waterpark fun

[tristyp]

Hello. I was looking to get some tips on which waterpark we should visit in the area. I am leaning towards Aquatica mostly because i read my fellow Canadian Gina 's trip report but also because my wife doesnt really like rides and I think it may be a nice place to rent a cabana affordably for her to relax as well as have enough fun stuff for me and my ds9 and dd8 to do. i also have a ds4. we are going to be staying at Bonnet Creek for 7 nights and Sheraton Vistan Villages for 5 nights as well as at the Sheraton in Clearwater for 1 night in between the two condo rentals. So they look like they have nice pools to lounge in. So any pros and cons you guys could put out including best times to visit would be appreciated. Our trip is from September 26th to October. Also any good deals on ntickets would also be appreciated.

 

[Ametista]

I like Aquatica, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach. They are all excellent parks and a lot of my decision depends on what tickets I have purchased for that particular trip. If you have Disney tickets it is inexpensive to add on the water park fun option, and if you are doing the Seaworld parks it is inexpensive to get a combo ticket that has Aquatica.

As far as relaxing theming I like Typhoon Lagoon the most and Aquatica second. Both parks have a ton of sand and lots of shade. Blizzard Beach is also good but it is mostly concrete which I don't really like. As far as slides and attractions I like TL the most (Crush'n Gusher!) and Aquatica second (Roa's Rapids!). All 3 parks have excellent areas for smaller kids but my daughter's favorite was Blizzard Beach when she was 4/5. That time of year you really don't need to pay for a private cabana no matter where you decide to go.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hi tristyp , glad to hear you have been reading my trip reports!!

For your family, I would definitely recommend Aquatica over the two Disney waterparks. For the following reasons:

- if you are looking at renting a cabana for your wife, they will be a fraction of the cost at Aquatica (under $59 plus taxes at AQ vs. $300+ at the Disney waterparks)

- there are some non-ride water features at Aquatica that are fun for the whole family....like Roa's Rapids, the lazy river, and a gorgeous sand beach with a dual wave pool. BB has a lot of slides and a lot of concrete. TL is more lush but you may find the wave pool to be too forceful for your younger kiddos

- speaking of your children, Aquatica's kids area beats the Disney waterpark kids areas hands down. Not even a comparison!

- dining at Aquatica is a better value if you go with the all-day option at the Banana Beach Buffet. We found the dining options at the Disney waterparks to be expensive and underwhelming

One con to Aquatica - you will have to pay for parking (that's free at the Disney waterparks).

Were you looking for length of stay tickets (so you can visit more than once during your vacation), or just for a single-day visit?

For best days to visit....I would avoid the weekends. It would make sense that AQ would have more Orlando locals visiting on the weekend vs. Monday to Friday when kids are in school and people are working.

 

[tristyp]

Hi tristyp , glad to hear you have been reading my trip reports!!

For your family, I would definitely recommend Aquatica over the two Disney waterparks. For the following reasons:

- if you are looking at renting a cabana for your wife, they will be a fraction of the cost at Aquatica (under $59 plus taxes at AQ vs. $300+ at the Disney waterparks)

- there are some non-ride water features at Aquatica that are fun for the whole family....like Roa's Rapids, the lazy river, and a gorgeous sand beach with a dual wave pool. BB has a lot of slides and a lot of concrete. TL is more lush but you may find the wave pool to be too forceful for your younger kiddos

- speaking of your children, Aquatica's kids area beats the Disney waterpark kids areas hands down. Not even a comparison!

- dining at Aquatica is a better value if you go with the all-day option at the Banana Beach Buffet. We found the dining options at the Disney waterparks to be expensive and underwhelming

One con to Aquatica - you will have to pay for parking (that's free at the Disney waterparks).

Were you looking for length of stay tickets (so you can visit more than once during your vacation), or just for a single-day visit?

For best days to visit....I would avoid the weekends. It would make sense that AQ would have more Orlando locals visiting on the weekend vs. Monday to Friday when kids are in school and people are working.

I wouldnt mind doing a length of stay. What is the price difference? I also wanted to let you know that last weekend my wife was running a half marathon in Michigan so we went to TGI Fridays. We had cheese sticks of course and they have a new recipe. It has a parmesan coating. they are quite delicious!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I wouldn't mind doing a length of stay. What is the price difference? I also wanted to let you know that last weekend my wife was running a half marathon in Michigan so we went to TGI Fridays. We had cheese sticks of course and they have a new recipe. It has a parmesan coating. they are quite delicious!!

If you purchase online, an Aquatica one day ticket is $46.00.

An annual pass (which would get you a year's worth of unlimited admission, plus save you 10% on your cabana rental, 10% on your dining, etc.) is $96. So about the same price as two days of admission.

A SeaWorld/Aquatica length of stay pass (14 days) is $129.00 per person.

If you were interested in doing Discovery Cove, you could get a day at DC for $169 pp (without the dolphin swim) or $229 pp (with the dolphin swim). That would include your one "all inclusive" day at DC (breakfast, lunch, all snacks, unlimited drinks including alcohol, a 6 x 8 family photo, all park activities, parking, sunscreen, etc.), plus 14 days unlimited admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica. Not sure if the budget will allow for it but I thought I'd toss it out, as it can be a great deal if you plan to use the SW & AQ admission a couple of times each.

That's awesome about TGI Fridays! As you know, those cheese sticks are a favourite of my boys .