make a Splash at Disney

Southern Living, Jul 2004 by Thompson, Annette

From swimming to boating to dining by the water, here's the ultimate guide.

It's hot in July, and it seems even hotter at the big theme parks. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy them though. How so? Chill out with a little H^sub 2^ Oh! With more than 850 acres of lakes, 66 miles of canals, two water parks, and more than 60 swimming pools, Walt Disney World offers a cool-down option wherever you roam. We've plunged into every bit of water we could find to bring you the best activities, tastes of the sea, boat rides, and even pools. Come along, and jump in-the water's great.

You're All Wet: Where To Find Water in the Parks

Each of Disney's four theme parks treats you to water rides and surprising deluges. Head to one of those spots when you need a refreshing break. (Tip: If you're wearing heavy cotton clothing, plan your wet adventures for late in the day so you can go back to your room and change. Or bring extra clothes, and stow them in a locker, located at each of the park entrances.)

Magic Kingdom: Here, you'll find the most variety. Go to Splash Mountain for a log flume journey. It ends with a memorable 87-foot, 40-mph drop-if you're in the front car, you will get soaked; if you're in the back car, expect a damp seat and arms. Other attractions, such as the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean, simply float across the water. (Fans of "it's a small world," beware-the ride is being refurbished through 2005.) Tots squeal at the squirts of water they encounter while walking across Donald's Boat in Mickey's Toontown Fair.

Animal Kingdom: The most thrilling water ride in all the theme parks is the Kali River Rapids. As the 12-seat circular raft twirls and bumps down the white-water current, water sometimes gushes in on the raft floors, on the seats, and even over your head. Expect to get wet.

Disney-MGM Studios: Take a break from the thrill rides, and hop on the Backlot Tour. Sit on the left side of the tram to feel the splash during the flash flood extravaganza. Cool mist refreshes guests at the stage show "Voyage of The Little Mermaid." It mixes cascading water and an intense lightning storm into its story line.

Epcot: Take little kids to the plaza surrounding Journey Into Imagination With Figment to play in the fountains. Concrete planters spout streams of water that jump willy-nilly between them. For a silly boat ride, climb aboard a Viking-inspired ship at the Maelstrom in the Norway pavilion. A cool boat for stealing a kiss from your sweetie floats along El Rio Del Tiempo in the Mexico pavilion, which traverses preColumbian and Spanish Colonial history as well as modern life in Mexico.

The water parks: When it's too hot to wear anything but your swimsuit, drop in on Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. The best times to go: when the gates open, generally around 10 a.m.; after 3 p.m., when the throngs start thinning out; or after a good rain shower. Typhoon Lagoon, a tropicalinspired venue with a fabulous wave pool, offers more of a family setting with both thrilling and calm rides. Blizzard Beach, themed as a ski resort, maintains its reputation as a thrillseeker's paradise with extreme slides (admission to either water park: $31 plus tax adults, $25 plus tax ages 3-9).

Ahoy There, Mates: Boating, Paddling, and Fishing

Almost everyone steps aboard a boat at Walt Disney World during his or her visit. You can ride a ferry to the Magic Kingdom, a launch across one of the lagoons, or a shuttle boat to get from one side of Downtown Disney to the other. In fact, Disney has the largest fleet of boats in America outside of the United States Navy. In addition to the basic transportation, Disney provides more than 500 canopy boats, flat boats, speedboats, sailboats, rowboats, pedal boats, and canoes to rent.

The vessels with the most appealthe new fleet of Sea Raycers (they replaced the Mouse Boats)-have sporty little engines that reach speeds of 18 mph on Disney's lakes. Rented on a first-come, first-served basis ($21.59 plus tax per half hour), the Sea Raycers carry two passengers. All the marinas offer them to guests for exploring the waters around the Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, Yacht and Beach Clubs, Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans, and Coronado Springs.

If paddling canoes is more your speed, go to the Fort Wilderness Bike Barn, Caribbean Beach Marina, or Port Orleans Boat Dock. For $11 an hour, you can meander through the canals. It's a great way to bird-watch.

Ever wanted to catch fish the easy way? Schedule an excursion on Bay Lake from a pontoon boat at the Contemporary Resort Marina. For about $200, you-and up to four others-have two hours on the water, including a knowledgeable guide, gear and bait, and plenty of beverages. Shiners (little silver fish that largemouth bass love) cost extra, but they're worth it.

Wet and Wild: Extreme Watersports

Push yourself a little, and get lots of confidence with these experiences. Brush up on slalom, wakeboard, knee board, or combo skiing techniques-or get a basic lesson-with the folks at Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre at the Contemporary Resort Marina. For $140 an hour, up to five guests can glide over Bay Lake. The center schedules excursions early in the day to take advantage of the calmest water. The boat, gear, and guide are all included in the price (reservations required).