Review: H2O Glow Nights at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Confession time: In all the years I’ve been going to Disney World, I’ve never been to one of the water parks. Not Blizzard Beach. Not Typhoon Lagoon. Not even River Country, back in the day.
I always figured it would be too much: too much heat, too much sunburn, and much too crowded.
This week, I discovered a way to experience Typhoon Lagoon without any of those things: the H2O Glow Nights pool party.
Too much heat and sunburn? Nope. The party starts at 8, although you can get in starting at 6. By that time, the worst of the heat has passed. And being vigilant about sunscreen for a couple of hours in the evening is a lot easier than it is at high noon.
Too crowded? Not likely. Like its other after-hours hard-ticket events, Disney sells a limited number of tickets. Lines for the rides are short to non-existent, and there are plenty of beach chairs to choose from.
With those barriers to entry gone, I can honestly tell you: I had a blast at H2O Glow Nights, and I didn’t even experience everything that was available. I was having too much fun with the wave pool, which sends out 6-foot waves at regular intervals; the lazy river (see if you can catch a ride on a pink flamingos); and the water rides.
If you’re a Typhoon Lagoon veteran, none of that is new to you, so you can focus on the special events at the party, including a DJ-hosted dance party on the beach near the Surf Pool; Toy Story character greetings (you can pose with a blow-up Forky, if that’s your thing); and an adults-only section with entertainment and drinks available.
And speaking of drinks, there’s a whole menu of food and beverages that are unique to the party. If you want a proper dinner, there’s brisket, two kinds of kebabs, and noodle salad to energize you. But we focused on the desserts: the adorable Bathtub Party Sunday is made of vanilla ice cream, confetti cake, whipped cream and chocolate rubber ducks. There’s also a milkshake served in Woody’s boot — yes, just so you can walk around saying, “There’s a shake in my boot.” And, of course, there’s a wide range of glowing beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Consider this a glowing review. But now I’m spoiled: I’m not sure I’ll ever want to deal with all the heat, sunburn and crowds of an afternoon at Typhoon Lagoon.
Need to know
Dates: Every Thursday and Saturday from May 30 through Aug. 24, 2019—except for June 20.
Times: 8-11 p.m. (Guests with event tickets may arrive starting at 6 p.m.)
Tickets: Tickets are available online at $59 for adults and $54 for children 3 to 9 (plus tax), when purchased in advance. On the days of the event, the ticket price will be $69 for adults and $64 for children. Tickets are not required for children under age 3.
Towels: Towels are available for rent, but we recommend bringing your own — especially if you expect to leave the park damp at the end of the night. You’ll want to wrap yourself in a towel you can take with you.
