Quick Aquatica review

[canadakath]

We (me, DH, DS11, DS8) spent Friday May 15 at Aquatica as part of our Discovery Cove ticket. The park opened at 10 and we arrived around 10:30. Paid for regular parking -preferred would have only got us a few rows closer. Started with Dolphin Plunge- didn't see the dolphins while in the tube but saw them after. Enjoyed all the slides and lazy river. Only disappointment was the food. Wasted $70 for the Banana Beach buffet. Terrible selection and quality. Totally not worth it unless you want to gorge on greasy pizza and chicken drumsticks. Pasta was terrible, cookies dry. Should have gone with one of the other offerings in the park. Otherwise a fun water park!

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

Thank you for the review. We are going for the first time this Fall!

 

[DavisVacationer]

Just went to Aquatica last week for the first time. We enjoyed the water park, its beautiful, well kept-up, and clean. The rides were great. Plenty of options for all age levels, including my daughter (who is just under 2 yo). I agree with @canadakath that the all-day dining option for Aquatica "Banana Beach Cookout" was NOT worth the money. Food was just OK, and we even thought the quick service food (particually at Spice Mill Burgers) wasn't great at SeaWorld either for what you paid. $30+ bucks for a crappy pre-made burger and chips... Its tough at a water park to do good food I guess because you don't go to a water park to eat. But when you have families that are there all day long and want to get a full-day expirence you have to have quality dining. I loved our in-park expirences at both Aquatica and SeaWorld, but the one area they need to step-up in my opinon is with their food options and quality.

 

[NorthshoreTigerFan]

Thanks for the info y'all! We are going next week and can't wait! We are staying close by so it sounds like we will probably leave the park to have lunch at the condo then return for the afternoon.

 

[canadiankim]

That's good to know about the food. We are going in August as part of our Discovery Cove day too. It will be our first trip to Aquatica so getting lots of opinions help. We were considering the meal plan if for no other reason than we will be drinking a ton due to the heat!

I guess its more thinking for us before we make the jump to all day dining!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We have had the Banana Beach Buffet a few times.....its not gourmet by any stretch, but the food has been fine and none of us has left hungry. For the price, its a good value (and we enjoy being able to eat smaller amounts more frequently, versus a larger meal all at one time).

With the exception of the waffle sandwiches from Low Tide Lou's at Typhoon Lagoon (which are delish) we think that Aquatica has much better, and more affordable, food options versus the Disney waterparks.

 

[919Florida]

That's good to know about the food. We are going in August as part of our Discovery Cove day too. It will be our first trip to Aquatica so getting lots of opinions help. We were considering the meal plan if for no other reason than we will be drinking a ton due to the heat!

I guess its more thinking for us before we make the jump to all day dining!

Dont give up on the All Day Dining for SeaWorld. Its a good value at SeaWorld and the food isnt bad. Especially when you can get what you want and not have to look at prices. You will easily get your moneys worth with the dining plan there. You will be very happy you got it especially if you know how to use it properly

I do not recomend the all day dining at Aquatica though. Its jsut not worth it to me at that park

 

[haleofafamily]

Can we bring food into either SeaWorld or Aquatica?