New Water Park Island H2O Live! Now Open in Kissimmee

Calling all social media-savvy superstars – there is a new water park open in Florida that is perfect for you! Just minutes from Disney, at the Margaritaville Resort, Island H2O Live! features speedy water slides, all fittingly named after social media and technology-related terms, as well as fun, child-friendly rides and zones, relaxing pools and even a lazy river attraction.

Only open since June 2019, Island H2O Live! has been making waves in the social media world as they encourage their guests to share their ride experiences with those back home via the clever use of technology, which is at the heart of this park. Before you even arrive you are encouraged to download the H2O Live! App from either the Apple App Store or Play Store allowing you to plan your day, see waiting times, as well as earn points by riding the attractions, which you can redeem for discounts on food, merchandise and more. On arrival at the park, make use of the free parking, and upon entry you will be issued with a waterproof Smart Band, which you link to the app and create a personal user profile. Don’t worry if you don’t have a smartphone with you – you can use one of the park’s tech stations to do this! The app can set your music playlists to boom out your favourite tunes as you ride certain slides, as well as link with your family and friends – so you know where they are at all times – a great idea for parents with really excitable children! Don’t forget to scan your band on rides with a camera icon – photos of you enjoying the ride will then be added to your account! Head to the Selfie Shack to take some more fun photos and upload your experiences, or visit a Be Live! hut to share your adventures on social media. With free Wi-Fi around the park, sharing your memories is even easier!

However, as this is a water park, let’s not forget about the rides! Plunge into the action from the vertical slide Drop Down, before getting in a spin with another drop slide – Live Streaming – the world’s only video-embedded waterslide which speeds you through a 360-degree loop!

There’s plenty of light and sound on The Downloader – a float ride which is perfect for two people where you can make use of the audio personalisation from your app. Double-up again for Reload Rapids, where you whizz between different enclosed tubes, twisting and turning through tight corners and bends. You can ride as a duo or go solo on Follow Me Falls, a breathtaking ride where you plunge down, before rapidly ascending a vertical wall of water followed by another drop and bump – this is bound to be a favourite with thrill-seekers!

Feeling competitive? Gather together all of your party for Reply Racers – where you can compete to be the speediest slider; there might be a few rematches lined up! The family can ride together on Hashtag Heights – a raft ride for three to six people, though the more of you there are the faster it will go – and the further up the wave wall you will go as you experience a moment of weightlessness before being boomeranged back into the pool at the bottom! If this sounds a bit too high-octane, Profile Plunge is another raft ride for the same number of people, though with slightly calmer twists, turns and drops.

For the younger members of your group, Candy Stripe Cove is the perfect location. With a great range of rides and slides for those with a minimum height of 36” (91.4cm) and a maximum weight of 200lb (90.7kg or 14.2st), this colourful zone is sure to be a favourite with the little ones! Over at the centre of the park, Pelican’s Paradise features several kid-friendly slides and splash zones. Get competitive in Level Up – an area for sports fans of all ages, including basketball nets and a lily-pad obstacle course! There is no height restriction in this area, but note that the water is 3’6” (107cm) deep – although there are lifejackets available throughout the park.

Want to relax and let your worries wash away? No problem – Chat Creek is the perfect place to natter about your day as you drift along this lazy river ride. Adults have their own perfect getaway in the park at Private Domain which is for those aged 21 and over. Here you will also conveniently find the bar Tag Shack where you can sip on a refreshing alcoholic drink, so bring your ID!

If you want to hang out with all the family, then Live! Lagoon is an ideal spot – ride the curling waves, float on a tube or just chill out. There is even a DJ in the afternoon playing all the hits! For a bit of privacy and space you might want to look into renting a cabana – prices vary dependent on how many guests or the level of luxury you want!

TIP: If you don’t want a cabana, but still want to store your possessions, you can hire a locker.

Fancy getting your teeth into something to eat? Megabytes is the main food outlet with burgers, hot dogs, pizzas and various sides – while Apps & Eats provides more snack-like food and drink. Although you can’t bring your own food into the park, unless it’s for special medical needs, you are allowed to bring in an unopened 20floz (just under 600ml) plastic water bottle or a reusable cup, to make use of the free ice and water machines around the park.

Ready to make a splash? Don’t forget to bring your towel with you – though if you do forget you can pick up one at the MEMEntos shop – where you can also grab a souvenir or two to remember your day. Typically mid-week tends to be quieter at the park, so take the opportunity to miss the peak crowds and ride as many times as you can! Afterwards, why not stop off for dinner at the nearby Ford’s Garage – where prime burgers and craft beer are always on the menu!

TIP: We advise that you check the weight and height limits for each ride before heading to the park to avoid disappointment – all of the details can be found on the website!

If you plan to visit Island H2O Live we’d love to hear from you – which ride are you looking forward to most? Or have you already been? Do you have any tips to share with those planning a visit – get in touch with us on our social media channels!

Current prices

On the day:

• General Admission: $49.99 + tax
• Under 48" (122cm): $42.99 + tax
• Senior (62 and over): $42.99 + tax

Online booking (must be made at least five days in advance):

• General: $44.99 + tax
• Under 48" (122cm): $37.99 + tax

Opening hours vary. Check the website for full details!

Address: 3230 Inspiration Drive, Kissimmee, FL. 34747

Image credits: Island H2O Live website and Facebook