Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [90]
The Scare Factor
The Crush ’n’ Gusher is not for the nervous. The height requirement is 48 inches; even if they’re tall enough, you should probably warm up younger children on Keelhaul Falls before tackling Crush ’n’ Gusher.
Humunga Kowabunga
Map Location 6
With three enclosed waterslides that drop you a stunning five stories in a matter of seconds, Humunga Kowabunga is definitely a thrill. Riders reach speeds of up to 30 mph!
The Scare Factor
Humunga is an intense ride that fully deserves its height requirement of 48 inches. Part of the scare factor is certainly the drop, but falling in complete darkness makes the experience even more intense. Nonetheless, once people ride it and get over that initial trepidation, they usually climb right back up to do it again.
Storm Slides
Map Location 5
The Storm Slides are curvier and thus a little tamer than a straight plunge down the mountain. Each of the three slides offers a slightly different route, although none is necessarily wilder than the others.
The Scare Factor
Kids of any age can ride the Storm Slides, but they need to be fairly confident in the water. Although the pool you land in at the bottom isn’t deep, you do hit the water with enough force to temporarily disorient a shaky swimmer. Most kids 7 to 11 love these zesty little slides, and, if they’re good swimmers, some kids even younger can handle the Storm Slides.
Mayday Falls and Keelhaul Falls
Map Location 7 & 8
A Disney employee helps you climb into your inner tube and begin your winding journey down a white-water stream. The journey is fast, giggle inducing, and has enough turns that you often feel like you’re about to lose your tube.
The Scare Factor
Keelhaul Falls is slightly milder than Mayday, so let younger children try it first. Cast members can provide some smaller inner tubes with built-in bottoms. Kids as young as 4 have reported loving this ride.
Gangplank Falls
Map Location 9
You weather these white-water rapids in four-passenger rafts. Slower and calmer (but much bumpier) than Mayday or Keelhaul, Gangplank is a good choice for families with kids who are nervous about tackling a white-water ride on their own. Gangplank Falls does load slowly, however, and the ride is short, so hit it early in the morning before the line becomes prohibitive.
Insider’s Secret
Families with preteens and teens should consider the surfing lessons offered in the Typhoon Lagoon wave pool before the park opens in the morning. The instructors are top-notch, and since you’re learning to surf in a controlled environment, almost everyone manages to catch a wave by the end of the class. The cost is $150 per person for guests 8 and up. (Prices subject to change so confirm when you book.) For details or reservations, call 407/939–7529 (407/WDW–PLAY).
Surf Pool
Map Location 1
In this huge and incredible 2.5-acre lagoon, guests can ride machine-made waves up to 6 feet high. The waves come at 90-second intervals and are perfectly sized for tubing and bodysurfing. A foghorn blast alerts you to when a big one is on its way; if you’re bobbing around with young kids, stay in the shallow areas, where the swells won’t be too overwhelming, and you can avoid the surfers.
Toddlers and preschoolers can safely splash around in two small, roped-off coves called Blustery Bay and Whitecap Cover.
The Scare Factor
The Surf Pool’s waves come with a lot of force, so make sure that you keep an eye on unsteady swimmers.
Castaway Creek
Map Location 2
Castaway Creek is a meandering 2,000-foot river full of inner tubes. You simply wade out, find an empty tube, and climb aboard. It takes about 30 minutes to lazily circle the rain forest, with a bit of excitement at one point when riders drift under the waterfall. There are numerous exits along the creek, so anyone who doesn’t want to get splashed can hop out before the falls. In fact, Castaway Creek serves as a means of transportation