Aquatica

[Atotty]

Any input/advice on Aquatica vs Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. We've been to the Disney waterparks many times, but have never been to Aquatica.

Thanks!

 

[Wishing on a star]

I am thinking that I read a lot of info about Aquatica on Tripadvisor.com.
I highly recommend Tripadvisor for travel research.
If you click to expand traveler reviews, you will see that on the top of the tripadvisor listing, there will be a link to traveler photos. Now, those give you the real scoop/impression of any destination.

If you have done the Disney Parks many times, then you might decide to give Aquatica a try. However, it seems to get some very mixed reviews... Not quite what all the grand opening hype and slick colorful advertising might lend one to think.

 

[Atotty]

Thanks. I'll try that.

There's just not that much info out there. Even on the Aquatica site it will have a link to an attraction, and when you click on it you see a generic picture of someone splashing in the water.....no pix of the ride.

 

[inkkognito]

I haven't been there myself, but everyone I know who has just LOVES it. Problem is, at peak times the crowds are very, very bad. Maybe that will slack off as the novelty wears off.

 

[MinnieForMe]

To be honest, I was not impressed. We were there last April and I was disappointed. I would much rather return to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. I guess it would depend on the type of experience you are looking to get out of it. I was expecting more birds, and wildlife in general. There was an eagle on a crewmember's arm when we walked in. They have dolphins in a viewing tank. They were stunning. But, the incredible lazy river I expected was a complete flop. They had two tanks of fish that you could view from the lazy river.

As far as rides, I didn't see any that would fall under the "thrill" category. They were all doable for my 11 year old. The huge play structure was identical to the one that was just installed in our hometown amusement park only larger. So, no thrill there.

I will say the toddler section was impressive. Our two year old spent 3 hours going down the toddler waterslides herself (with daddy closely behind). She had a fantastic time. The wavepool was huge but not as much fun without tubes like BB and not as powerful as TL.

It was very clean and quiet the day we went. It's painted brightly and is attractive. We had no wait for any line except the dolphin plunge. My son went 10 minutes before closing and walked on. Unfortunately, you are sliding so fast that you really don't have the opportunity to view any dolphins.

The food was similar to that of SeaWorld which I think is a cut above some of the counter service places in Disney. Parking was easy and free (I think).

We would return if admission was included in our SeaWorld package but would never pay a one day admission again.

 

[LSmith]

I will second MinnieforMe's opinion of the park. We went last March, just after the opening. They make it sound hugely themed but it felt more like a giant parking lot to me.

It was very clean and the private showers were excellent. That was great.

The dolphin slide attraction is pretty much a joke. You will not see anything going down that slide.

I did really like the rapid river instead of the usual lazy river. It was my favourite attraction.

I would have to say that I prefer Typhoon Lagoon for its more tropical feel.

Although in the end, I'm glad to say "Been there, done that". Kind of like those airboats.