We recently visited Aquatica Orlando. While we are frequent guests at the Disney water parks, this was our first visit to Aquatica. It definitely won’t be our last! Aquatica Orlando is a fantastic water park with lots of fun things to do for both kids and adults.
Owned by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Aquatica is located just across the street from SeaWorld Orlando on International Drive.
Before our visit, I did a lot of research to find out what we should bring, what we could not bring, and which attractions our son would be able to enjoy. I was pleased to find out that there were many things we could all do together as a family.
Before you visit, check out my 10 tips for visiting Aquatica Orlando that will make your day more fun and less stressful. Plus, I’ll give you some ideas to save money.
Buy Tickets in Advance
Purchase your Aquatica Orlando Single Day Advance Tickets online
the day before your visit to save $15 off the same day single-park ticket price. Not only do you save money, but you receive an e-ticket, which lets you bypass the ticket window and go straight to the entrance gate, after you pass through security, of course. They can scan your e-tickets from your phone or you may print them out instead.
We just kept an eye on the weather forecast and picked a day that had no rain predicted. We purchased our tickets the evening before and saved $45, enough to pay for lunch!
Parking Isn’t Free
Unless you’re an annual passholder, parking isn’t free. Aquatica offers three levels of parking – general, preferred, and premium. General parking is currently priced at $20.
You can purchase your parking pass online in advance, but there is no discount for doing so.
If you arrive at the park before opening time, there is little reason to pay for preferred or premium parking. When we went, general parking was right in front of the entrance.
Arrive Early
Arriving early is one of the best things you can do to have an amazing day at Aquatica Orlando. This will help you beat long lines at the parking gate, get a primo parking spot, breeze through the security line, and enter the park before the official opening time.
Once inside, guests must stay near the front of the park to wait for rope drop. You’ll still have access to Guest Services, lockers, and restrooms with showers and a changing area.
Once the rope drops, you can secure seating, then hit the slides. We went to the area between Roa’s Rapids and Walkabout Waters, one of the two children’s play areas. We were able to secure three chairs with a large umbrella for shade. While seating was available all over the park throughout the day, the best chairs with shade were taken early.
What to Bring
There are a few items that you’ll want to bring with you. You can rent or buy these items at the park, but why spend the money or the time in line if you don’t have to?
- Bathing Suit – Pretty obvious! Just make sure your suit doesn’t have a thong bottom, or buckles, rivets, or anything sharp on it.
- Diaper Cover – If your child is in diapers, make sure he or she is wearing a waterproof diaper cover.
- Towels – You’ll probably dry off quickly in the Florida heat, but these were nice to have. Aquatica does rent towels if you forget yours. They are $4 each, but you’ll have to wait in line at Guest Services to rent them.
- Sunscreen – We brought some spray sunscreen to reapply throughout the day. Sunscreen washes off after awhile, so if you want to protect your skin, bring some with you.
- Footwear – If the weather is hot, the pavement and beach sand will be hot. Most of the walkways have water sprayers built in, which helps, but it’s best to wear flip-flops or water shoes. There are cubbies at the entrance to each slide to put your shoes while you ride.
What Not to Bring
There are several items that are not allowed, or just not needed. Remember, you will go through a security check at the entrance to the park.
Do not bring weapons, sharp objects, glass containers, straws, or cans.
If you bring a cooler, it must be 16 quarts or smaller in size.
Outside alcohol is not allowed, but you CAN buy adult beverages in the park!
Pool toys and swim masks are not allowed, but you can bring goggles.
No need to bring your own life vest because Aquatica Orlando provides them for all its guests, free of charge! Sizes start at infant and go all the way up to adult. You’ll see racks of life vests all over the park, as well as piles of them near Roa’s Rapids. Just grab one and use it as long as you want. Children under 48 inches should always wear a life vest for safety.
Rules About Outside Food
Aquatica Orlando’s rules about bringing food are more strict than Disney World’s. First of all, don’t try to bring sandwiches or a full meal into the park. They will make you throw it out at the security check.
What you CAN bring are snacks and bottled water. Snacks must be in individual serving packs no larger than 3.5 ounces. No other beverages besides water are allowed. If you are bringing baby food, it must be in a plastic container.
