A Swirling Splash of Fun: Typhoon Lagoon Adventures at Walt Disney World!

Once upon a wave... there was a tropical paradise tossed into a tale of wild weather and whimsical wonder. That’s the legend of Typhoon Lagoon, a Disney water park where shipwrecks, surfboards, and sea creatures come together in a sun soaked, splash filled escape right in the middle of Walt Disney World Resorts.

Like all great Disney parks, Typhoon Lagoon starts with a story. Legend has it, a furious typhoon swept through a beautiful tropical island, tossing boats, surfboards, and even an entire shrimp boat, the iconic “Miss Tilly”, onto a mountain peak. The storm passed, but the magic stayed behind. Now, Typhoon Lagoon is a vibrant mix of storm tossed whimsy and lazy island vibes. When visiting you’ll see crashed surfboards, scattered nautical relics, and charming details around every palm tree. And you’ll want to  keep your eye out for Miss Tilly perched atop Mount Mayday, erupting with a mighty geyser every 30 minutes!

Attractions

Here’s where the magic really makes a splash! Typhoon Lagoon is packed with water rides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and hidden adventures for all ages.

Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool:  This is not your average wave pool, it’s one of the largest in North America! Every few minutes, a 6 foot wave crashes across the lagoon. You can float gently in the shallow end or ride the wave like a true beach bum. It’s intense and a must experience moment!

Castaway Creek: Need a break from the big waves and twisty slides? Just hop onto an inner tube and let your worries float away along Castaway Creek, Typhoon Lagoon’s serene and scenic lazy river. This gentle ride winds its way around the entire park, offering a blissful break with a side of Disney storytelling.  Soft island music playing, palm fronds swaying above, and waterfalls trickling nearby as you drift through tropical grottos, misty caves, and even under the iconic Mount Mayday itself. It’s like a dreamy Disney daydream brought to life, and you don’t even have to paddle! Castaway Creek is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the tropical vibes. Kids, grown-ups, and everyone in between love to kick back, relax, and let the current carry them away on this lazy river.  You can hop in and out of Castaway Creek at multiple points around the park, so it's not just relaxing, it's super convenient too!

Crush ‘N’ Gusher: If you're looking for the ultimate splashy thrill at Typhoon Lagoon, look no further than Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a highspeed, twisty turny water coaster that proves Disney doesn’t just do rides... they launch them!  Tucked into the remains of a fictional tropical fruit packing plant (yep, the backstory is pure Disney genius), Crush ‘n’ Gusher isn’t your average waterslide. This wild ride uses powerful water jets to actually push you uphill before sending you zooming down, around, and through a series of tunnels, curves, and surprise drops. It’s a splashy rollercoaster meets water slide experience, and it's unlike anything else in the park!  There are three different slides, each named after a fruit once “processed” at the plant: Banana Blaster, Coconut Crusher, and Pineapple Plunger.  Each has its own route, curves, and drops. If you’re a thrill seeker you may want to ride all three! And yes, you’ll be zooming down in a two person raft, making it perfect for pairs. (Solo riders are allowed too, so no worries if you're flying solo on this tropical mission).

Miss Adventure Falls:  A family raft ride with a storyline! Climb aboard your treasure hunting vessel and spiral through tunnels, past animatronic parrots and shipwrecked scenes. You’ll start your journey on a conveyor belt lift, that’s right, no stairs required! Your whole crew (up to 4 people per raft) hops right in at the bottom and gets carried to the top like true VIPs. It’s one of the only water rides at Walt Disney World where you can stay seated the entire time, and trust me, the fun hasn’t even started yet. Once at the top, prepare to plunge into swirling twists, splashy turns, and scenic tunnels filled with colorful props, nautical treasures, and a few surprise squirts along the way.  It’s fast, it’s smooth, and it’s oh so Disney with a perfect balance of excitement and charm for the whole family. No scary drops here, just nonstop smiles!

Ketchakiddee Creek:  Typhoon Lagoon’s adorable and perfectly pint sized water play area made just for preschoolers and toddlers (ages 2–5). It’s like a splashy sandbox straight out of a storybook, nestled in a shady cove with just the right amount of excitement for Disney’s youngest guests.  This cheerful mini water world is filled with kid friendly slides, spraying fountains, pop up geysers, water cannons, and gentle splash zones. It’s all scaled down for little swimmers, so there's big fun without big drops.

Island Flavors & Disney Treats Galore!

When all that splashing works up an appetite, Typhoon Lagoon delivers big on tropical tastes! From juicy burgers and flavorful rice bowls to sweet sips and savory bites, there’s something for every beach bum. And yes, Dole Whip lovers rejoice! You’ll find this iconic treat here, often in fun seasonal flavors like coconut or watermelon. Grown-ups can kick back with a fruity piña colada or a breezy sangria while soaking up those island vibes. It’s a delicious part of the adventure you won’t want to miss!

 Magical Extras:

Surf Lessons: Yes, real surf lessons are offered early in the morning before the park opens to the public! These lessons are two hours and are open to strong swimmers ages 8 and up and include small group instruction in a quiet, crowd free setting.

Cabana & Umbrella Rentals: Looking to sprinkle a little extra pixie dust on your Typhoon Lagoon day? Say aloha to the Beachcomber Shacks. You can rent your own private hideaway in this tropical, wave-crashing wonderland! Tucked away in shaded corners of the park, these cabanas are the ultimate in Disney style relaxation. With comfy lounge seating, towels, a personal locker, and your very own attendant to take care of food and drink orders, you’ll feel like true royalty.

Seasonal Events: Typhoon Lagoon has brought back Disney H2O Glow After Hours events.  These are after dark dance parties with characters and glowing fun! H2O Glow events are running now - summer 2025 on select nights from May 23 to September 13, 2025.  For more information or to purchase tickets you can visit Disney H2O Glow After Hours Special Event Tickets | Walt Disney World Resort. 

 As the sun sets over swaying palms and the final waves roll through the lagoon, it’s clear that Typhoon Lagoon isn’t just a water park, it’s a sun soaked escape, a storybook adventure, and a wave of Disney magic all rolled into one. Whether you spent the day braving thrilling slides, floating down lazy rivers, or simply soaking up the tropical vibes, the memories you make here are the kind that stick (like sand in your flip flops, in the best way possible)! 

Until next time, stay cool, stay playful, and never stop chasing the wave!

Terri Lee