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Aquatica: One of the best water parks in Orlando worth visiting

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Aquatica Orlando is a combination of close animal encounters that made SeaWorld famous all over the globe with exhilarating rides, tranquil lazy river, and sandy beaches for the one-of-a-kind water-themed entertainment. You can even drop by during the cooler months thanks to the heated water so you can enjoy all year long.

An overview of Aquatica Orlando

The latest offering, KareKare Curl stands out in the lineup of the park in providing an unforgettable experience in this adrenaline-packed, weightless adventure. Enjoy the tubes and rafts at Tassie’s Twisters, Ray Rush, Omaka Rocka, Walhalla Wave, and Whanau Way. For a rapid group competition, grab a mat and tackle the Taumata Racer.

If you want an adventure that you can boast to your friends, go for a solo spree through Ihu’s Breakaway Fall which is the precipitous multi-drop tower in Orlando or sprint through an active sea of towering tides at Roa’s Rapids. A close encounter with the animals is not complete until you go for a swim with a school of black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins within an enclosed, transparent tube at Dolphin Plunge.

Children will surely delight in child-friendly attractions such as Kata’s Kookaburra Cove as well as Walkabout Waters. The entire family can have a great time at the Big Surf Shores wave pools and the Cutback Cove. For a tranquil moment, the Loggerhead Lane is a lazy river where you can float through exotic tropical fish and the dolphin exhibit. If you want a serene moment with your family, relax on a lounger or a cabana on the sunny beaches.

If you want to explore what Aquatica Orlando has to offer, you might want to check out more about the park’s lineup.

Water slides and pools

Let us take a close look at several attractions that you can enjoy at Aquatica.

KareKare Curl

As one of the newest adventures in Aquatica, feel the weightlessness aboard KareKare Curl. The 361 feet long water slide is ideal for adrenaline junkies. Riders start at 50 feet up as they pass through the first tunnel and go up the “KareKare” curl at 35 feet. This provides a weightless feeling just before sliding down the wall, through the last tube and splash into the catch pool.

karekare curl in aquatica orlando The ride vehicle is called the “whirly wheel” where riders will be facing each other the whole time. This ensures that both riders are facing each other as they go rise up to 35 feet.

Riptide Race

Riptide Race is set to open this spring. Experience the first dueling race with a friend and go through tunnels side by side and face to face. Race through tight loops and accelerations via outdoor and indoor sections.how is the riptide race ride at aquatica in orlando

Ray Rush

Ray Rush is the newest member of the water slides in Aquatica. This is an adventure-packed ride with three ways to slide, splash and soar.

Cutback Cove & Big Surf Shores

Aquatica is truly one of a kind with its gigantic, side-by-side wave pools that you cannot find anywhere else. At Cutback Cove, you will be greeted by continuously rolling waves packed with action. The surf can rise or become slow and easy at the Big Surf Shores.

Dolphin Plunge

As one of the most popular rides at the water park, Dolphin Plunge is worth the ride. You are going to plunge into total darkness before blasting through into a brilliant underwater world. Watch out for the black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins where you can see them race alongside as you zoom by. The combination of a thrilling underwater slide with a view of nature makes it a great experience that you should not miss out on.

Ihu’s Breakaway Falls

This is the steepest multi-drop tower that is one-of-a-kind in Orlando. For thrill-seekers out there, it is time to face your fears and brace yourself for one wild ride with Ihu’s Breakaway Falls.

Katta’s Kookaburra Cova

For kids and one at heart, this is a cool place to be. With its beginner’s body slide, spilly rides, and water spouts, children can enjoy all day.

Loggerhead Lane

If you want to relax after a day of enjoying the exciting rides and slides, hop on a leisurely raft at Loggerhead Lane which will take you through an underwater domain highlighted by striking tropical fish.

Omaka Rocka

With this water slide, Omaka Rocka will speed you down flumes into large funnels, sliding higher up one slide and then the other.

