut one or the other water park down each week through the winter season. We wanted TL last Dec but ended up at BB again because TL was closed.
One piece of advice for BB. If you plan to sit down at all, look closely at the map for the smoking sections. There are at least two and they are in the trees in the middle of the park. They are not obvious, especially if you get there first thing. Both times at BB we ended up near one The first trip was brief but the second trip I found myself waiting for family and stuck either standing in the sun or breathing in smoke for 45 minutes.
The first trip was brief but the second trip I found myself waiting for family and stuck either standing in the sun or breathing in smoke for 45 minutes.
Definitely not fun - and a great tip for those who don't want to be stuck near the smoking section. It's ironic when you think about it - mom's a smoker, so is Lenny and I'm use to it here at home but when I'm out and about, I can't stand being near smoking sections.
My DH does not mind walking around barefoot but my kids and I have to have water shoes. We have done BB in Dec & April and both times the pavement got HOT. Add in bits of trees etc on the ground and it is no fun. Yes they do spray down the pavement in areas but not enough to cover all the walkways. Also in the wave pool I have really scratched up my toes without water shoes on our first trip. You can pick up cheap water shoes at Target or Walmart. If you are not sure, they sell them there and the prices are not too terribly awful.
One piece of advice for BB. If you plan to sit down at all, look closely at the map for the smoking sections. There are at least two and they are in the trees in the middle of the park. They are not obvious, especially if you get there first thing. Both times at BB we ended up near one The first trip was brief but the second trip I found myself waiting for family and stuck either standing in the sun or breathing in smoke for 45 minutes.
Thank you for the tips on water shoes and the avoiding the smoking sections. I was just reading something about BB the other day and they said a good spot to head for is the area around the Warming Hut. That area looks good on the PP map.
We actually prefer TL. Yes, you can put your stuff on a chair. You can wear one of those plastic cases around your neck. Just remember plenty of sunscreen. We never wear water shoes or anything else on our feet.
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We've never needed water shoes, although the pavement can get hot near the entrance. 
The first trip was brief but the second trip I found myself waiting for family and stuck either standing in the sun or breathing in smoke for 45 minutes.
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