Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool (The Wave Pool)

Ready to catch some waves? The Surf Pool at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is the place to be for anyone who loves to ride waves.

This massive wave pool can generate up to six-foot swells. With waves this tremendous, you’re guaranteed to have a good time!

This article will discuss the Surf Pool at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. It’s truly the heart of the park and is considered the signature attraction.

Whether you’re looking for a thrill or want to take it easy, the wave pool offers something for everyone!

Typhoon Lagoon’s Surf Pool is the largest wave pool in North America. The wave pool 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 in various areas around the pool.

This one notes:

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 in the pool or on the pool deck.
Shower before entering.
For safety, diaper age children must wear plastic pants are swim diapers.

Additionally, it’s important to point out that inner tubes are not permitted in the wave pool.

The wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon is significantly different from other wave pools 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, while Typhoon Lagoon’s wave pool offers gentle bobbing waves, it also goes through phases of large swells.

When the surf wave is in motion, there is a giant wave about every 90 seconds. You will hear a distinctive siren warning when a new wave session begins.

These phases are scheduled throughout the day. They are listed on the surf report in front of the wave pool.

For instance, on this day, the surf report reads:

Surf Wave Times are from 10:00–11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 2:00–5:00 p.m., and 5:30–6:00 p.m.
Bobbing Wave Times are from 11:00–11:30 a.m., 2:00–2:30 p.m., and then from 5:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

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.

The Surf Pool’s waves are similar to the ocean. During the surf periods, the waves become strong. So strong that a wave can easily knock you off your balance.

As the rules indicate, poor swimmers should stay in the shallow end. And even then, you should be cautious.

With the swells, the height of the water rises as they pass. So a wave can catch you off guard even in shallow water.

As an example, I am a good swimmer. But I’m at the point in my life where I like to pull up a chair in the back and let the younger ones enjoy the big waves.

Thankfully, there are tons of small chairs where you can sit at the water’s edge. However, you need to be aware that the waves will drench you.

This point is so important. If you head down to the Surf Pool when the bobbing waves are on, you won’t realize the severity of the waves.

Every time I visit, I see guests finding a spot near the edge of the water. They’ll lay their towels and shoes down and head off into the pool.

Unbeknownst to them, the waves will wipe out all of their personal 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 have your extras end up soaking wet.

Make sure to rent a locker to store your valuables. Other than basic pool needs, you don’t want to be weighed down with many personal items on your water park day.

However, it is imperative to have a pair of water shoes. The bottom of the wave pool is rough.

For example, many complain of getting a lousy scrape from being drug across the bottom of the pool. Unfortunately, scrapes are common, and you’ll likely want to make your children aware 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. Knee-deep is likely closer to waist-deep when the waves come through before the water recedes.

If you forget water shoes, you can always pick up a pair at Singapore Sal’s, the gift shop at Typhoon Lagoon. However, it’s typically cheaper to purchase them in advance.

You can browse water park shoes here on Amazon.

Often people ask, when is the best time to enjoy the Surf Pool?

Before lunch, our touring strategy consists of visiting the slides and attractions like Miss Adventure Falls and Crush ‘N’ Gusher. Afterward, we break and spend most of the afternoon at the Surf Pool.

Before we wrap things up, let’s look at a few photos of the wave pool. Below, you’ll notice I took these photos from the left-hand side of the pool. There are large decks on each side of the pool.

The decks are pretty easy to access, and both meet the Mountain Trail on each side. I recommend exploring the trail at some point during your day.

When the waves start to form, you’ll notice the water rise.

And then, a crest forms as the initial wave takes off, carrying the surf behind it.

This picture shows the power of the wave as it washes over a few brave souls on the deep end.

Make sure to make light plans for the evening. You’ll probably be exhausted after taking on a few of these waves.

Toward the back of the pool, there’s a large tower with a clock. I can’t tell you how often I’ve looked to check the time while touring the park. You can see it from several attractions.

Here’s a look at the pool during the bobbing waves. It’s much calmer.

However, be prepared to feel the constant moving of water long after you’ve left the park. I think these are the kind of days that most of us fall asleep as soon as our head hits the pillow at night.

You might notice several rock formations toward the back of the pool.

These rock formations have built-in seating areas wrapped around them. Again, while the water is shallow here, you can expect the water to wash up over you during the surf waves.

Typhoon Lagoon’s surf pool is broken down into three sections. First, there’s the large central section of the pool.

On the far left-hand side, there’s an area called Blustery Bay. Additionally, on the opposite side, there’s White Cap Cove.

White Cap Cove is where I prefer to spend the majority of my afternoon. The area is a little more private and doesn’t generally have as much foot traffic.

However, if you’re visiting with smaller children, you’ll want to check out the Bay Slides in Blustery Bay. Two slides are built into a rocky area that keeps the larger waves out.

Here is a look at the staircase that leads up to the slides.

This area is ideal for children who find themselves too big for the Ketchakiddiee Creek play area, yet not big enough to take on some of the larger attractions.

Related: Ketchakiddiee Creek

Overall, 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 look forward to returning in the future.

For more information on visiting Typhoon Lagoon, all of our articles for the park are listed here.

Additionally, you might enjoy some of these individual articles:

In the comments: What are your thoughts on the Surf Pool at Typhoon Lagoon? Have you visited a wave pool before?