Thrilling water slides

The Downhill Double Dipper times your ride.
Image: Michael Welsing, Flickr (license)

Blizzard Beach:

• Runoff Rapids – This trio of inner-tube waterslides offers fun for anyone.
• Snow Stormers – Three curving slides let you career down 350 feet on your belly.
• Toboggan Racers – 8 contestants face off down a 250-foot slide with three quick dips. Lay on your belly on fun toboggan-like mats for this ride.
• Teamboat Springs – Go whitewater rafting with up to six people in your raft as you bounce down the mountain along 1,200 feet of wild river.
• Downhill Double Dipper – Side-by-side waterslides have you racing against your opponent down a 50-foot enclosed tube slide. *Must be 48” or taller
• Slush Gusher – Rush over two hills as you speed down a 90-foot slide. *Must be 48” or taller.
• Summit Plummet – True thrill seekers can take on this sheer 120-foot drop. You’ll fall 12 stories on this run that totals 360 feet. *Must be 48” or taller.

Typhoon Lagoon:

• Keehaul Falls – The mildest of three falls, these rapids send you spinning along in a one-person inner tube past waterfalls and through cavers.
• Gangplank Falls – Get the whole family on board in an inner-tube built for 4. This medium-intensity ride covers 300 feet of rapids.
• Mayday Falls – The most intense of the falls, this single-person inner tube ride begins beneath Mount Mayday and sends you thundering down the waterfalls.
• Miss Adventure Falls – Climb into a 4-person raft for this treasure-packed ride through the jungle. Keep your eyes open to see how many precious artifacts you can spot along the route.
• Storm Slides – Three side-by-side body slides send you careening downhill three stories.
• Crush ‘n’ Gusher – Three tube slides take you careening along on a 400-foot journey in a raft built for two. *Must be 48” or taller.
• Humunga Kowabunga – This trio or enclosed body slides sends you down a 5-story drop at a 60-degree angle. *Must be 48” or taller.

The Winner: It’s a tie! For thrills, the medal goes to Blizzard Beach for the breathtaking Summit Plummet. However, if you’re looking for family friendly fun, Typhoon Lagoon is a better pick. It has fewer slides with a height limit and two that feature 4-person rafts.

Laid-back lazy rivers

Cross Country Creek adds chilly thrills to the lazy river
Image: Michael Welsing, Flickr (license)

Blizzard Beach: Cross Country Creek takes you on a full lap of the water park, covering 3,000 feet of gentle river. There are 7 landings where you can hop in, grab a tube, and start floating along. You’ll pass through polar caves, under trickling waterfalls, and by the home of the Ice Gator – watch out, he’s got quite the cold!

Typhoon Lagoon: Castaway Creek features 5 landings and a 2,000-foot route around the water park. Tunnels take you through Mount Mayday along this rainforest-inspired journey, complete with cool mists and crashing waterfalls.

The Winner: Blizzard Beach has a much longer lazy river if you’re looking for an extended trip floating peacefully around the park.

Whoosh goes the wave pool

The Surf Pool delivers 6-foot waves
Image: Ashley, Flickr (license)

Blizzard Beach: Melt-Away Bay features adventurous rock outcroppings, cascading waterfalls, and a great view of Mount Gushmore, which regularly spouts a fountain of water. Inner tubes area available so you can ride the waves comfortably if you want to make sure your head stays above water.

Typhoon Lagoon: The Surf Pool at Typhoon Lagoon is the biggest in North America, with dramatic 6-foot swells. Bordered by white sandy beaches, this pool lets you brave the waves in the deep end, or linger peacefully in the shallows.

The Winner: The record-setting Typhoon Lagoon is much more impressive wave pool.