Aquatica

[pls3399]

Has anyone been to aquatica yet? If so, is it anything like wet 'n wild?

[JillPTFLA]

We just got back from a trip to Aquatica on Sat. Now, I haven't been to Wet and Wild in 25 years or so but I don't think there are too many similarities. The slides at Wet and wild are much more extreme and there is not a lot of theming or landscaping from what I can remember (lots of concrete). Aquatica is a beautiful park with lush landscaping and lovely colors and theming. But, it is geared much more towards families and the waterslides are not really that extreme. Lots of fun for us and our kids but a real thrill seeker would be dissapointed, I think.
So, I would say that if you are looking for excitement, stick with Wet and Wild, if you are looking for a family experience, try Aquatica.
I can answer any specific questions you have!
Jill

[MAYNARDS99]

How were the crowds, if any? Do you think the weekend is a better time to go instead of during the week?

[Jason71]

How were the crowds, if any? Do you think the weekend is a better time to go instead of during the week?

Exact opposite. Now that school is back in session, weekdays are managable again, but still likely to fill to capacity on the weekends.

[Andrea from PA]

OK -- I am from up North. Is mid-October too chilly for Aquatica?

Is 3 -4 hours too short a visit?

I am not a big wtaer park fan -- mainly b/c I either go & am too cold or go at summer max & am too hot & agitated by crowds -- but my kids LOVE water parks & we haven't been to a big water park as a family.

[JillPTFLA]

I would figure that the crowds are better during the week. We were there on a Sat and it did get very crowded even though it was raining.

Mid October is still pretty warm here so going to the water park during that time would be nice. If you got there very early in the AM, 3-4 hours might be enough time to do everything but it would be kind of rushed. We got there at 8AM and left around 4 or so.
Jill

[Andrea from PA]

Thanks!

We'll probably give it a try. Just too much to do & too little time.

[kalliyan1]

thanks

[Tigger i luv DISNEY]

I'm headed to the World - and SW and Universal next july...

what is the best day to hit the water park in the middle of july. how bad are the lines?

[Jason71]

I'm headed to the World - and SW and Universal next july...

what is the best day to hit the water park in the middle of july. how bad are the lines?

This year, the first Summer of operation, it closed for capacity every day in the Summer. I think it closed earlier on weekends, but still, very busy, no matter which day you pick. Plan on being there before opening.

[maninthebox]

We are heading down a week from today and I'm not sure if it will be warm enough to enjoy the park. The website says that the water is heated. Has anyone been there on a cooler day (low to mid 70s), and is it still enjoyable?

[borgthe]

I was just there. The water is SOO warm. Like bath water. If the outside air temp is in the 70s, you should be fine. Just have something to change into when you are all done and ready to go home.

[d4est]

We are thinking of going in Feb, either a Monday or Tuesday. I am going to wait and see what the weather will be like before deciding. If it's chilly/rainy we'll just hit SeaWorld for a second day, as we are doing Discovery Cove on Sunday Feb. 15 and SeaWorld admission is already included. Hoping for nice weather as the boy would really love it.

[gobo2]

bump:goodvibes

[bscs]

do they allow tubes in the wave pool?
I know at wet n wild that is our fav part sitting on a tube waves pushing us around.

[borgthe]

I didn't see any tubes in there.

[wwessing]

I don't think tubes are allowed in the wave pools. We went in the spring shortly after it opened and we could not take tubes in, so we ended up helping our dd12 so she could go farther out.

I would recommend an entire day for Aquatica. I would also HIGHLY recommend renting a cabana. I know they are pricey, but soooo worth it. We absolutely loved ours and think every waterpark should have them. We ordered lunch from the cabana, had it delivered and it was wonderful. Our kids loved it. We even ordered a couple extra items off the menu, like fresh fruit salad, so we had a snack for later.

When we go back to Orlando in a couple years, my dh said the first thing we are doing is Aquatica, no exceptions!

Oh, yeah, sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen. . . burned kids are NO FUN!!

[Jason71]

No tubes in the wave pools--1- and 2-person tubes are allowed only in the lazy river (not the "fast" river) and the two "toilet bowl" slides connected to the lazy river.

[Babypandaroo]

I know tubes aren't allowed in the wave pools but the life jackets are allowed. They're more fun. ;) I have been in almost everything at aquatica except the dolphin plunge and the toilet bowl. :lmao: . Other then that i like their rides. I've never used to cabana's yet.The one time we had gone i tried to bring my boogey board and they wouldn't let me take it in.

[MouseGirl]

Does anyone know if it's possible to buy tickets just for Aquatica, and not as a combo with SeaWorld admission?