Roa’s Rapids

Be ready to race through an action-packed river trip through a bustling sea of high tides, churning whirlies and spurting geysers.

Tassie’s Twisters

For a wacky twist, you might want to try out this ride. The lightning-fast tubes will shoot you into a gigantic basin where you will continue to spin until you are rolled back into the languid river.

directions to aquatica orlandoTaumata Racer

For a thrilling ride in the park, Taumata Racer is the best choice that you should never miss out. This high-speed competitive mat ride will send you ripping down a steep hill, head first.

Walhalla Wave

This is a thrilling ride that the entire family can enjoy where you will zoom through a 6-story maze of turns, twists, and tunnels before moving back out into daylight.

Walkabout Waters

Walkabout Waters boasts a whimsical appearance and endless fun for kids. This towering, 60-foot rain fortress is colorful, exciting with adventures waiting to start.

Whanau way at aquatica orlandoWhanau way

As a great way to bond with your family, this will take you down the slides on double inner tubes together.

Restaurant & Dining Options

When comes to eating options, why not include the All-Day Dining Deal. With this deal, you can eat and drink as often as once every hour at a low price. You can enjoy a variety of flavorful favorites such as BBQ Chicken, sausage, pulled pork, specialty wraps, salads, kid’s meals and delicious desserts along with a variety of Coca-Cola products.

Here are some of the participating restaurants:

  • Banana Beach Cookout
  • Mango Market
  • Waterstone Grill

With the selection of restaurants to eat in Aquatica during your stay, you can still bring food into the water park. Bring along some snacks and water if you want.

Tickets & Passes

If you are planning to visit Aquatica, you can save time and money by getting your tickets or passes online before heading to the park. Remember that tickets are required for all guests starting 3 years old and older.

Tickets

  • Single-park ticket. Visit Aquatica Orlando with this single-day admission ticket that is valid any day of the week. You can save $10 when you buy online before your visit. You can add $20 for All-Day Dining and eat all day.
  • Two park tickets. Explore two parks at any combination – SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Aquatica, and Adventure Island.
  • Three park tickets. Explore three parks at the combination of your choice.

Annual Passes

With an annual pass, you will enjoy 12 months of admission along with exclusive benefits.

  • Bronze
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Platinum

Hotel Packages

One way to save time and money once you decide to visit Aquatica is to check out the Hotel Packages which includes lodging, park admission and many more. Simply choose a package that includes several benefits along with your choice of accommodations from selected hotel partners.

  • Eat Free Vacation Packages
  • Aquatica Free Package
  • Seven Seas Food Festival Package
  • Kids Free Package
  • Discovery Cove Package
  • Christmas Celebration Package

For more information about the Aquatica tickets, annual passes and hotel packages, click here.

Park hours

Aquatica is open all year round as long as the weather permits.

  • Monday – Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Saturdays & Sundays: 9 AM – 6 PM

Update: Aquatica will be temporarily closed starting March 16 until the end of the month. For those who are affected by this recent change in operations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, guests are allowed to rebook through 2021 without extra fees

Awards & Accolades

With the wide selection of water rides and slides along with a close encounter with nature, Aquatica Orlando stands out from the rest which is evident from the awards and accolades it has garnered throughout the years.

  • Best Water Park – Orlando Sentinel Best Bets, 2018 & 2019
  • Best New Water Park Ride – Ray Rush – Amusement Today, Inc. Golden Ticket Awards, 2018
  • #2 of the Top 10 Water Parks in the U.S. – TripAdvisor Reader’s Choice, 2018
  • One of the Top 5 Water Parks in the U.S. and Top 15 in the world – TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards, 2018
  • #1 for the Nation’s Best Outdoor Waterpark – USA Today’s annual 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards, 2018
  • Best Local Waterpark – Orlando Business Journal’s Readers’ Choice Awards, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us take a close look at some of the frequently asked questions about Aquatica. These might provide you with an insight into what you need to know about this world-class water park. If you want to check out more FAQs, click here.

How much does it cost to go to Aquatica?

