Why We Love the Surf Pool at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Ready to catch some waves? The Surf Pool at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is perfect for catching a few waves outside the ocean. This tremendous wave pool generates up to six-foot swells. With waves like this, you’re guaranteed to have a good time! We love it!

Below, we’ll discuss experiencing the Surf Pool at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. It’s the heart of the park and is considered the signature attraction. However, the giant waves aren’t for everyone. So, we’ll provide a few tips on how to enjoy the milder waves in Whitecap Cove and Blustery Bay.

Typhoon Lagoon’s Surf Pool is the largest wave pool in North America. It spans over 2.5 acres and holds several million gallons of water. Given the size and power of the waves, you’ll want to be aware of a few rules in advance. Several signs are posted around the pool, noting the following:

• Strong waves may occur.
• Children under the age of 12 must have adult supervision.
• Weak swimmers should use Typhoon Lagoon personal flotation devices or a swimmer’s aid and remain in shallow water.
• No food, drink, or glass on or around the pool deck.
• Shower before entering.
• For safety, diaper-age children must wear plastic pants or swim diapers.
• Inner tubes are not permitted.

Typhoon Lagoon’s wave pool is significantly different from others I’ve experienced. Most wave pools alternate between periods of calm and bobbing waves. For instance, the wave pool at Blizzard Beach is a calm pool with bobbing waves.

However, the Surf Pool is more like the ocean. It will have a few periods of gentle bobbing waves throughout the day. But most of the day is dedicated to phases of large swells spaced out about every 90 seconds. You will hear a distinctive siren warning when a new wave session begins.

These phases are listed on the surf report in front of the wave pool. We always check the surf report at some point during our day. It lists the water temperature and the schedule for the surf and bobbing waves. I’m a fan of the bobbing wave, which usually runs on the half-hour every 1.5 hours. So I like to know when it’s running and plan to be at the wave pool during that time.

Typically, the surf waves run for 90-minute sessions with 30 minutes of alternate bobbing waves. You’ll notice the distinction when the bobbing waves form because those waves change the motion of the water. However, the waves become strong during the surf periods, similar to the ocean. So strong that a wave can easily knock you off balance.

As the rules indicate, poor swimmers should stay in the shallow end. With the swells, the height of the water rises as they pass. So, a wave can catch you off guard even in shallow water. For example, I am a good swimmer, but I’m at the point where I like to pull up a chair in the back of Whitecap Cove and let the younger ones enjoy the big waves. You’ll find plenty of chairs in this area. However, you need to be aware that the waves will come up over your lap even this far back. So you probably wouldn’t want to have any valuables with you. Also, you have to put your chair behind the line. You can see the line in the photo below.

Additional seating is available a few feet behind the chairs in the photo above. However, even that seating is subject to the waves when they are running. Every time I visit, guests find a spot near the water’s edge. They’ll lay their towels and shoes on a chair or rock and head into the pool. Unbeknownst to them, the waves will wipe out their items when the real action starts. I can’t tell you how often I’ve had to scramble to help collect items for people in the pool.

Of course, it’s not the end of the world, but you don’t want to lose a sandal or get your extras wet. We always rent a locker and store our valuables when we arrive. Other than basic pool needs, you don’t want to be weighed down with many personal items on your water park day.

Here is an example behind the center of the wave pool where there are more dry areas. You can tell where the water runs back and fills these large areas. Often, we see toddlers using these spaces to dig in the sand or splash.

Another thing you’ll want to consider is wearing water park shoes. The bottom of the wave pool is rough for safety purposes. We’ve heard many guests complain about scraping their feet on the bottom of the pool, especially when being dragged by the wave. Unfortunately, these types of abrasions are common, and you’ll likely want to inform your children of this beforehand.

It’s always good to wear water park shoes in the wave pool if you plan to go out past knee-deep. When the waves come through before the water recedes, knee-deep is likely closer to waist-deep. If you forget water shoes, you can always purchase a pair at Singapore Sal’s, the gift shop at Typhoon Lagoon. However, it’s typically cheaper to purchase them in advance.

The best time to experience the wave pool depends on your touring strategy. We like visiting Miss Adventure Falls, Crush ‘n’ Gusher, and some other slides before lunchtime. Then, we typically split up in the afternoon and plan to meet back at the Surf Pool. I usually like to walk over the Mountain Trail and explore. The decks are accessible on each side of the Mountain Trail.

Related: One-Day Touring Plan for Typhoon Lagoon

We always recommend making minimal plans for the evening of your water park day. You’ll probably be exhausted after taking on a few of these waves. But it’s that good kind of tired.

You’ll see a large tower with a clock toward the back of the wave pool. You can see it from many areas of the park. I can’t tell you how often I’ve looked to check the time while touring the park. It’s always nice to have a device-free day.

Throughout the back of the wave pool, you’ll find rock formations with built-in seating areas. You’ll want to be careful with how far the waves wash over you when sitting. It’s sometimes surprising.

There are many loungers and seating areas on the beaches behind the Surf Pool. Since we are somewhat active at the park, our downtime is usually spent in the lazy river or at the water’s edge. So you don’t necessarily need a spot to leave your items. We leave everything in our locker. Occasionally, I’ll bring a book to read. But on those days, I seek a more private (and shady) place to sit.

Lastly, those traveling with younger children will want to be aware of Blustery Bay and the Bay Slides. This section is on the far left side of the Surf Pool. This wave pool section has a couple of slides and sits behind a rock formation that serves as a buffer for some of the smaller waves. There are several benches in the water where parents can sit and watch children play.

Here are the slides.

This area is ideal for children who are too big for the Ketchakiddiee Creek play area but not big enough to take on some of the larger attractions.

The Resorts Gal Spin on the Surf Pool

We give the Surf Pool the green light. However, you’ll want to explore each bay and figure out which one is right for you. Don’t forget, if you have little ones, try Blustery Bay! We think the Surf Pool at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is one of the best water park attractions. We’ve enjoyed our visits to the park immensely over the years and always look forward to returning.

For more information on visiting Typhoon Lagoon, you might enjoy the following:

• Dining at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
• Renting a Cabana at Typhoon Lagoon
• Towels at Typhoon Lagoon
• Refillable Mugs at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Can you surf in the Typhoon Lagoon wave pool? Yes, but you must attend a public open wave or a private event. If you’re planning a trip to Disney’s Blizzard Beach, check out our Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Blizzard Beach or browse our Disney Water Parks articles.

In the Comments

What are your thoughts on the Surf Pool at Typhoon Lagoon? Does it look fun? Let us know in the comments section below.