Thanks very much,
MouseGirl

[d4est]

I am sure it is. Have you gone to their website?

ETA:
I just checked...one day tickets are:

Adult
$41.95

Child
$35.95

[Missy29]

I would also HIGHLY recommend renting a cabana. I know they are pricey, but soooo worth it. We absolutely loved ours and think every waterpark should have them. We ordered lunch from the cabana, had it delivered and it was wonderful. Our kids loved it. We even ordered a couple extra items off the menu, like fresh fruit salad, so we had a snack for later.




How much is it to rent a cabana for a day?

[DLANGE3386]

$150 a day for 4 people-yikes!

[Debs Hill]

Can anyone tell me how Aquatica compares to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon?! We are short on time, but my son loves the water parks, so wondering if Aquatica is worth a special trip?
Debsxpirate:

[Atotty]

bumping. Anyone have an answer to the psoter above? I'm interested, too.

:)

[jojo0612]

Are there any shaded areas like with big umbrellas if you don't rent a cabanna? I'm worried about my DD pale skin. Thanks!:beach:

[wdwwishes]

As I recall, there were no tubes allowed in the wave pools. They have life vests available though.

[wdwwishes]

Are there any shaded areas like with big umbrellas if you don't rent a cabanna? I'm worried about my DD pale skin. Thanks!:beach:

They have umbrellas in the main beach area. don't recall them being too big. If it's a good weather day, get there early to get one. We rented the cabana when we went and have done so in Tampa at Adventure Island. Pricey but they were worth it to us. We had a fairly secure "home base" for the day. I beleive the amenities are listed on their website but there's a fan inside, a couple of lounge chairs and beach chairs, a small locker, a fridge with sodas and water bottles (take what you don't use at the end of the day), it can close on all 4 sides with ties for privacy, there is someone monitoring the area, you can order lunch from a menu (it's not included) and have it delivered to the cabanana. ANother option for paler skin is to wear a surf shirt for the day. Have a great time when you go.

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

Great thread! We are going to Aquatica on a Sunday in June. :beach:
Short Question: If we get to Aquatica early, leave for lunch and for a few hours, and return at about 3:00 or 4:00, can we get back in? I read that the park closes if it gets too crowded.
Long Story: Though a week day might be a better idea in general, Sunday will be the best day for us. We have a deal through Marriott Grande Vista that will provide us with a $100 ticket voucher that can only be used through Tickets By Marriott. Their prices for WDW tickets (even with the voucher) are a little higher than UCT, so my plan is to use the voucher (plus about $20 or $30) to buy tickets for a day at Aquatica for our family of 3. We have to tour a Grande Vista time share unit in the early afternoon, which is why we will leave and return to Aquatica. We will be staying in a 1 bedroom villa for 4 nights at the GV for an obscenely low price, which is making our trip ultra-affordable! I feel like I'm rambling. Sorry! :upsidedow

[Jason71]

Great thread! We are going to Aquatica on a Sunday in June. :beach:
Short Question: If we get to Aquatica early, leave for lunch and for a few hours, and return at about 3:00 or 4:00, can we get back in? I read that the park closes if it gets too crowded.


Based on crowds last year, the park will definitely close that morning, then probably re-open at 4:00 p.m. Assuming we don't have a thunderstorm passing through the area.

[Andrea from PA]

We are going in June too!

Just booked the airfare -- A trip for SW/Aquatica/KSC only

Our Plan is to do Aquatic from openning to noon for 3 mornings and then return to the condo for the heat of the day -- of course, that is only the Plan -- trying to get the kids out of a water park may be a bit more difficult. :rotfl2:

We have an annual pass to a local Busch Gardens park, so we are going to squeeze all we can out of it

[Taylor'sMom]

How do the family raft rides (Walhalla Wave and HooRoo Run) compare to Teamboat Springs at Blizzard Beach?
DD LOVED Teamboat Springs last year (possible more than anything else in the main parks!). We'll be trying Aquatica for the first time this year, just wondering how these compare?

thanks!

[rluey29]

I have been wondering if the cabanas were worth the price.

We are a family of 4. My DH and DS9 will be separated from me and DS2 for alot of the day so I thought it might be good to have some good shade for the little one and a "home base" as you put it for all of us to meet at. That's really great that you can order your food and have it delivered. $150 does seem really steep for it though.

It's first come, first served on the cabanas right? So the earlier you get there the better to pick out the one you want?

Are there cabanas close to the kid's water area? That would probably be the best for us.

How do they keep people out of the cabanas who haven't rented them?

If you don't rent one when you go in, can you change your mind later and get one if they're available?