Ranking The Rides At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: Make A Big Splash In Paradise!

One of two Disney water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, has consistently drawn in crowds of locals and tourists alike ever since it’s splash-tastic opening in 1989.

A smattering of shipwrecks from a massive typhoon provides a unique setting for the water park, lending it a haphazard, charming appearance and some really exciting rides. Not convinced? The Travel Channel ranks Disney World Typhoon Lagoon as one of the coolest water parks in the world! It’s an honor they certainly deserve, given everything the park has to offer.

Typhoon Lagoon is more laidback than other waterparks in the Central Florida area—but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in thrills or watery fun! Curious to know our favorite Typhoon Lagoon attractions?

Here’s our super-official ranking of the rides at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park!

1. Miss Adventure Falls

No surprises here! As expected, Typhoon Lagoon’s newest ride tops our list—though it was a tight race, if we’re being completely honest!

Miss Adventure Falls was added to the park in 2016. The ride—themed around the adventurer Captain Mary Oceaneer and her lost treasure—is a four-person family raft adventure.

Typhoon Lagoon shipwreck. — The shipwrecks around Typhoon Lagoon give this park a one-of-a-kind vibe! (Photo: Ashley via Flickr)

The ride starts when your party boards their raft on a conveyer belt that takes you to the top of the lift. You’re introduced to an animatronic parrot who offers a bit of backstory before you take off. The ride has enclosed tunnels, plenty of twists and turns, and lots of fantastic story elements!

Miss Adventure Falls elevates Typhoon Lagoon’s theming and offers a great ride experience making it our top pick for the park.

2. Crush’n’Gusher

Choosing between Miss Adventure Falls and Crush’n’Gusher wasn’t a simple task! The ranking could very easily go either way.

This rip-roaring ride is themed around a dilapidated fruit processing center located in a lush, tropical jungle. Opening to the public in 2005, Crush’n’Gusher is a unique “water coaster” with uphill and downhill hairpin turns, twists, and curves that eventually take riders to splash down in the Hideaway Bay pool.

There are three chutes for you to try: “The Coconut Crusher” and “Pineapple Plunger” both hold three people per raft, while the “Banana Blaster” chute holds up to two people per raft. The chutes range from 410 to 420 feet in length, depending on which one you choose.

This ride is a blast! It’s a favorite in the park and one you’ll definitely want to ride more than once. Fortunately, you can choose to ride solo or with a friend!

3. The Surf Pool

While not a thrill ride, this attraction still offers plenty of excitement. Disneys Typhoon Lagoon surf pool is the largest wave pool in North America! It’s not only the park’s signature attraction, but also (arguably) the best one! With waves coming every 90 seconds, you can float along or even try your hand at body surfing. Radical, dude!

Typhoon Lagoon pool. — Take a dip in Typhoon Lagoon wave pool is one luxuriously cool pool! (Photo: Jack Miller via Flickr)

Keep in mind the pool can get a little wild! The waves often top six feet and can be unpredictable in certain areas. Make sure you’re paying attention to your surroundings and listen for the “sonic boom” that lets you know the next wave is approaching. It’s great for all ages—but keep an eye on those smaller swimmers, so they don’t venture too far out!

4. Humunga Kowabunga

If you have a need for speed, this is the ride for you! However, you’ll have to brave the five-story drop at 39 MPH in an enclosed tube. It’s fast, intense, and can be somewhat disorienting if you aren’t prepared.

This is the most intense ride at the park, partially because it’s in near total darkness. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), the entire experience lasts under 10 seconds due to the speed and angle of the drop. Hold your nose on this one! Trust us.

5. Mayday Falls

The most intense of the three raft rides on Mount Mayday (which also holds Gangplank Falls and Keelhaul Falls), Mayday Falls is an exciting solo tube ride that gives you the rush of white-water rafting through some rough waters and exciting curves. It’s one of the better-themed raft rides, too. Overall, it’s one of our favorites at the park! It’s also the highest and longest attraction at Typhoon Lagoon.

Mayday Falls takes riders through Mount Mayday, sliding around the mountain, through caves, and under bridges. More than anything, this ride is just a lot of fun!

6. Castaway Creek

Who doesn’t love a lazy river? Castaway Creek invites riders to hop on an inner tube and drift along the river that circles the park. It’s the perfect way to spend your time after lunch or even in the late afternoon when you need a break from the breathless water slides and raft rides. The scenery offers you a unique view of the park as you drift along the current through mist screens, waterfalls, and even through Mount Mayday.

Typhoon Lagoon lazy river. — Idle away the hours as you float along Castaway Creek. (Photo: Steve Bozak via Flickr)

While it’s not much for adrenaline, it is a great way to relax on a hot day! With the multiple exits and entry points, it’s also a great way to travel around the park.

7. Keelhaul Falls

The second of the Mount Mayday rides on our list, Keelhaul Falls is a solo tube ride for guests of all ages. It may not be the fastest ride in the park, but it’s certainly a scenic and enjoyable experience. This is the mildest raft ride in Typhon Lagoon, making it great for younger riders who may be hesitant to ride alone.

Keelhaul Falls offers a smooth ride, but it isn’t as fast as MayDay Falls or as exciting as Miss Adventure Falls.

8. Storm Slides

Storm Slides has three body slides: the Jib Jammer, Stern Burner, and Rudder Buster. It’s one of the few attractions at the park that doesn’t require a tube or raft.

Simply choose one of the three slides, then make your way down a twisting, turning three-story trip to the bottom, where you shoot out into the pool below! While this ride is thrilling, it’s also a little rough. Since you ride down with your arms and legs crossed, it can get bumpy in certain parts, making it potentially rough on your back and neck, which is why we’ve ranked it a little lower on our list.

9. Gangplank Falls

The last of the rides on Mount Mayday, Gangplank Falls is a four-person family-style raft ride. It’s also probably the most mediocre of the experiences you’ll have at the park. It’s very similar to MayDay Falls, but the larger raft means slower speeds (which might not be a bad thing!) and gives you room for the whole family to enjoy.

This ride is fun, but it just doesn’t compare to the newer Miss Adventure Falls or the more exciting MayDay Falls.

Typhoon Lagoon character and car. — Check out that snazzy Typhoon Lagoon station wagon! (Photo: Ashley via Flickr)

Honorable Mentions – The Kids Attractions

While not part of our official rankings, it’s important to note Typhon Lagoon has something fun for the whole family—including the littlest kiddos! Here are some attractions they might enjoy.

The Bay Slides

These smaller sliders are for children under 60 inches tall. The Bay Slides are standard kiddie water slides for the youngest members of the family. With the lack of theming, they really don’t stand out, but little ones will still love them!

Ketchakiddee Creek

The Creek is a play area designed for small children that feature mini-slides and fountains perfect for splashing around in. The water features are themed to aquatic animals and boats, while the small sandy beach gives kids another play area. It’s great for kiddos who are more comfortable in the shallows.

What’s your favorite ride at Typhoon Lagoon? Are there any you’d skip for the day? Let us know in the comments below!

Cover Image

Photo: Jack Miller via Flickr