Florida Family Fun - Aquatica

Time for some more Orlando memories.  On our recent trip we visited SeaWorld's newest park, Aquatica.  This water park is located across the street from SeaWorld and they will honour your same-day parking pass so you need only pay once to park at both sites. We chose to do both parks in one day, but, looking back, I wish we had budgeted more time.

Aquatica has a lot more to offer than your average water park. Two wave pools, a huge beach area, numerous water slides, a lazy river, kids' pool, restaurants, shopping, animals, and more! We rented a locker and towels and started our visit at the wave pool and beach. Unfortunately, I foolishly left my camera in the locker, so I didn't get any pics of our adventures, but did take some as we left the park at closing time.

My guys were wiped out after our day at SeaWorld and Aquatica

The wave pool was a huge hit. Lots of lifeguards for safety. Big waves. Lots of free to use lifejackets for non-swimmers or anyone who feels like some carefree floating. There are lifejackets in all sizes conveniently available throughout the park actually. Again we split up for a while and the big guys did some pretty impressive water slides while Little Boo and I played in the kids' area.

A highlight was the Dolphin Plunge. In this ride you slide through one of two clear tubes, blasting underwater through a pool of playful Commerson Dolphins. "Awesome!" was the review of this one. Aquaticas's lazy river, Loggerhead Lane, was a more relaxed treat, and also offered a fabulous viewing of sea creatures. Part of the river runs under overhead aquaria teeming with tropical fish.

Little Boo's favourite was Roa's Rapids, and I support him in that. This is like a lazy river, but without the tube. The river is FAST and carries you along on an adventurous ride of twists and turns. Little ones must wear a lifejacket, and Mommy decided to try one for this ride as well. It was fun to float along and be bobbed on the waves. We missed our exit the first time around and "had to" go for a second cycle. It was a blast and required a return visit before we left!

I give Aquatica a huge thumbs up. It rates as the best waterpark we have ever visited and definitely should be on your itinerary for your next family trip to Orlando. You can visit their website to get full details, lots of video and images, and to plan your trip.


Disclosure: I wish to thank SeaWorld Orlando for providing media passes for my family's admission. All opinions on this blog remain my own and reflect my family's true experiences at the park