While refreshing breaks can be found all over Disney, sometimes you just need to cool off in a big way. Between water rides, pools, and beaches, there are plenty of ways to get wet (or maybe soaked). Here is my list of the top 8 places to make a splash at Disney.
8) The Surf Pool
Location: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
The Surf Pool at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is one of the largest wave pools in the world. It can generate 6 ft high waves every 90 seconds and spans almost 2.5 acres. As the name implies, the waves are even strong enough for surfing. Not a surfer? Don’t worry, there are private surf lessons offered in the mornings for a fee if you’d like to learn. Otherwise you can always stick to the shallow end or wait for the periodic lulls between wave sessions (you get a calmer break every 90 minutes).
7) Waikolohe Valley
Location: Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Right in the center of Aulani lies the Waikolohe Valley, a tropical splash paradise for adults and children alike. Here you can find two water slides, the Volcanic Vertical, an enclosed body slide that plunges you into Waikolohe Pool, and Tubestone Curl, a wild tubing adventure into Waikolohe Stream. There is also a relaxing lazy river that floats you around shady rock formations and Hawaiian gardens. The Menehune Bridge play structure offers kids a splash haven while the adults can sit back in one of the four whirlpool spas.
6) Stormalong Bay
Location: Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Resort
While each of the Disney Resort Hotels has its own elaborately-themed pools, at nearly 3 acres, Stormalong Bay stands out above the rest. First off, it has a shallow sand-bottomed pool perfect for the little ones in your party. Imagine all the benefits of the beach without worrying about salty waves or stepping on sea shells. Next, grab a pool noodle and float along the lazy river. Then there is an open swim pool with waterfalls and whirlpool spas. And to top it off, Stormalong Bay offers two water slides. Plus, Beaches & Cream is located right nearby!
5) Castaway Cay
Location: Bahamas
Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island accessibly only by guests of Disney Cruise Line. Nearly all Bahamian and Caribbean cruises visit this port of call. Get soaked from the slides and buckets of Pelican Plunge, go snorkeling in the lagoon, or simply lay out on the beach and enjoy the sun. Scuttle’s Cove is a kids-only water play area supervised by Disney Cruise Line counselors, which leaves the adults to enjoy the calm of Serenity Bay. All that’s left is to grab a drink and explore this tropical paradise.
4) Kali River Rapids & Grizzly River Run
Locations: Animal Kingdom (Kali River Rapids) & California Adventure (Grizzly River Run)
I’m listing these two attractions together because they’re based on the same foundation: a river rapids ride guaranteed to get you soaked. At Animal Kingdom you can board Kali River Rapids to explore the forests of Asia along the Chakranadi River. You’ll catch a glimpse of the impacts of illegal logging and the natural beauty of Indian landscapes as you ride. At California Adventure you’ll board Grizzly River Run, beneath the towering Grizzly Peak Mountain. Here you’ll find that the Grizzly Peak Mining Co. has transformed the old mine stations into a thrilling rapids course. Oh, and this one spins!
3) Summit Plummet
Location: Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is themed as a melted ski resort, and Summit Plummet is what happens when a water slide meets a ski jump. If you’re brave enough, take a ride down this 120 foot plunging body slide. It’s one of the tallest and fastest freefall body slides in the world. In fact, it reaches speeds of 60mph. Well, you’ll reach speeds of 60mph. How’s that for a quick way to cool off?
2) AquaDuck & AquaDunk
Locations: Disney Cruise Line (AquaDuck – Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy, AquaDunk – Disney Magic)
A lot of cruise lines have onboard water slides, but none do it like Disney. On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy you’ll find the AquaDuck, a water coaster that soars above the decks of the ship and gives incredible views of the ocean surrounding you. On the Disney Magic you can plunge through the AquaDunk, a body slide that takes you out over the side of the ship. Ride at night for some added fun as the tubes are lit up around you.
1) Splash Mountain
Location: Magic Kingdom & Disneyland
How can I not top this list with the attraction that has “splash” right in the name? Splash Mountain is an iconic Disney attraction located on both coasts, as is the song that comes with it (try getting “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” out of your head now). This ride is fun for the whole family, as you coast through the world of Br’er Rabbit and his friends. That is, until you get to the 50 foot drop. Even if you’re anticipating it, it’s still a thrill. So next time the parks are nearing the triple digits, head over to Splash Mountain and cool off with one of Disney’s biggest splashes.
The temperatures are high this summer, so you better jump in!
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