Cool Down at Aquatica

If there’s one place you want to be this summer, it is one of Orlando’s superb water parks. With a world-class line-up of rides and slides, these super-exciting watery playgrounds are ideal for a cool day out when the temperature goes up.

And, this summer, there’s nowhere better than SeaWorld’s Aquatica park, the 58-acre oasis on International Drive that boasts an award-winning array of attractions, as well as all-new summer fun.

Aquatica has been voted the Best Outdoor Water Park in America for four straight years by USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice, and is the perfect peak season destination, offering both action and relaxation. From exhilarating daytime attractions like the new Tassie’s Underwater Twist, the world’s most immersive waterslide, and all-new evening entertainment at the AquaGlow Experience, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What is Aquatica?

Featuring a vibrant aquatic landscape that is laced with South Seas spirit from Polynesian, Australian and New Zealand influences, Aquatica opened in 2008 after a three-year construction process adjacent to its big sister park and quickly became an iconic part of the tourist scene.

Dotted with towering, colourful slides, this one-of-a-kind water park features 50 slides, rivers and lagoons, plus 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches that offer sun loungers and umbrellas.

Aquatica isn’t all about dashing and splashing, though. This lush, laid-back playground is perfect for going with the flow, with its lazy rivers and wave pools offering plenty of chillout time. Here, you can kick back on a cozy lounger on a genuine beach lido and sip a refreshing cocktail. There is a full-scale restaurant for memorable outdoor dining, plus a grab-and-go market and three bars, including the new Trader Turi’s Tiki Bar, serving a series of frozen drinks and chilled cocktails.

There are also two extensive water play areas just for kids, which give Aquatica its essential family profile, and it makes for a fabulous full day out among Orlando’s many attractions, with the promise of amazing undersea adventures.

What’s new for 2024?

The year kicked off with the opening on March 15 of the thrilling Tassie’s Underwater Twist, a wonderfully immersive waterslide that transports guests all the way to Australia’s Shark Bay, where they glide through a vibrant digital underwater world set in luscious sea grass meadows and brimming with marine life.

A two-person raft ride that was converted from the previous dual raft rides of Tassie’s Twisters, it puts guests among an aquatic scene featuring manta rays, humpback whales, colourful schools of fish, a variety of plant life, sea turtles and even the occasional shark, all of which call the Shark Bay region home. And all while twisting, turning and swirling through a unique super-bowl element.

We have yet to see any water ride that features such a vivid underwater seascape thanks to the use of high-definition video screens in the enclosed bowl, and it makes for a unique experience among Orlando’s many water rides.

Also new this year is the evening AquaGlow Experience. Starting on June 7 and running every Friday and select Saturdays until August 10, this eye-catching extension to the park’s entertainment line-up offers an electrifying night-time swim party experience that transforms the whole park into a neon paradise.

A separately ticketed three-hour event, it immerses guests in an ocean of vibrant colours and pulsating rhythms that include the mesmerising new Electric Tides laser show dancing over the iconic wave pool as well as an illuminated lazy river where even the tubes light up, promising an Instagram-worthy spectacle. The exclusive evening also offers refreshing complimentary soft drinks, a commemorative event wristband and an overall enhanced experience, with limited capacity and shorter wait times for popular attractions.

Attractions That Thrill and Chill

In addition to the headline new items, Aquatica also serves up a tried and trusted array of beloved attractions that remain popular year-round and afford equal opportunities to thrill and chill. Three in particular always catch our eye, and they help to give the park its unique feel. Take your pick from:

Roa’s Rapids: Racing along the action river through the white waters of Aquatica makes this family thrill one all guests love for its pure fun. Featuring a roaring sea of high tides, swirling whirlies and gushing geysers, it takes the classic lazy river experience and turns it into a foaming spin around these scenic Rapids.

Turi’s Kid Cove: This made-for-kids playground was new in 2023 and is where children can walk into a world made just for them in a zone where they can splish, splash and play all day. Highlights include grabbing a tube and hopping onto junior-sized wave slide Tamariki Twirl and the double tube ride of Zippity Zappity.

Wave Pools: At Cutback Cove, the waves are always rolling, and the action’s always at high tide. At Big Surf Shores, the surf can be either high or slow and easy. These two separate pools let YOU decide how you want to spend the day, especially as they are accompanied by that huge sandy beach, providing an all-day base for your water park enjoyment.

Relax, Refresh & Refuel

In addition to all the above, Aquatica offers a variety of extra features, upgrades and experiences that ensure a well-rounded day out in the South Seas. They include:

Private Cabanas and Loungers: With various locations across the park from the island of Roa’s Rapids to the beachy shores of the wave pools, guests can reserve their own private oasis for an additional fee.

Enhanced Pathway Shades: Guests will find it easy to beat the heat when everywhere they look there are enhanced pathway shades, mist-sprays and beach umbrellas that help to keep everyone cool on their day of fun.

Refreshed Mango Market: There are favourites galore to be found on the Market’s new menu, offering sandwiches, speciality wraps and fresh salads, along with loaded fries, chicken tenders and delectable desserts. Plus, ice cold beer, wine, sangria and assorted Coca-Cola products are all on offer.

New Trader Turi’s Tiki Bar: Guest can wander into a world of relaxing vibes at this sandy spot where they can choose from a variety of frozen drinks and tropical cocktails – including the signature Orlando Vice, a delicious rum-based combination of Pina Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri – and enjoy the view, whether they take advantage of the 360-degree setup or check out the bar’s TVs.

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