Here are 15 tips for the Disney Water Parks that you need to know before you go:
1. Don’t forget the sunscreen! Since you’ll be out in the sun most of the day, you need sunscreen and plenty of it! Schedule reapplying sunscreen into the plans for the day. Make sure you pick a waterproof sunscreen.
2. Don’t feel like you have to stay together. Split up and have Dad take the older kids on the big slides while Mom takes the younger kids to the kiddie play areas or the lazy river. Just decide on a meeting spot and a specific time.
3. Wear a waterproof watch. You won’t be able to check your phone frequently for the time. If you wear a watch, you can set specific meeting times with your party, limit the time you spend on a particular area of the park and know how much time you have left until closing so you can fit in as much as possible.
4. Rent a locker. The lockers aren’t that expensive and it is nice to know your valuables and park supplies are locked up (remember thieves go to Disney too). Leave your items in the locker and visit as you need them. The key they supply comes with a band to attach it to your wrist or swimsuit. When you return the key, you will get a portion of your deposit back.
5. Use Disney’s life vests. Instead of bringing your own, use the ones provided by Disney. There are multiples stationed around the park so they are always close by when you need them.
6. Pick the right swimsuit. You aren’t allowed to wear swimsuits with buckles, rivets or other metal accessories on the water slides. Pick a suit that you know will stay in place when you hit the water. You don’t want any wardrobe malfunctions!
7. Arrive at opening. The waterparks are usually open from 10 am – 5 pm. Arrive just before it opens and plan on staying all day. There is so much to do that you might not even fit it all in! Both waterparks also have delicious counter service restaurants that are part of the dining plan. Eat lunch before 11:30 or after 1:30 to avoid the crowds.
8. Wear water shoes. The pavement can get very hot around the waterpark. If you have to take your water shoes off for a slide, hold them in your hands.
9. Drink plenty of water. You can get really hot playing in the sun all day. Drink plenty of water during the day. You can also bring your own water bottles in a soft sided cooler.
10. Rent towels. If you don’t want to deal with wet towels when you leave the park, you can rent towels when you arrive. They are currently $2 each.
11. Bring plastic bags. Use a quart or gallon sized bag to store your electronics/phones in your pool bag. They are also great to put wet swimsuits in after a fun day in the park.
12. Do the popular slides first. The lines can get very long for the slides. When you arrive, head to the popular ones first. Save the wave pool and lazy river for the afternoon.
13. Plan where you will drop. If you plan to get a couple of chairs for your family, consult the park map before you arrive to pick an area you want to put your stuff (make sure you pay attention to the smoking sections). When it opens, you can head straight for that area instead of wandering around not sure where to pick.
14. Go on a rainy day. People won’t want to go to the waterparks if it is raining. That means it will be less crowded and you’ll get to ride the slides more! Remember that they will close the attractions if there is lightning spotted in the area.
15. Pack snacks. Swimming can make you hungry. It is great having snacks handy when you need them.
Don’t miss theĀ Top Five Walt Disney World Water Park Attractions.
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.