I don’t know about you, but my family loves to have a day “off” from the regular theme parks to visit one of Disney’s water parks. To some people, a water park is just a water park. But Typhoon Lagoon is so much more than a bunch of slides and water.

Typhoon Lagoon’s surf pool – photo by Judd Helms

Here are 6 things you may not have known you can do at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon:

1. Ride a Water-Coaster: Yes, it’s just like it sounds, a roller coaster type raft ride. Guests 48” and taller can travel 400 feet along one of three “abandoned fruit- processing plant fruit chutes” on Crush and Gusher.  Rafts are available for up to 3 riders, really adding to that “coaster” feel!  If you’ve never been on a water-coaster before, you’ve GOT to check it out!  And if you need to fuel up after all those thrills…

2. Enjoy a Sand Pail Ice Cream: The one thing Disney really excels at is guest submersion in storytelling. Stop by the Snack Shack or Happy Landings Ice Cream and enjoy an ice cream sundae that’s served in a sand pail with a shovel!  Kids love it, and if you want to burn off those calories…

3. Surf: Yes, you can SURF at Typhoon Lagoon! Semi-private lessons and private lessons are given either before park opening or after the park closes. A limited number of spots are available for each lesson. There is an additional charge for this amazing experience. Learn how to surf with a pro, without worrying about sharks.  Or if you’d prefer an easier way to ride the waves…

Surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon are a really neat experience – find out more about how you can hang ten in this month’s issue of WDW Magazine!

4. Embark on a Family Raft Ride: Sail down Gang Plank Falls in an inner tube built for four! It’s not often that the entire family can ride together on a tube ride.  Or if going solo is more your style….

5. Take a Conveyor Belt to the Top: On the brand new Miss Adventure Falls, your family can relax in a 4-person raft as a conveyor belt takes you right to the top of the ride, no schlepping that raft up to the top yourself!  On the way, you’ll have some unique views… and maybe encounter a little magic!

6. Rent a Beachcomber Shack: You won’t have to worry about finding a spot to lay your towel when you rent a private cabana for your family. Your shack comes with towels, a locker, refillable drink mugs, chairs, and a cooler with ice and water. You can relax in style and enjoy all of the lush surroundings.

Of course, Typhoon Lagoon has some great water slides too and an area for children under 48” tall. However, next time you visit; make sure you try out some of the features that make Typhoon Lagoon so much better than your average water park!

To learn more about what’s happening this summer at WDW – including a video sneak peek of Rivers of Light! – download our June issue now!