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How big are the waves at Typhoon Lagoon?

Prepare to see 6-foot swells at North America's largest wave pool—Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. Experience gnarly waves and 6-foot swells at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool.



The flagship Surf Pool at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is North America's largest wave pool and generates massive 6-foot (approx. 1.8-meter) swells. These are not your average gentle ripples; they are powerful, man-made waves that are preceded by a loud "sonic boom" or thundering sound to warn swimmers of the impending surge. The pool operates on a cycle, usually alternating between 10 minutes of big waves and 10 minutes of calm water. For serious surfers, Disney even offers private surfing sessions before or after park hours where the wave height can be adjusted and timed for professional-style practice. For casual visitors, it is a peer-to-peer "safety essential" to be aware that the 6-foot waves can easily knock an adult off their feet or push them into the rough concrete floor of the pool. If you aren't a strong swimmer, it is best to stay in the shallower "wading" areas where the waves break and lose their initial force.

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The world's largest wave pool by area is 13,600 square metres (146,000 sq ft) and located in Bangkok's Siam Park City. The largest indoor wave pool, Blue Thunder, is 42,000 square feet (3,900 m2) and located at World Waterpark in West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, Alberta.

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The water at Typhoon Lagoon is heated, making the park a good choice to visit during most days of the year; however, during inclement weather or if an extended bout of cold temperatures are predicted, Disney will close the water parks.

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You'll also find lazy rivers at both water parks, Cross Country Creek at Blizzard Beach and Castaway Creek at Typhoon Lagoon. From what I could find, it looks like Blizzard Beach's lazy river is about 2-3 feet deep and Typhoon Lagoon's about 3-4 feet deep.

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A series of gates controlled by hydraulics along the back wall of the pool open to release the raised water down into the pool. This displacement of water creates the wave. Adjusting the timing of the gate opening allows the Typhoon Lagoon to offer lefts, rights, a central peak and whitewater rollers.

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The two water parks differ in their ownership, but the major difference between Typhoon Lagoon and Volcano Bay is the attractions. Volcano Bay, which is a Universal park, favors more thrilling attractions, with several large water slides. Typhoon Lagoon in Disney World is geared more toward a relaxing experience.

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Chimelong Water Park in Guangzhou, China, is the most popular such attraction on the planet and it brought in 2.74 million visitors last year.

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Typhoon Lagoon and the weather The water at Typhoon Lagoon is heated, making the park a good choice to visit during most days of the year; however, during inclement weather or if an extended bout of cold temperatures are predicted, Disney will close the water parks.

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According to Disney, Typhoon Lagoon will have its final operating day of the season on November 5th, closing for seasonal refurbishment on November 6th. Disney World has not operated both of its water parks at the same time since the March 2020 COVID-19 closures.

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Back when Typhoon Lagoon used to have evening Extra Magic Hours, it was good advice, but that's no longer the case. Now, the water parks become less-busy a couple of hours before closing, but the shaded spots are still mostly accounted for, and lines are still worse than early in the morning.

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Emphasis on safety. You do need to maintain focused supervision at Typhoon Lagoon–it is a water park after all–but you can blink once in a while knowing there are well-trained lifeguards at every turn. The lifeguards take their jobs seriously, calling out every infraction and safety risk.

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Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Footwear is not required while you splash around at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park - however I strongly recommend wearing a pair of swim shoes.

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Be sure to follow the dress code. For diaper-age swimmers, suit up with plastic pants or swim diapers in pool areas. You can wear water shoes around the park and on most attractions (Cast Members will let you know if you need to remove your shoes to ride a particular attraction).

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With all that is available to guests at Typhoon Lagoon, it makes sense to plan for an entire day of exploring all of the slides, rides, and dining locations.

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When is the best day of the week to visit Typhoon Lagoon? Weekdays, the nearer to the beginning of the week the better. Later in the week, TL attracts the people who typically spend the beginning of the week at the major parks. Local residents tend to keep things busy on the weekends.

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Sure, Walt Disney World's theme parks get a lot of attention – but during the summer, there's really no better place to cool off and have plenty of Disney fun than the two water parks! And if you're looking to enjoy a frosty drink or take a ride on a thrilling water slide, Typhoon Lagoon is worth a visit.

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Disney's Typhoon Lagoon will close for the season on November 6, 2023, to undergo its annual multi-month refurbishment. Its closure coincides with the November 6 reopening of Blizzard Beach, which was announced on the morning of October 20.

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It was a staple of Typhoon Lagoon since it opened back in 1989. The hefty maintenance and upkeep cost of the exhibit are the reasons behind the closing.

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