For guests with special dietary requirements, a limited number of picnic size lockers are available for rent at the park’s ticket booths.
You can also leave food in your car. You may exit the park to eat and re-enter any time during the day. There are a few picnic benches located near the bus drop-off area if you plan to do this.
Protect Your Valuables
We brought very little with us, but we still had our cell phones, keys, and wallets to secure. Aquatica Orlando offers self-service all-day rental lockers in two sizes. The small locker is currently $15 and the large locker is $20.
There are 3 locker locations in the park. Many people rented lockers at the main location near Kiwi Traders Gift Shop close to the park entrance. However, we picked lockers near Walkabout Waters, since we also had chairs nearby. There are also lockers available near Kata’s Kookaburra Cove, the play area for younger children.
Visiting With Younger Kids
Check height requirements before you go and talk to your kids about what slides and attractions they can and cannot do.
You can have your younger ones measured near the park entrance to get a colored wrist band that shows which rides they can go on.
Besides the slides, there’s the huge children’s area, Walkabout Waters, to keep kids of all ages busy.
There are water cannons, a huge bucket dumping water every few minutes, and kid-size slides. The slides at Walkabout Waters are color-coded at the entrance to show the height requirement, but the overall play area is for everyone to enjoy.
If you have an infant or toddler, check out Kata’s Kookaburra Cove, which is for those under 48 inches. It’s a splash pad with several water features and small slides for little ones to enjoy.
There are two wave pools at Aquatica Orlando. Cutback Cove has larger, stronger waves, so Big Surf Shores is a better choice for younger kids. The waves at Big Surf Shores vary throughout the day, so even if your children are good swimmers, they should wear a life vest at all times.
At the edge of the wave pools, you’ll find a huge white sand beach. Kids can play in the sand and then wade into the water to wash off!
The lazy river, Loggerhead Lane, requires life vests for those under 48 inches tall.
Roa’s Rapids, which is like a fast-moving river, requires life vests for those under 51 inches tall. I highly suggest life vests for everyone. We all wore them and we’re glad we did because the current is very fast.
Don’t leave the park without visiting the Commerson’s dolphins at the shaded viewing area near the entrance to the Dolphin Plunge slide. You can also see them, as well as tropical fish, while floating around Loggerhead Lane.
All-Day Dining May Not Be a Good Deal
Just like the other SeaWorld Parks, Aquatica offers an All-Day Dining Deal. You pay one price and you eat and drink as often as once every hour, all day long, at participating restaurants. Prices start at $34.99 per adult and $19.99 per child.
If you plan to stay at the park from open until close, this deal might be right for you. You can even buy the All-Day Dining Deal ahead of time with your tickets and this will often get you a discount. You get a wristband to wear all day and you don’t have to worry about fussing with your wallet when you want to eat.
However, many visitors to the park have complained that the food isn’t very good and the lines move slowly. Some have reported spending an entire hour just to order and eat their lunch or dinner. And, you’ll definitely have to eat two large meals to get your money’s worth, even if you get the plan at a discount.
We chose not to get the dining deal during our visit, so we could maximize our time in the water. We had a big breakfast at our hotel, then grabbed sandwiches, fries, and fruit from Mango Market, the park’s quick service eatery. They also serve chicken tenders, hot dogs, salads, and desserts. Our cost for lunch for 3 was $37. The day we went, the park closed at 5:00 pm, so we had dinner elsewhere. If the park is open longer hours during your visit, you may want to have dinner there as well. In that case, the all-day dining plan may be worth it.
Rent a Cabana…Maybe
For the ultimate experience, splurge and rent a private cabana. A cabana offers a quiet place for relaxation with lots of shade and amenities.
Amenities include a locker, ceiling fan, rental towels, and a refrigerator with 12 bottles of water. There is also an attendant nearby to assist guests. Food can be delivered to your cabana for an additional charge, but the menu is limited.
Cabanas are located in different areas around the park at different price points, which also vary depending on the season. The lowest-priced cabanas start at $49 per day, but on the day in June that we visited, the same cabanas were priced at $99.
For us, the cost wasn’t worth it. We knew we wouldn’t use it enough. However, if you have a little one that naps, or anyone that needs a bit of downtime during the day, a cabana could be worth it.
