Tackling the WDW Water Parks

This is the plan that my family uses. I hope it makes your trip to the WDW water parks a little bit easier.

Dress For the Occasion

Wear your swimsuit to the park, and bring a change of clothes for afterwords. This will save you lots of time early on which will let you ride several slides with no line.

Arrive early, arrive early, arrive early

Plan to arrive at the park 15-30 min before the posted opening time. This will guaranteeyou are one of the first people in the park, and will allow you time to familiarize yourself with the park layout, courtesy of the park map.

Pick up a park map

These will be available at the ticket window and there should also be a cast member at the turnstyles who will also have a stack of them.

The Stakeout

Once you have your map, figure out what section of the park you think you will spend most of your time. Your task is to find out where to put the stuff you aren't going to put in a locker, like towels or suntan lotion. Once you have decided where you want to be, assign one person the task of heading to that location to find a table or chair. This person should also take small children with them. Everyone else needs to know where that person is heading so they can meet up later. Also check the map, for the location of the locker rental desk.

The Locker Dash

Another person in your group should be assigned the task of securing a locker. This person should have exact change, to save precious time. Note: The lockers in River Country are located in the men's or women's changing room. So don't send Dad for a locker if he doesn't want to be retreiving stuff later on.

The Rope Drop

Once you are permitted into the park, one person heads to get a locker, one person heads to find the place to park the towels.

Lather Up

While waiting for the locker person to catch up, lather yourself and any kids with sunscreen. Even in the morning the Florida sun will give you a sunburn.

Ready to Ride

Now that everyone is ready to go, ride the slides first. Save the wave pools and the river circuit for later on. It will still be there, it can handle large crowds better than the slides can, and you will enjoy more later on when you are tired of hiking up the hills.

Look at all the People!

Once the lines start building up, this is your signal to head to the wave pool or the river circuit.

"Excuse me, would you mind removing your foot from my face?"

Eventually there will come a time, when all you see are backs, heads, arms and legs. You're tired of bumping into people and apologizing, and it's starting to get hot. This means it's time to go.

Next Stop

Gather up the troops, head to the changing room for dry clothes. You've just spent a good 3-4 hours swimming your brains out; you're gonna be tired. At this point it is time for food and a nap. If you don't want to waste valuable touring time sleeping, this can be a good time to ride the slow, air-conditioned rides, or perhaps watch the afternoon parade at the Magic Kingdom or MGM.

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Page last updated January 13,1999