Young Swimmers

[bluebirds]

My 6 year old son will(if he listens to his swimming coach)just be coming off armbands when we go to Orlando in May[8] We are aiming to go to Blizzard Beach during our stay. Can he use his armbands in the main pools as we will be with him all the time. Or is he only allowed in the toddler areas where he will be most annoyed. He loves water flumes over here which he goes down with one of us. Also is the steep summitt plummit ride very scary i want to go on it but it looks to high for me. I have known people leave bits of swimming cozzies behind on these slides.[drinkpepsi][angel][confused]

[Nostromo]

Your son will be restricted by height on most of the slides, but should be allowed with armbands in Castaway Creek. I am sure that I saw some 6 to 7 year olds there riding the smaller tubes.

As for Summit Plummet, it is a fantastic ride! It certainly looks high from up there, but you'll be lying on your back as you inch forwards towards the drop and so cannot actually see the precipe. The first sign you'll have of 'being on your way' is when your toes start to disappear from your eyeline. Once you brave it for the first time, you're virtually guaranteed to go back again - and again. Go for it!

[LiesaAnna]

cor would be cool to see some photos of people doing this!![msnwink]

[florida4sun]

They do not allow armbands in teh water parks, they have really good vests that you can use instead.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by bluebirds
My 6 year old son will(if he listens to his swimming coach)just be coming off armbands when we go to Orlando in May[8] We are aiming to go to Blizzard Beach during our stay. Can he use his armbands in the main pools as we will be with him all the time. Or is he only allowed in the toddler areas where he will be most annoyed. He loves water flumes over here which he goes down with one of us. Also is the steep summitt plummit ride very scary i want to go on it but it looks to high for me. I have known people leave bits of swimming cozzies behind on these slides.[drinkpepsi][angel][confused]
[/quote]

[CarolAnn]

I have NOT braved summit plummit myself, but know that reactions vary wildly as to how good or scary it is!! I know people who have felt a little battered after their journey down, but also felt so excilerated that do it again and again. My advice would be to watch for a sort while and speak to the riders so to speak [msnwink]Put it this way...there are always long queues so it must be a thumbs up at Blizzard!!! I know that the wave pool did NOT allow our daughter in there when she was wearing armbands, but the "cast" members were very helpful in letting you know where was safe to swim for NON-SWIMMERS[msnsmile]

[Nostromo]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
They do not allow armbands in teh water parks, they have really good vests that you can use instead.
[/quote]

I am sure that Martin is right. It must have been the vests that I saw those kids wearing. I know for sure that they had some extra protection on and the creek has smaller tubes to suit their size.

[bluebirds]

Can you hire the swim vests from Blizzard Beach? Just got back from swimming lessons he went without armbands for the last 10 minutes. He did all the arm actions and jumped up and down. He is nearly there but he hates going under. I will let you all know when he manages to swim unaided.
PS Sorry about all the smilies on my first post but Adam insisted what i put on.[8D]

[christhear]

Hi Bluebirds - keep going with thoses swimming lessons. If your son is able to stand in some of the areas at blizzard beach encourage him to go in without a life vest, don't let your kids become dependant on swimming aids.
I actually teach swimming and I'm i the pool with 3 and 4 year olds. I always start them off without any aids, then use floats and woggles. They only have arm bands towards the end of the lesson, this stops them getting too dependant on them. I'm not syaing don't use aids, but when you can be there for them give them a go without, it will get then swimming much quicker.

[resorthomerentals]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by CarolAnn
I have NOT braved summit plummit myself, but know that reactions vary wildly as to how good or scary it is!! I know people who have felt a little battered after their journey down, but also felt so excilerated that do it again and again. My advice would be to watch for a sort while and speak to the riders so to speak [msnwink]Put it this way...there are always long queues so it must be a thumbs up at Blizzard!!! I know that the wave pool did NOT allow our daughter in there when she was wearing armbands, but the "cast" members were very helpful in letting you know where was safe to swim for NON-SWIMMERS[msnsmile]
[/quote]

On the big drops it is best to keep your head back. It seems that if you lift your heat to try to look down where you are going you get a bit more beat up.

[LiesaAnna]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by bluebirds
Can you hire the swim vests from Blizzard Beach? Just got back from swimming lessons he went without armbands for the last 10 minutes. He did all the arm actions and jumped up and down. He is nearly there but he hates going under. I will let you all know when he manages to swim unaided.
PS Sorry about all the smilies on my first post but Adam insisted what i put on.[8D]
[/quote]

i have a red one you'd be very welcome to if you want it? its red, with zip up front and white straps that go under the crutch area, lauren is 9 now and wore it on several holidays so we could read or something around the pool without being in the water but at the side, if you would like it let me know[msnwink]