Lack of Clocks in Water Parks ......and other parks for that matter

[Zawadi]

Where are they all? or is it the revenge of "The Timekeeper?"

We were at Typhoon Lagoon and were wearing only swinsuits and water shoes. We rented a locker and left our watches in there, so as not to get them wet or damaged on the rides. After a laze in the tyres around the lazy creek, we decided to hit the wave pool. We found a notice that stated the wave pool would operate periods of bobbing wave and surf wave at set times throughout the day, but after looking around, there was not a clock to be seen. Most people, like us were not wearing watches, so we couldn't ask them the time.

Does anyone know if there are any clocks around at the water parks, or should I get myself a waterproof watch for my next visit?

Whilst writing this post, I began to think about clocks in other parks - I don't recall seeing any, but of course, being fully dressed, I would be wearing my watch, so haven't really noticed.

I'd be interested to know your experiences at the water parks.

Seasons Greetings to you all

[WDWfanatic742]

It's been almost a year and a half, but I seem to remember a tower that had a huge clock on it in front of the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon.

[Figaro]

You could always ask any lifeguard. We carry watches on our hip packs since we have rotations to keep track of. If you see a lifeguard rotating also, it's usually about every 30-45 minutes, so it's another way to keep track of time. As far as there being clocks, I do think they are at a minimum. It might be a good idea to buy a Wal*Mart 10 dollar waterproof sports watch to carry with you.

[RobWreck]

Do yourself a favor next time and buy a cheap, plastic WATERPROOF watch before you go to WDW. That way, you can wear it around the parks and the pools and not care if it gets wet or banged up. Save the nicer watches for fancy dinners...
Rob

[joelkfla]

Lots'a clocks at the MK: City Hall, the street clock on Main Street, and Cinderella's Castle are the ones that come to mind. I think there's one on Pinocchio's Village Haus -- at least there are chimes. And I think the Small World refurb added a scaled-down version of the clock tower from the original attraction at DL.

Funny thing is, most guests never notice them. I don't know how many times I've heard someone ask what the time was while they were standing right in front of City Hall or the Castle.

And, of course, in every park, every attraction actively using FastPass has the "FastPass Return Time" clock out front.

[pink]

I recommend buying the water proof watch. It's very useful especially for keeping track of ADR's and fastpass return times.

I think it's kind of nice that there are not clocks everywhere in Disney World. In the real world you have to constantly check what time it is to stay on top of things. Our lifes are controlled by time and in Disney it's like anything goes, you only job is to have fun. I love it.

[epceddie]

Along with more clocks, I really think Disney should put out more benches, especially in shady areas.
People get hot and tired doing all that walking!

[Polynesian Dweller]

Along with more clocks, I really think Disney should put out more benches, especially in shady areas.
People get hot and tired doing all that walking!

Got to agree with you on benches in shady areas. We used to have a few favorite spots in the shade to sit, but oddly, they all seem to have been turned into designated smoking areas.

[mainemajor]

I have always had luck asking anyone that is working at the waterparks, often asking lifeguards as we float by on the lazy river. They have always been cheerful and most willing to answer the same question for probably the millionth time every day.
At the regular parks I too wear a watch, but rarely check it. Fastpass clocks are all around. I don't think there needs to be more clocks anywhere. The more you see the time the less I can relax and that is why I'm there after all.

[CaptainJessicaSparrow]

Along with more clocks, I really think Disney should put out more benches, especially in shady areas.
People get hot and tired doing all that walking!

Benches yes. Clocks, no.

With all the devices - watches, clocks, pagers, cell phones, PDAs, Blackberrys, PSPs, and everything else, along with the clocks that are everywhere....if you don't know what time it is, then you are just really.....preoccupied.

There are definitely a lot more clocks than you realize. I can think of 4 on Main Street, before you are even close enough to see the castle. There is one near Pirates, there is one near all the attractions that have a FP, there is one near Mansion, there is one on Pinocchio, there is one near Tomorrowland. All of the cash registers have one. Anyone with a radio has one (it's on the radio itself).

Also, there is a reason that the clocks aren't neon lights (meaning, completely obvious) is that the idea was to not have you worrying about the time. To have you just relax and enjoy the day and not worry about the times. I like that there aren't clocks every where. It makes the trip more like a vacation than a work schedule.

[BMan62]

Just like with casinos - obvious clocks are not in the best interest of the parks - the theory is: the more time you spend in the parks, the more $$$ you spend. If you are clock watching, the likelihood of draining more $$$ out of your pockets diminishes.

[CaptainJessicaSparrow]

Just like with casinos - obvious clocks are not in the best interest of the parks - the theory is: the more time you spend in the parks, the more $$$ you spend. If you are clock watching, the likelihood of draining more $$$ out of your pockets diminishes.

Which is why there are also no windows in casinos.

[disneyworld55925592]

at every attraction with a fastpass it tells you what time it is. But in the water parks it is hard to tell what time it is. But hey who cares just enjoy yourself and eat when you feel hungry

[Mary M]

Just like with casinos - obvious clocks are not in the best interest of the parks - the theory is: the more time you spend in the parks, the more $$$ you spend. If you are clock watching, the likelihood of draining more $$$ out of your pockets diminishes.

I bet they pump oxygen into the parks, too, like they do in the casinos!

[IloveDisney71]

I never think about getting a waterproof watch until I'm in the waterparks. It makes it a little difficult when your party splits up and you say - let's meet back at a designated place at 2:00, for example. However, I think all of the lifeguards wear watches or at least all of the ones that I've ever asked for a time have had one on and they have NEVER acted annoyed that I asked for the time.

[kemps@wdw]

Who cares what time it is! Not me...I'm @ WDW!! No rushing...no schedules...No worries!

[DryCreek]

Who cares what time it is! Not me...I'm @ WDW!! No rushing...no schedules...No worries!

But what if you are trying to keep up with the time so that you can pick up a show that starts at a specific time? Or are trying to make sure that you return at the right time for your FP?

As far as people NOT noticing the clocks, do you reckon it's because they are analog and as a society we have been conditioned to look for digital stimuli (i.e the flash a digital clock makes as it advances)? It may be that the addition of a sweep second hand on the clock would draw our attention better.

[TheRustyScupper]

1) There are time devices around.
2) you just have to be observant.
3) There just can't be a lot of clocks.
4) They don't want people to clock-watch waiting in lines.

NOTE: When I want to know what time it is, I usually just look down the throat of Peter's Alligator.

[mouseketeer mom]

Who cares what time it is! Not me...I'm @ WDW!! No rushing...no schedules...No worries!

I'm with you. No clocks on vacation!!! Of course...those ADR's throw a glitch into that no clock policy...

[SteveL]

At Typhoon Lagoon we always just went by the timed eruptions and chimes on Mt Mayday, and at Blizzard Beach the yodeling.