Which waterpark?

[akdeputydog]

Hi -
I am a neurotic planner and although we won't be going til May 2009, I'm trying to figure out what we want to see and do and time we need to do it all.

So we'd like to go to a waterpark (DH, myself and 5-yr-old DD). Will it be warm enough? And which of the following would be your first choice and then second choice:

Typhoon Lagoon
Aquatica
Wet N Wild

I like what I see about Typhoon but having never been to any waterpark before much less these I am seeking advice. DH likes slides and so would DD if any are kind of tame and allow her size.

I think we most likely would go on a Thursday, Saturday or Sunday.
Is 10a-3p a reasonable amount of time to spend at any of them (esp if we only went on the big thrill slides once or twice).

Thanks in advance for any advice, guidance, assistance.

 

[AJKMOM]

I love TL, only downside is the wave pool on occasion makes large waves, which would be tough for a 5 year old.

Aquatica is new, and you could find reviews on the SeaWorld Board. I have read that Wet 'n Wild is not themed well and is looking old.

It will definitely be warm enough to swim in May.

 

[fan of the TTA]

i would avoid wet and wild at all costs, not well themed at all, and it always seems the busiest of the 3, with people queuing for ages to try and get in, and things have happened there like fires etc.

TL is awsome, mind you the lazy river is just a bit shallow, i've scraped my arm on the sides a few times, but it is long and you can get some really nice rays at parts.

aquatica is mainly slides, but there are 2 wave pools, and a water playground. there's a river, lay about lane, but i don't think it's as good as TL

 

[jeff968]

We went to W&W for the first time in 10 years in February over the spring break. We had a good time, not too busy. I didn't notice that it wasn't "themed" and I don't know how much of a big deal that is when going on water park rides. We'll try aquatica in 2009.

 

[Taratink]

My favorite waterpark is not on your list. Blizzard Beach is the best waterpark for kids. It has a great intermediate age area that a 5 year old would love. My kids are 6 and 8 and we have been going there for years. There are many double tube rides and you can go down with your child. The wavepool at Typhoon is too rough for kids. My DD6 had her back all scratched from being pushed along the bottom of the wavepool. So BB is my first pick. Happy planning!
It will be really hot in May and just perfect for the waterparks. Avoid the parks on the weekends. The locals visit then and they are very busy.

 

[fan of the TTA]

We went to W&W for the first time in 10 years in February over the spring break. We had a good time, not too busy. I didn't notice that it wasn't "themed" and I don't know how much of a big deal that is when going on water park rides. We'll try aquatica in 2009.

oh dear, a fan of ww can't be good

 

[fan of the TTA]

My favorite waterpark is not on your list. Blizzard Beach is the best waterpark for kids. It has a great intermediate age area that a 5 year old would love. My kids are 6 and 8 and we have been going there for years. There are many double tube rides and you can go down with your child. The wavepool at Typhoon is too rough for kids. My DD6 had her back all scratched from being pushed along the bottom of the wavepool. So BB is my first pick. Happy planning!
It will be really hot in May and just perfect for the waterparks. Avoid the parks on the weekends. The locals visit then and they are very busy.

good point, another brilliant water park

 

[TotoToo]

We went to W&W for the first time in 10 years in February over the spring break. We had a good time, not too busy. I didn't notice that it wasn't "themed" and I don't know how much of a big deal that is when going on water park rides. We'll try aquatica in 2009.

Who needs theming? It very much gets in the way of a good water park. While the various Disney ones listed are nice to look at they fail in the critical part - a fun water ride! Why? Because the water tends to be cold unless it is super hot for days (the shade of the "theme" seems to be the reason) plus on a cooler day you freeze due to that shade.

Wet N' Wild is all about the rides. It has survived over 20 years because they are fun, the water warm (year round) and delivers what a water park should - a great time on water based rides.

While we have enjoyed all of the Disney Waterparks, haven't been to the new Seaworld one yet, it is W&W we return to every year at least once. It is always a blast and no theming required. Can't say that about the Disneys as more than once we have left, despite the high price, as we were simply too cold to enjoy it. They do look great though.

 

[MattM]

Aquatica is hands down the best water park in Orlando. SeaWorld really did it right. Definitely worth checking out.

 

[iheartaladdin]

personally i like TL better. for some reason it seems more fun? the wave pool can be rough, but you can avoid getting hit by the huge waves if you stay in the shallow part. TL also has an attraciton that allows you to swim with sharks which is pretty cool. keep in mind they aren't your typical shark. they're little sharks at the bottom of the pool. but its still a really great experience. BB is probably better for your child since they have a better play area for children. oh and may will definatly be hot enough. good luck planning!

 

[fan of the TTA]

personally i like TL better. for some reason it seems more fun? the wave pool can be rough, but you can avoid getting hit by the huge waves if you stay in the shallow part. TL also has an attraciton that allows you to swim with sharks which is pretty cool. keep in mind they aren't your typical shark. they're little sharks at the bottom of the pool. but its still a really great experience. BB is probably better for your child since they have a better play area for children. oh and may will definatly be hot enough. good luck planning!

i agree, plus the atmosphere at TL seems more relaxed, somehow. wet and wild always seems to be in the news lately.