Blizzard Beach features a lot of thrilling slides and attractions, but if you want to enjoy snorkeling and surfing along with swimming, then you’ll want to visit Typhoon Lagoon. Typhoon Lagoon features the largest outdoor wave pool in the world, as well as two saltwater reefs that stingrays, bonnethead shark, and leopard shark call home.

Unlike Blizzard Beach, which is divided into specific slopes, Typhoon Lagoon doesn’t have any clearly defined areas. The most noticeable landmark in the water park is Mount Mayday, which features most of the park’s slides. One of the most popular slide attractions in the water park is Humunga Kowabunga, which sends riders side-by-side down a height of five stories in seconds. Storm Slides offer three shorter slides that twist down three stories, ending at a splash pool.

At Hideaway Bay, guests can find the Sandy White Beach area and the Crush ‘n’ Gusher attraction. This water coaster is the first such attraction to be built on a Disney water park. Guests can choose between three slides: the Banana Blaster, the Coconut Crusher, or the Pineapple Plunger. The slides can accommodate rafts for two or three people, sending riders to a 400-foot trip to Hideaway Bay.

You can also learn how to surf at Typhoon Lagoon. On select days, the Learn to Surf program is available before the water park opens. Professional instructors from Craig Carroll’s Cocoa Beach Surf School offer2-and-a-half hours’ worth of surfing lessons at the water park’s famous Surf Pool.

If you’re due to visit these water parks soon, you have some planning to do. These water parks aren’t any less crowded than Disney World’s theme parks, so being prepared is the best way to make the most out of your time at the water parks. Here are some helpful tips to consider for your Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon vacation.

Make the most out of the offered rental options

Both water parks offer a lot of rental options for park guests. Guests can rent towels, lockers, and even space on the parks. Consider renting towels so that you won’t have to bring your own, and rent lockers for storing your valuables while you explore the park’s attractions. Whether you visit Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, you also have the option to rent private spaces such as Polar Patios and Beachcomber Shacks, as well as picnic umbrellas and lounge chairs.

Go for one-piece bathing suits

Two-piece bikinis just won’t stay put when you go on the water parks’ slides and rides. This is why it’s best for girls to wear one-piece swimsuits to the park. Guys would also do well to wear swimwear that fits well and is secure, to prevent any embarrassing incidents involving lost swimwear. Remember, though, that swimwear with buckles or rivets are prohibited at both water parks.

Agree on a meeting place

Given the area these parks cover, it’s pretty easy to get lost at Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, especially for little kids. To prevent any unnecessary problems or worries, choose a meeting place for when you and your companions get separated. For instance, Snowless Joe’s works as a good meeting place because it’s easy to locate.