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Just across International Drive from SeaWorld, Aquatica is the 60-acre water park that does a wonderful job angling water-park lovers away from Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach and Universal’s Wet ’n Wild. And, sure, Aquatica has all the slides you’d expect, but it also has plenty of whimsical SeaWorld touches.
Aquatica takes cues from SeaWorld and Discovery Cove in design and mood. The park also takes its cues from the tropics. Right after you clear the parking lot, you see a tropical pastiche of buildings that may convince you your ship just sailed into the Caribbean. So go with it. Get into a groove, relax, and enjoy yourself. In addition to super-slippery waterslides, there are quiet coves, phenomenally creative kids’ play areas, lazy streams, and an atmosphere that is guaranteed to relieve your pre-vacation stress.
Ideally you’ll have arrived with some snacks and drinks to combat the fatigue you’ll feel after scaling to the tops of all those watery thrill rides. If not, fear not—there are plenty of places to find food and drink.
You should also be toting beach towels, sunscreen, and water shoes. Again, if not, fear not—there are a number of shops and kiosks where you can buy (or rent) all of this stuff and more.
Many of the rides have height restrictions, so if you’re traveling with kids, have their heights checked at the Information Center, which you’ll see right when you enter the park. Each child will be issued a colored wristband that alerts attendants to which rides are appropriate for him or her (or just look for the height requirement signposted at the entrance to each attraction—and check our reviews). If anyone in your group isn’t comfortable in the water, this is also a good place to inquire about the swimming lessons that are offered.
After stashing excess supplies in a locker and generally settling in, it’s time to explore. Unless it’s peak season, several hours should be enough to visit each ride and attraction once or twice, and will also allow for some downtime, lazing on the beach, or enjoying a leisurely meal.
Planning
Getting Oriented
Initially, you might find it hard to get your bearings amid the towering slides, Caribbean palms, winding sidewalks, and the seemingly random layout of restaurants, rides, slides, and facilities. And there are no paper maps, only posted diagrams throughout the park. But in reality, the park is fairly easy to navigate—its layout forms a simple circle. The services (restaurants, changing rooms, shops) form a core around which the attractions are situated.
At the entrance, turn right and you’ll be at the premier attraction, Dolphin Plunge; but after that you may want to do an about-face and head straight to the shores of the beach at Cutback Cove. This way, you can set up a base and then work your way to other attractions around the circle while remaining conveniently close to meals at Waterstone Grill and the Banana Beach Cookout.
Touring Tips
Be aware of the sun. Avoid sunburn by reapplying sunscreen (they suggest SPF 30) often—even waterproof sunblock washes off. For even more sun protection, rent a standard cabana (about $60) or go all out and splurge on the “ultimate cabana” for eight, which includes an all-day locker, bottled water, towels, and discount coupons for merchandise.
Be aware of your feet. Wear sandals or water shoes (or even socks) to protect your feet from hot sand, sidewalks, and rough pool surfaces. At the major thrill rides, a “sneaker keeper” offers a place to stash your footwear while you experience the ride.
Buy tickets in advance. Prepurchased tickets get you early entrance, and this head start will enable you to hit the major flume and tube rides more than once.
Commune with nature. You can catch Commerson’s dolphins at feeding times; spot macaws on tree limbs; or see small mammals in the Conservation Cabanas, where docents answer questions. A variety of animals are on display around the park.
Park Amenities
Information: The Main Information Center is at the park entrance, just past the ticket kiosks. Also at the entrance are an ATM, telephones, and restrooms. This is where you check out the posted park map and plan your approach. On the walkways outside the information center and leading into the park, attendants are stationed to help you get your bearings and point out where to find strollers and wheelchairs, help you with lost-and-found inquiries, and describe combination-ticket packages.
Lockers: There are three areas with unlimited-access lockers to rent for a day. One is near the splashdown area at Walhalla Wave and HooRoo Run; two others are at the center and far end of the park, where there are also nursing facilities. You pay $7 for a small locker (enough for one backpack) and $11 for a large one (for about two backpacks); there’s also a $10 deposit, which is refunded when you leave. The central locker area also rents towels for $4 ($1 of which is refunded upon return).
Lost People and Things: Lost items and people are taken to a small tent called the Concierge Cabana, which is right by the entrance to the beach area.