Although summer vacation is quickly coming to an end, it’s not too late to plan a family fun day at one of these Central Florida water parks.
Written By Melissa Peterson
Thinking you’ve seen all there is to see at our nearby water parks? Here’s what’s new at each park to add to your to-do list, so start making plans today.
Island H2O
Kissimmee | islandh2owaterpark.com
Located right next to Margaritaville Resort Orlando and the Promenade at Sunset Walk, Island H20 features a number of individual and group thrill rides, a dedicated area for kids to splish and splash, a giant wave action pool and a not-so-lazy river. This water park is completely themed around social media, so streaming and posting about your experience is all part of the fun. To take advantage of this, you’ll want to download the park’s app on your phone, and when you arrive, simply sync up the wristband you receive with the app. Once you’re all linked up, you can select your music playlists and your favorite colors that will be featured on some of the rides, view your photos and videos from around the park, see wait times and link with your family and friends so that you can find them at any point throughout the day—perfect for teenagers who are always on the move.
August 12-27, Island H2O will be cranking up the tunes and adding foam! Every Saturday and Sunday, kids will be able to dance in a mountain of foam and bubbles while grooving to their favorite music. Then catch a spin on a water slide or lazy river to keep the party going. This event is included with admission.
Photo courtesy of Aquatica
Aquatica
Orlando | aquatica.com/orlando
With 10 thrill slides, both a lazy river and river rapids, side-by-side wave pools (one with constant big waves and the other with times of both kid-friendly and more adventurous waves), and a 60-foot-tall, 15,000-square-foot, rain fortress perfect for younger visitors, Aquatica has something that every member of your family will enjoy.
New this summer is the Turi’s Kid Cove, tucked away between Big Surf Shores and Mango Market. With plenty of splashy water fun and ample seating all around for rest and relaxation, it’s the perfect place for you and your little ones to cool off. The area is filled with watering palms, tipping buckets, spraying jets and more. Plus, your kids can grab a tube and glide into the fun on the all-new Tamariki Twirl, a kid-sized wave slide designed just for them.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Orlando | disneyworld.disney.go.com/water-parks
Enjoy a day of splash-tastic family fun at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Featuring a tropical paradise that’s been transformed by a legendary storm into an oasis of pure excitement, Typhoon Lagoon offers the largest wave pool in North America. Sunbathe on a sandy beach, glide down Castaway Creek, slide down the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster and enjoy the plunges and spills of the whitewater journey on Miss Adventure Falls.
One unique experience for guests is the opportunity to surf the wave pool. Experienced riders can shoot the curl before the park opens or after it closes in either an open or private session. Each three-hour session comes packed with 100 waves—broken into sets of 25. During private surf sessions you can even choose the direction of your waves. Learn more about this experience on the park’s website.
This summer, a visit to Typhoon Lagoon won’t be complete without also experiencing the H2O Glow After Hours event. With vibrant decor, a groovy DJ dance floor with Disney characters and thrilling water attractions under the stars, the evening party is making quite the splash. The event runs through September 2 and allows families to enjoy a luminous tropical oasis three hours after the water park closes to day guests. The party kicks off at 8pm and runs to 11pm, with gates opening as early as 6pm. H2O Glow After Hours is a separately ticketed event that does not require an additional day’s water park ticket or Disney Park Pass reservation. Tickets for the glowing after hours party can be purchased on the website.
Photo courtesy of Adventure Island
Adventure Island
Tampa | adventureisland.com
Located right across the street from Busch Gardens, Adventure Island is 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun. Featuring the ultimate combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages, the soothing Key West atmosphere is showcased by a blend of slides, corkscrews, waterfalls, a 17,000-square-foot wave pool, children’s water playground and plenty of other family-friendly attractions.
All new this summer, Shaka-Laka Shores is an interactive splash and play zone for the younger kiddos in your group. Located in the heart of Adventure Island, this new attraction features 25 play elements and a central kid-friendly play structure. The newest addition also includes a variety of interactive aquatic components, all within a zero-depth area—ideal for smaller kids—as well as additional shaded sections.
Photo courtesy of Universal Studios
Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park
Orlando | universalorlando.com
Universal’s Volcano Bay is a tropical oasis filled with experiences that offer everything from ultimate thrills to tranquil relaxation—all surrounding a massive 200-foot volcano nestled right in the center of the park. Upon entering the water theme park, guests are immediately transported to a one-of-a-kind paradise where they can relax on the sands of Waturi Beach, drift leisurely down Kopiko Wai Winding River, brave a 125-foot drop alongside the volcano on Ko’okiri Body Plunge, enjoy interactive “Tap to Play” experiences throughout the park with the innovative TapuTapu wearable and so much more.
One ride you won’t want to miss is the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, where guests board specially designed canoes and propel downward—and upward—through the volcano’s interior peaks and valleys. Passengers twist, turn and plummet along dark passageways, get launched through sparkling waterfalls and so much more.