Whether you are planning to visit Aquatica for a day or to go for deals that include other parks along with other perks, check out this page on tickets, passes and hotel packages.

Tickets

  • Single-park ticket. Visit Aquatica Orlando with this single-day admission ticket that is valid any day of the week. You can save $10 when you buy online before your visit. You can add $20 for All-Day Dining and eat all day.
  • Two park tickets. Explore two parks at any combination – SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Aquatica, and Adventure Island.
  • Three park tickets. Explore three parks at the combination of your choice.

Is Aquatica a good water park?

As one of the best waterparks in Orlando, there is no question that it is a good water park to spend the weekends or during your summer vacation.

You might want to check out this page on the awards that Aquatica has garnered throughout the years.

Is Aquatica or Volcano Bay better?

Aquatica boasts a marine-life theme with live animals that will surely captivate children particularly the Dolphin Plunge along with other exciting features ideal for the whole family. Volcano Bay by Universal offers a selection of adventures ideal for those who are seeking an action-packed getaway.

If both waterparks are compared, you will not go wrong with either choice. Both waterparks cover all the basics such as the wave pool and lazy river. Both also have a wide selection of rides for all ages to enjoy. With this in mind, depending on the age and specific interests of your family, one might be better than the other.

Aquatica might be a better choice for families with younger children while Volcano Bay is a good option for families with older children and teenagers who are in search of more adventurous and action-packed rides.

Can you bring your own food to Aquatica?

Although Aquatica offers a selection of good restaurants to enjoy meals and snacks during your stay, you still have the option to bring along some snacks of your choice as well as water.

When is Aquatic open?

Aquatica is open all year round as long as the weather permits. As the latest update in light with the COVID-19 pandemic, Aquatica will briefly close starting March 16 up to the end of the month.

What hotels are near Aquatica?

If you want to book your accommodations in a location near Aquatica, there are several choices to choose from such as:

  • Holiday Express & Suites  –   7276 International Drive
  • Ramada Plaza Resort – 6500 International Drive
  • Rosen Inn Universal – 6327 International Drive
  • Rosen Inn International – 7600 International Drive
  • Floridian Express – 6323 International Drive
  • Staybridge Suites at SeaWorld  – 6985 Sea Harbor Drive Orlando
  • Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando – 9000 International Drive
  • Floridian Hotel & Suites – 7531 Canada Avenue
  • Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista – 8442 Palm Parkway
  • Staybridge SuitesLake Buena Vista – 8751 Suiteside Drive

What restaurants are near Aquatica?

In case you want to try out other delectable dishes just within the close vicinity of Aquatica Orlando, these are some of the suitable choices worth checking out:

What attractions are near Aquatica?

There are also other attractions or things to do nearby Aquatica that are worth checking out after your stay at the water part.

How to get to Aquatica Orlando

Before heading over to Aquatica Orlando, you should be familiar with the directions to the water park.

From the Orlando International Airport

  • Drive through Highway 528/Beachline Expressway Westbound (Toll Road)
  • Leave on the International Drive exit
  • Turn left at the end of the ramp (follow the signs toward SeaWorld)

Aquatica Orlando is just across the street from SeaWorld on International Drive.

From Tampa or Highway 192 hotels

  • Drive through I-4 Eastbound
  • Leave on Exit 71 (SeaWorld exit)
  • Turn right off the ramp onto Central Florida Parkway (follow the signs toward SeaWorld)
  • Turn left onto Sea Harbor Drive

From downtown Orlando

  • Drive through I-4 Westbound
  • Get off on Exit 72 (Highway 528/Beachline Expressway) (East Bound)
  • Get off on International Drive Exit (Exit #1)
  • Turn left at the bottom of the ramp (follow the signs toward SeaWorld)

Final thoughts

Whether you are dropping by for a weekend getaway or part of your summer vacation itinerary, Aquatica Orlando is a highly recommended choice. As one of the best water parks in Orlando, your stay will surely be an exciting and memorable one.

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