Image by SeaWorld Parks

We all know Florida has numerous theme parks with thrilling rides and character meet and greets. What happens if you wake up one morning and think “I really would love to have a chill out day but still have entertainment for my group/kids.”  Well fear not,  Aquatica Orlando is here!

Aquatica  is one of the newer additions to SeaWorld Entertainment parks, having opened 8 years ago on March 1, 2008. The park has a southern Pacific look and incorporates names of rides after animals from New Zealand and Australia,  Ihu (Gekco) and Roa (Kiwi) to name a couple.

The park caters to a variety of ages and also to an array of swimming abilities. The park has two wave pools and an 80,000-foot man-made beach which has a sunbed, deck chairs and umbrellas. Aquatica is also host to a variety of animals like beautiful parrots who like a bit of attention when you walk past and the Commerson Dolphins.

Aquatica is home to some amazing rides such as Ihu which is not for the faint-hearted. It is a drop-style pod where you climb to the top and select a pod to enter. Once inside, there is a countdown that lets you know when to expect to be dropped.  Ihu has proven to be very popular since it opened.

DIStracted Tip: Ihu has four pods so if you are in a group you can all see each others’ faces as you make the plunge!

If you’re more like me and not into thrill water rides, there is  Roa’s Rapids. Roa’s Rapids is a little bit aggressive in places, but once you have lazed round there is an option to divert to see a tank full of beautifully coloured Chilid fish watching you float past.  There is also a tank with the Commerson Dolphins. There is another route that takes you to waterfalls and more rapids.

Walhalla Wave is also a good ride for all the family! There are segments that are dark but this had me laughing all the way. It is guaranteed to get a few screams too.

Once you have tried all the rides, there are various food places that you can try.  The best of them for me was Banana Beach Buffet which was an unlimited buffet and unlimited drinks for a set price. The pricing depends on the season and ranges from $16-$25 for an adult, and $11 -$16 for children. There is a variety of foods here and they cater to even the pickiest of eaters.

If you have little ones,  the park also caters to them. There is a fantastic kiddie section at Walkabout Waters which is a fortress with dumping water buckets and ladders. Also, there is Kata’s Kookaburras Cove which is designed especially for toddlers and babies which has smaller slides and water features to keep them cool and entertained.

Don’t fancy walking around with your money every time you want to purchase something?  Don’t worry.  You don’t have to! The park offers a cashless service which provides you with a wristband that is linked to your card so you can go about purchasing food, drinks or souvenirs without worrying about having wet soggy money in your trunks.

Cabanas are also available from a family cabana to a premium cabana.  These are available to reserve online or as a first come first serve basis each day.

DIStracted tip: Lockers and towels are provided for a fee at the entrance.

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