Go in the afternoon or first thing in the morning, especially during the summer and on holidays. Crowds are lighter after 3pm.

Visit during the week, as locals fill up the water parks at the weekend. The beginning of the week may also be quieter.

The parks may close if there is a storm, but they'll be almost empty when it reopens.

The water parks are all different, try more than one if you have a multiday pass.

Start with the smallest park. It's hard to keep some kids down on the farm of River Country after they've seen the slides of Blizzard Beach. And a smaller park with shorter lines and slower slides is a good way to break in nervous kids - they may be up for the bigger rides by the end of the week.

Because of the crowds and the confusing, twisting slides, kids can get lost at a water park. All the lifeguards wear matching bathing suits and a Disney name tag. Instruct your child that if she looks up and doesn't see you, she should go to the nearest lifeguard, who will take her to the lost kids area near the locker rental. If your kids are older, set up camp at a particular lounge chair & have set meeting times.

As soon as you get into the park claim a lounge chair & get in line for a locker.

Get a lounge chair that's in the shade.

You are allowed to take coolers into the water parks, so save money & take your own food rather than buying it there.

Wear shoes for walking around the parks as the walkways may get hot.

Wear a swimsuit, rather than a two-piece suit which can easily come off on the fast slides!

Buy a disposable water-proof camera before you arrive for use at the water parks, they are dearer in the parks. You'll find it especially useful in the shark reef at Typhoon Lagoon.

If you use the lazy river in Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, remember which entry point you used, as there are a few.

Take your own towels with you. The ones available for rent aren't that big, and you don't get a refund on the deposit.

If you're staying at Fort Wilderness Resort, you can get a 20% discount on admission to River Country.

A good place to sit at Blizzard Beach, which is often overlooked is the Lonesome section, behind the mountain. At Typhoon Lagoon, try Out of the Way Cay.

"Get the by 9.30 am no late than 11.00 am because it get real busy and do not let anymore people in."

Which water park is for you?

1. The most important thing in a waterpark is:
a) the waves
b) the slides

2. Our kids are:
a) a mix of ages - they're 4, 8, and 11
b) preteens and teens

3. Long lines are:
a) tolerable at the big-deal rides, but I like to get away from the crowd sometimes
b) to be expected

4. When we go to a water park, we:
a) show up in the evening and use the time to unwind
b) go early and stay all day

5. I'd like to lie by the pool with:
a) the latest Tom Clancy and a pina colada
b) who has time to lie by the pool?

6. As a family, we're looking for:
a) variety
b) excitement

Mostly A's? There's a wave with your name on it at Typhoon Lagoon
Mostly B's? Hit the slopes of Blizzard Beach