But that's just the beginning! Guests who really want to plunge into the water fun of America's most popular vacation destination resort discover they can surf, snorkel, water ski and scuba dive at Walt Disney World Resort. And once they've decided to come up for air, they can captain a variety of rental craft. And go on a private bass fishing excursion. And even parasail.
And that's not to mention the two water parks that make Walt Disney World Resort the "water park capital of the world." Plus 20 resort hotels featuring elaborate pools -- some of which have the aura of mini-water parks.
For those who want to get more than their toes wet, here's what the "waterful world" of Walt Disney World Resort has to offer.
Surfing
Adventurous guests can catch a wave and feel like they're sitting on top of the world at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park. Its 2.75-million-gallon wave pool provides consistent waves every 90 seconds that can range from three to six feet high -- and no sharks! Craig Carroll's Cocoa Beach Surf School invites guests to learn from professional surfers how to cut, carve and "hang 10." The program is available for an extra charge on selected mornings from 6:30-9 a.m. (prior to regular park hours). Guests may call 407/WDW-PLAY for more information.
Scuba Diving
Certified divers can slip into dive gear for an unforgettable encounter with creatures of the deep. Imagine browsing a salt-water world of coral teeming with marine life without ever entering the sea. Walt Disney World guests can do just that at The Living Seas pavilion at Epcot. One of the world's largest aquariums (6 million gallons) is home to thousands of creatures -- from angelfish to 300-pound sea turtles. Disney's twice-daily DiveQuest program welcomes certified divers on expert-led tours. Rates include equipment, so guests don't have to bring dive gear from home. Guests may call 407/WDW-TOUR for more information.Scuba-Assisted Snorkeling
Guests without scuba certification can experience the wonder of The Living Seas at Epcot by means of the new Epcot Seas Aqua Tour. This is get-wet action at its most exciting -- an up-close experience with the species of the deep that make The Living Seas their home. Participants use scuba-assisted snorkeling equipment. For more information, guests may call 407/939-8687.
Snorkeling
Imagine floating above leopard and nurse sharks, rays, rainbows of tropical fish and an upside-down sunken ship without venturing into the ocean. Shark Reef at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park offers guests the opportunity to explore in snorkel gear, included with admission to Typhoon Lagoon. A supplied-air (scuba assisted) snorkeling program (available for an additional charge) offers young guests their own look at Shark Reef. For more information guests may call 407/824-4321.
In the Boat
Guests have a new way to skim across Walt Disney World Resort waterways aboard a personal Sea Raycer watercraft. These modern-looking mini-powerboats, created exclusively for Walt Disney World Resort, make waves as they cut through open water and are environmentally sound. These crafts meet new federal laws requiring small engines to meet pollution control and fuel efficiency standards. Sea Raycers by Sea Ray are available at Magic Kingdom resort area marinas. They will be available at other resort marina locations starting April of 2004. Guests can experience water adventures with a WaterMouse, sailboat, pontoon boat, canopy boat, pedal boat, rowboat or canoe at select Walt Disney World marinas. Guests are also welcome to come aboard on two luxurious fireworks cruises offered at Walt Disney World Resort. These specialty cruises feature the Grand 1, a striking 48-foot Sea Ray yacht, and Breathless, a 24-foot reproduction of a 1930s mahogany runabout. For more information, including prices, guests may call 407/WDW-PLAY. For more information and pricing on the Grand 1 cruise, guests may call the Grand Floridian Marina at 407/824-2439.
Behind the Boat
The recipe for adventure at Disney's Contemporary Resort includes skis and speed at Sammy Duvall's Water Sports Centre. "Air time in no time" is the motto when guests slalom, kneeboard and wakeboard on Disney waterways. Guests can book tournament-level ski boats and ride the waters of Bay Lake near Magic Kingdom on skis, boards or tubes with guidance from a professional instructor. Hour-long sessions can be reserved by calling 407/939-0754 or 407/WDW-PLAY.