Book your cabana well in advance of your visit to make sure you secure the type and location you desire.
Be aware that you will have to queue at Guest Services to get your cabana assignment, even if you’ve pre-booked it. This is where arriving early to Aquatica is helpful. If you arrive later in the morning, you could spend a lot of your time in line rather than enjoying the park.
The most important tip of all is to have fun! Aquatica Orlando is a fantastic water park with something for everyone in the family. We really enjoyed our day there, and hope this guide will help you enjoy it, too!
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FAQs
What do I need to know before going to Aquatica? ›
- Arrive early. ...
- Book your tickets in advance. ...
- Wear the right clothing. ...
- Save money with the Aquatica All-Day Dining Deal. ...
- Skip the line. ...
- Don't overpack. ...
- Make a checklist. ...
- Ride the newest attractions first.
. To pack for a day out at Aquatica, I recommend bringing a small bag with towels, extra sunscreen, some spending money, a snack, extra bottles of water, a plastic bag for wet swim suits and a change of clothes.
Do I need to bring my own towel to Aquatica? ›Are towels available for Aquatica Orlando visitors? Towels are available for rental at the main locker facility for a nominal fee.
How do you pack for Aquatica? ›All in all, there is really very little that you need to bring to Aquatica Orlando. It basically comes down to your swimsuit, outer clothing, flip-flops, and snacks. Everything else is optional.
How should I dress for Aquatica? ›Aquatica™ is a family friendly park and all guests inside Aquatica San Antonio must wear appropriate swimwear. Clothing with zippers, buckles, buttons, denim, and rivets are prohibited.
What is the best day of the week to visit Aquatica? ›The best days to visit Aquatica Orlando are Monday-Wednesday. In general, almost all weekdays are always great options, as the water park historically holds lower crowds in this timeframe. What is this? Out of state visitors usually arrive on Thursdays, stay for the weekend, and then leave on a Monday.
Do they weigh you at Aquatica? ›Some rides specify no shirts, so be prepared to take any shirts off for those rides. Read below to see which ones have that requirement. Jeans and long pants are not a good idea, because they will weigh you down once they get wet.
How much are towels at aquatica? ›Aquatica does rent towels if you forget yours. They are $4 each, but you'll have to wait in line at Guest Services to rent them. Sunscreen – We brought some spray sunscreen to reapply throughout the day. Sunscreen washes off after awhile, so if you want to protect your skin, bring some with you.
How cold is the water at Aquatica Orlando? ›Aquatica operates all year round. To achieve this, they've installed a top-of-the-line climate-controlled system designed to adjust the water temperature in the slides and pools to 84°F depending on the area's weather.
Can you leave aquatica and come back in? ›You may leave the park and re-enter later in the day. Stop by the exit and request a re-entry hand stamp before leaving the park. Upon return, you will proceed to the entrance and show the original ticket and the hand stamp.
Do you go barefoot at a waterpark? ›
Walk; don't run, especially since most of the grounds at a water park will be wet and slippery. Don't be tempted to walk around barefoot – if any rides or areas do not allow water shoes, take them off only in those areas and then put water shoes right back on.
Do I have to be vaccinated to go to Aquatica? ›Will I have to show proof of vaccination upon entry? We will not require our guests to provide proof of vaccination. Consistent with CDC guidance, we recommend that our guests wear face coverings while indoors.
Can you bring snacks into Aquatica Orlando? ›No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed to be brought into Aquatica Orlando, except you may bring a bottle of water or a refillable water bottle. Exceptions may be made for Guests with special dietary needs, including food allergies and baby food/formula.
Is the water heated at Aquatica Orlando? ›But, even when it does get cool outside, don't expect the water to be cool as well – Aquatica has a state-of-the-art water heating system that adjusts to the climate outside but can actually be heated up to 84 degrees!
Is quick queue worth it at Aquatica? ›Is Quick Queue at Aquatica Orlando Worth it? Quick Queue is absolutely worth it if you're planning on visiting the park on a weekend. It will save you countless hours, and you'll be able to experience the entire park with minimal wait times. On top of that, you can ride your favorite rides as many times as you want.
How do you look good at a waterpark? ›- of 7. Start with a glow that won't wash off. ...
- of 7. Combine cover-up and SPF in one. ...
