Day 235 - Aquatica Waterpark by Seaworld Orlando

Aquatica Orlando

After sitting on our tickets for almost a year (they would have expired Memorial weekend) we finally made the time to take a day off (it rarely happens) and spent the day at Aquatica, Orlando’s newest water park.

When we tried to visit the park last year we weren’t very lucky: we got there by 10 am only to find out that the park had already reached full capacity and was therefore closed until at least 4pm.

So we were a little skeptical and called the Aquatica Hotline all morning just to be sure this wouldn’t happen again. After all, it was Mother’s Day and you never know which kids wouldn’t surprise their mom with a day at Aquatica…

Beach Area

But we made it in (just in time BTW) and had a fabulous day! We truly relaxed, despite the the crowds. Aquatica, just like any water park, has something that relaxes me. We tried every single ride, enjoyed the lazy river and “Roa’s Rapids” and laid by the beach and wave pool. The weather was absolutely perfect. Not a cloud in the sky!

Fun Water Rides

Here a bit about my experience and some tips:

Obviously, try to be there early so you can get in!
Coolers are allowed so bring plenty of water and maybe even some snacks because food is expensive. Not sure about glass bottles, I am assuming they are not allowed so check out the web site or call for more info.
If you don’t want your feet to get burned, bring water shoes or your old flip flops. It was quite funny to see people (me included) run from one puddle to the next, trying to keep our feet from being burned by the hot sand and pavement. If you’re not good at running around in your bathing suit the investment in those shoes is definitely worth it! Buy them at Wal Mart BEFORE your get to the park because, just as with the food, you will pay a premium if buying them at Aquatica
Don’t expect to be able to shower at the park. I tried but the lines in front of the showers are just too long and if you like to take long hot showers (I do) you don’t want to be rushed and block everyone else.
Bring at least one recognizable towel to leave at your chair when you lay by the beach because it is kind of hard to find your spot again after you tour the park.
The rides are kind of short so don’t be disappointed. Especially the highly advertised Dolphin Plunge were you are supposed to see all these dolphins swim around you – it isn’t like that! You may get a glimpse at them though if you are able to keep your eyes open (it is tough, and even tougher with contacts in because the water really is splashing from all sides).
If you have been to Typhoon Lagoon, Aquatica doesn’t really have the tropical landscape to the extend that Typhoon lagoon has it. I remember Typhoon Lagoon as a “water park within nature”. Aquatica is much more open in that way, kind of like in between Wet n’Wild and Typhoon Lagoon.
Most of the rides are pretty much “child safe”, so if you’re expecting the really wild rides it’s the wrong place! I heard Wet’n Wild is best for those.
Florida Residents: Remember the specials.