5 Tips For Visiting Typhoon Lagoon/Disney World

  

#5 Bring Water Shoes

A friend suggested this and it was definitely a good idea. The ground surface is hot and slippery. Flip Flops and slides are not as safe as water shoes. Water shoes will stay on your feet when you're on the rides. 

#4 Arrive Early

Arriving early is a good idea for any Disney park. The water parks are no exception.

You can grab chairs, lockers and set up before the rides open.  We were first in line for Mayday Falls a single person tube ride that later had long lines.

 

#3 Bring a Towel

The price of a ticket does not include a towel, but you can rent towels at the park for $2. I suggest bringing your own. Of course, if you're traveling light bringing your own towel is not always an option.  

#2 Rent a Locker

Large lockers are $15. They're big enough to hold a back pack and your valuables. Some visitors are more trustworthy than I am and left their belongings on chairs. Lock up your phones and let the kids  enjoy the park and rides.

#1 Remember Water Safety

Read the signs, obey the rules and keep an eye on your kids.

Climbing in Grand Tetons National Park

Our family of 7 understood that climbing with our Exum Adventure guides was going to push us beyond out limits. We were soon to find out just how far that push would be. Our guides, Brenton and Tim set us up with our gear - climbing ropes, helmets and harnesses. The sun is strong and sun screen is a must, The weather can change and heavy clothing and rain gear have to be packed in your back pack along with water and lunch. The experience was not only about climbing, but how to survive on the mountain. 

                                          

Gear in tow, we set off by ferry across Jenny Lake where we hiked a short distance uphill to our climbing point. All geared up, we learned that climbing is all about trusting the strength in your legs.  The mountain doesn't always provide a hand grip. 

      

Zoey and Jesse 1st tier

 We set out on the first of four tiers in two teams. There was no rush as we got the feel for the mountain, a two-hundred foot slab of rock. It was all about completing each segment. The further up we went, the more we understood how far we could push ourselves. Everyone admitted to having that one point where they had to dig deep to keep going. For me, the last ten feet were one of those just do it  moments.  Adam, the last climber on my team exhausted his cell battery taking these great pictures of us climbing.  

                                          

                         

At the top - almost.  The 4th tier completed, we stopped to eat again. Fueling your body is as important as staying hydrated.

                                                                                        

It was our choice if we wanted to go further. Reluctantly, I joined Zoey, Jesse, Adam and Michael while Ben and Melissa waited for us to repel over the overhang.

       

We hiked down a rocky trail alongside Hidden Falls back to the ferry.

                                         

 Later that evening we celebrated with a well deserved dinner at The Blue Lion and dessert at Moo's Ice Cream.





  

It was the best family adventure ever and 5/7 of us would definitely do it again.

                                                             

  

Visiting Jackson Wyoming

 While my family was rafting, I explored the town of Jackson on my own.

                                

 Touring the Town of Jackson 

After browsing every souvenir shop and taking a selfie under the antler arch, I found myself with time to spare before meeting up with my family. Yes, the antlers are real. They're collected by Boy Scouts and sold at auction for as high as $180/lb.

 

 

I had a cup of tea at Cowboy Coffee. From there I moved on and explored the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum. For the reasonable price of $4.00 I got entry to 2 museums.  Native American History and History of Early Settlers in Jackson Hole are located in separate buildings a few blocks apart. It took me less than an hour to see both museums. If we had the time it would be a nice place for everyone to visit.

                        

      

Dave Hansen Whitewater Rafting

Ben and Michael working hard in the front row. Melissa screaming in the middle while Adam, Zoey and Jesse pose for the camera. When we checked in the day before, the guide explained that due to the increased run off from the heavy snow fall, the rapids were more technically difficult to maneuver. In fact, they had increased the age for children from six-years old to ten-years old. I knew there was a reason I hadn't booked myself for this adventure!

    

 

Smiling happy rafters had a great run and I had a great afternoon as well. Everyone wins.

Sunrise Tour Grand Tetons

Our day started early. Sunrise is 5:44 in Jackson Hole and sunset is 9:08. That's about fifteen hours of daylight. At promptly 6am our guide, Mike picked up our party of 7 from the front of our hotel.

      

         

It was well worth getting up so early. Mike was knowledgeable about the history, wildlife and geology of the park and local area. Only 3% of land is publicly owned in Jackson Hole. There are very few privately owned lands left in the park. Most were donated to the National Park Service.
Having a guide gives you an in to wildlife hot spots. However, there's no guarantee that the animals will cooperate. Grisly bear 399 and her cub had been spotted the day before, but we had no luck. We did see deer, bison and beaver which was on the top of Jesse's list.  Our first attempt at finding beaver was not successful, but on our way back they we got to see a beaver floating around his dam.

  

 

Smaller animals can be harder to find. The kids, big and small, loved using the high definition binoculars and viewing scope provided by the tour. They came in handy when viewing a moose and her calf from a distance. 

View from the top hatch was also fun.

                 



We were lucky to have a clear morning. The reflection off the lake was amazing.

                                     

If you've never been to the park before, seeing the Tetons with a guide is well worth the money.

http://www.jacksonholewildlifetours.com

 

    It was all about the total experience and not the individual sightings.