- of 7. Stick with budge-proof eyeliner in a bold color. ...
- of 7. Avoid smudged lashes. ...
- of 7. Swipe on long-lasting lip stains. ...
- of 7. Set everything in place, or plan for touch-ups. ...
- of 7.
In fact, you can even take these cups to any of the SeaWorld parks nationwide (Aquatica, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, SeaWorld San Diego), and they'll work for refills there, too.
What size lockers at aquatica? ›Small lockers are 17.00 large are 21.00 but when you turn in the key you will get $10.00 back. No straws are allowed.
Can you bring sand toys to Aquatica? ›Outside food and beverages: No outside food or beverages are allowed in. This includes alcohol and coolers. Flotation devices: This includes noodles, swim fins, sand toys, flippers, and any scuba equipment.
How many rides are at Aquatica Orlando? ›There are 8 rides total but they also have a beach area with the wave pool.
Can you leave Aquatica Orlando and come back in? ›
Guests must exchange their single day ticket or multi-day ticket before being issued a Sunny Day Ticket and may not re-enter the park. Sunny Day Tickets are valid for a return visit within 1 year from the date of issue. Aquatica reserves the right to change this policy without prior notice, some restrictions apply.
Can you bring your own towels to Aquatica Orlando? ›Aquatica Orlando does not provide any free towels, so be sure to bring your own if you do not want to rent them.
Is Aquatica a full day? ›A few hours there is usually enough to enjoy at Aquatica. They only have a limited number of slides, so it's just the amount of time you like to use the slides; while my favorite is to float in either of their lazy rivers.
What is the scariest ride at Aquatica? ›Brave the watery free-fall on Ihu's Breakaway Falls® - the steepest multi-drop tower of its kind in Orlando. Face your fear and each other. You never know who's going to breakaway first, all you know is it's going to be one wild ride.
What is the best day to go to Aquatica Orlando? ›The best days to visit Aquatica Orlando are Monday-Wednesday. In general, almost all weekdays are always great options, as the water park historically holds lower crowds in this timeframe. What is this? Out of state visitors usually arrive on Thursdays, stay for the weekend, and then leave on a Monday.
Does Aquatica sell flip flops? ›Pick up everything you need for the day, including family apparel, headwear, jewelry, water shoes, flip flops, and sundries.
Does Aquatica have umbrellas? ›Yes there is plenty of shaded seating. No cost, Aquatica is full of seats/sunbeds with parasols at no extra charge.
Does Aquatica have a lazy river Orlando? ›Take a load off your feet and hop on a lazy river ride down Loggerhead Lane. This leisurely raft ride takes you through an underwater world colored by exotic tropical fish.
How deep are the pools at Aquatica Orlando? ›Deepest water is in the wave pool (about 6 feet) but most the wave pool area has shallower water so everyone can enjoy it. Other water attractions are less than 4 feet deep with plenty of lifeguards on hand.
Does Aquatica Orlando serve alcohol? ›Enjoy a full-service cocktail bar on the shores of Aquatica's white sandy beach featuring a wide variety of specialty cocktails, frozen daiquiris, draft beer, plus a wide range of bottled beers, wines, seltzers, and sangria. Guests can also enjoy a variety of packaged snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
How much is parking at Aquatica Orlando? ›
General Parking will be $30 consistently every day of the year, for one car or motorcycle. You're able to pre-pay for parking directly from the Aquatica Orlando official site.
How much is it to rent a locker at Aquatica Orlando? ›Rentals cost $15 for a large locker, $10 for small. The lockers at SeaWorld Orlando also have been replaced.
What is replacing Aquatica? ›'Sesame Place San Diego' theme park to replace SeaWorld Aquatica park for Spring 2021 debut | MouseInfo.com.
What can you bring to Aqua park? ›- Towels.
- Swim diapers (if you have any non-potty trained family members)
- Waterproof sunscreen.
- Lots of water (I recommend a water bottle for each member of the family)
- Lots of snacks (you are allowed to bring your own food into the park, and remember: objects in water appear hungrier than on land)
Crocs are great for walking and wading, but depending on the rides you enjoy at the water parks, you will likely want a tighter fitting shoe that will withstand the waves and turbulence that Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon throw at you!
