Do you hear that whistle? That’s the sound of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon’s iconic Miss Tilly calling out to let you know it’s time to catch a wave, just in time to celebrate National Water Parks Day this Friday, July 28!
One of two Walt Disney World Resort water parks, Typhoon Lagoon has classic favorites such as thrilling water coasters, a scenic lazy river and the largest wave pool in North America, perfect for a cool down during this hot summer. However, it wouldn’t be Disney without a splash of magic and a great deal of storytelling and in celebration of the occasion this week, I wanted to share with you a few of the theming details that make it so much more than just a water park.
A Stormy Beginning
If you’ve ever taken notice to the entrance signs welcoming you to Typhoon Lagoon, you might be familiar with the start of our backstory:
“A furious storm once roared ‘cross the sea, catching ships in its path, helpless to flee. Instead of a certain and watery doom, the winds swept them here to Typhoon Lagoon.”
That’s right, the fabled rogue storm struck the tropical region of Blustery Bay and the Placid Palms resort village, originally home to both a shrimping industry and a fruit exports company, drastically changing it forever. Because of the storm, a small fleet of ships were tossed from the sea, spreading bits and pieces of treasure and debris throughout the now water park, transformed by the stranded residents. Starting with the front entrance marquee made from a ship’s mast and sail to Typhoon Lagoon’s main landmark, Miss Tilly, you’ll find hidden pieces telling the tale scattered throughout.
Mount Mayday & Miss Tilly
Speaking of Miss Tilly, the water park icon was once a shrimping vessel and was swept high atop the volcanic Mount Mayday and now overlooks the transformed lagoon. With a perfectly fit name, Mount Mayday “erupts” roughly every half hour generating large waves into the surf pool, with Miss Tilly’s whistle warning Guests when the next set of waves are coming.
Extra Fun Fact: Did you know that a postcard written to Trader Sam by the crew of Miss Tilly can be found in Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar?
Captain Mary Oceaneer & Miss Adventure Falls
One of the water park’s more famous stranded residents includes Captain Mary Oceaneer, a world-famous treasure-hunter and member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A). As the story goes, the Captain made it her goal to sail the seven seas and collect treasures to share with the world. One day when she was out diving for treasure, the storm struck and carried her ship and precious artifacts all the way to Typhoon Lagoon! Guests today can find many of her treasures within the queue of the family raft attraction, Miss Adventure Falls.
Extra Fun Fact: Captain Mary’s adventures have taken her worldwide and you can find highlights of her story in a variety of places including being first introduced in Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland, as part of the Oceaneer Lab on Disney Cruise Line and many more.
Tropical Amity Fruit Exporters & Crush ‘n’ Gusher
Ships aren’t all that you’ll find on this transformed tropical oasis. A once thriving fruit-washing and packing plant, Tropical Amity Fruit Exporters, once boasted:
“Our juices are crushed with flavor…Our produce is gushing with taste.”
Following the storm’s arrival, the plant was left abandoned and turned into the water coaster attraction known today as Crush ‘n’ Gusher. Guests of the attraction can choose from three different “fruit chutes” and slide down the gushing coaster via inflatable “fruit bins.”
These are just a few of the amusing storytelling details you’ll find at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled to all the stormy nods to its origin the next time you’re there.
Who’s ready to [swim]suit up for some watery fun at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon? Join us this summer as the splashtastic thrills heat up while you cool down. For even more water park fun, don’t miss out on the summertime exclusive, Disney H2O Glow After Hours event where you can enjoy favorite attractions at night and with lower wait times, a DJ dance party and more.
Stay in the “wave” for all things #DisneyWaterParks over on our new Instagram channel, @DisneyWaterParks, and share with us how you’re enjoying National Water Parks Day!
Comments
Another nearly forgotten bit of the lore is that 1955’s Hurricane Connie that destroyed the last bits of Pleasure Island (until the Imagineers rediscovered the warehouses in 1987) was the same storm that hit Placid Palms and covered Gangplank Falls in fireworks from Merriweather Plaeasure’s Fireworks Factory!
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