Ahoy swimmers, floaters, run-aground boaters!
A furious storm once roared 'cross the sea
Catching ships in its path, helpless to flee . . .
Instead of a certain and watery doom
The winds swept them here to TYPHOON LAGOON.
Such is the Disney legend relating to Typhoon Lagoon, which you'll see posted on consecutive signs as you enter the park. Located off Buena Vista Drive between the Downtown Disney Marketplace and Disney-MGM Studios, this is the ultimate in themed water parks. Its fantasy setting is a palm-fringed island village of ramshackle, tin-roofed structures, strewn with cargo, surfboards, and other marine wreckage left by the "great typhoon." A storm-stranded fishing boat (the Miss Tilly) dangles precariously atop 95-foot Mount Mayday, the steep setting for several attractions. Every half-hour, the boat's smokestack erupts, shooting a 50-foot geyser of water into the air.
Essentials
Hours -- The park is open from at least 10am to 5pm, with extended hours during some holiday periods and summer (tel. 407/560-4141; www.disneyworld.com).
Entrance Fees -- A 1-day ticket (without 6.5% tax) to Typhoon Lagoon is $39 for adults, $33 for kids 3 to 9.
Helpful Hints -- In summer, arrive no later than 9am to avoid long lines. The park is often filled to capacity by 10am and then closed to later arrivals. Beach towels ($2.50 per towel) and lockers ($5 and $7) can be rented, and beachwear can be purchased at Singapore Sal's. Light fare is available at two eateries, Leaning Palms and Typhoon Tillie's. A beach bar called Let's Go Slurpin' sells beer and soft drinks and Lowtide Lou's sells ice cream and soft drinks. There are picnic tables (consider bringing picnic fare; you can keep it in your locker until lunch). Guests aren't permitted to bring their own flotation devices, and glass bottles are prohibited.