What should girls wear to a water park? ›We recommend wearing something like a t-shirt and comfortable shorts will keep you cool and also enjoy the beautiful city side view of waterpark from your cabana. Water shoes are flexible and made with mesh material for enhanced breathability, which helps keep feet cool.
Can I go to Florida without vaccination? ›Are COVID-19 tests required to travel to Florida? COVID test is not required when arriving in the USA. All arrivals to Florida, including citizens and residents, are recommended to present a negative PCR test upon arrival. Vaccinated arrivals from any country can enter as tourists.
Are reservations required for Aquatica Orlando? ›Yes, all guests need a reservation for entry to the park. I am a guest with a Discovery Cove reservation – how can I use my admission to Aquatica and SeaWorld? Guests can make a reservation online at the park of their choice using the barcode on their Discovery Cove lanyard.
Does aquatica have cabanas? ›Beach Front Cabanas
Enjoy your own private cabana located on the most desirable location in the park in front of our side-by-side wave pools.
Riders under 48 inches (1.22m) tall are recommended to wear a life vest and be able to maintain proper riding position unassisted in a double tube. Maximum operational load 3-6 persons, 250 pounds (113 kg) combined weight minimum and 1,000 pounds (454 kg) combined weight maximum. No single or double riders.
Are there showers at Aquatica Orlando? ›
Aquatica™ Orlando has showers in the same building with the restrooms. They have all in one body wash/shampoo but you are welcome to bring your own. Lockers are located outside to store belongings upon park entry.
Can I bring my Hydroflask to SeaWorld? ›Hello, you are allowed to bring 1-2 water bottles or you may bring in your bottle.
Which is better Aquatica or SeaWorld? ›If you're looking to be in your bathing suit all day in the sun and in/out of water, Aquatica is the place for you. If you're looking to get a variety of entertainment in forms of rides and shows, and occasionally get wet, SeaWorld is the place for you.
What is the full capacity of Aquatica? ›Capacity is 16,000 and only two actual restaurants.
What is the difference between Aquatica and SeaWorld? ›What is the difference between SeaWorld and Aquatica? SeaWorld and Aquatica are parts of the more extraordinary SeaWorld complex, but both parks are right next. Aquatica is a water park, and SeaWorld is a theme park that is also home to marine animals.
Should I bring towels to Aquatica? ›Towels. It seems counterintuitive, we know, but Aquatica will not provide free towels to guests. If you don't bring your own, you will have to purchase one at a gift store to use throughout the day.
Is quick queue at Aquatica worth it? ›Is Quick Queue at Aquatica Orlando Worth it? Quick Queue is absolutely worth it if you're planning on visiting the park on a weekend. It will save you countless hours, and you'll be able to experience the entire park with minimal wait times. On top of that, you can ride your favorite rides as many times as you want.
Can I bring water into Aquatica Orlando? ›No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed to be brought into Aquatica Orlando, except you may bring a bottle of water or a refillable water bottle. Exceptions may be made for Guests with special dietary needs, including food allergies and baby food/formula.
How much do towels cost at Aquatica? ›Aquatica does rent towels if you forget yours. They are $4 each, but you'll have to wait in line at Guest Services to rent them.
Can you leave Aquatica and come back in? ›You may leave the park and re-enter later in the day. Stop by the exit and request a re-entry hand stamp before leaving the park. Upon return, you will proceed to the entrance and show the original ticket and the hand stamp.
What happens if it rains at Aquatica Orlando? ›
Operational changes during inclement weather include:
Guests must exit the park and provide proof of paid admission before a Sunny Day ticket(s) is issued. Culinary locations, may close and be used as shelter; culinary service will resume as soon as it is safe for guests and our Ambassadors to move about the park.
As temperatures are cooler some days, Aquatica's pools and slides remain heated to ensure year-round thrills are here for you to enjoy! Aquatica's private cabanas provide a home base between the thrills and beaches, offering lounge chairs, a fan, towels, and a refrigerator to relax in comfort.
Is Aquatica cheaper than Volcano Bay? ›Aquatica Orlando
It's also a bit cheaper than Volcano Bay—if you're able to score tickets when they're on sale. Aquatica is part of SeaWorld, so marine life is everywhere in the park—even on rides.