Our trip to Aquatica was our first visit as a family to a proper water park and what an introduction to water parks it was too!  So many extraordinary rides there, we totally get why it was voted number 1 outdoor waterpark by USA Today in 2018.  It was such a fun day out. We had a nice mixture of thrills, some lovely shared family moments and lots of relaxing to look forward to.

Plus, Aquatica really do think of everything.  They have water sprayers to try and keep the walkways cool, plenty of lifeguards dotted around the place and lots of life jackets to use to keep everyone safe in the water.  They also have a great balance between the attractions you queue for and the ones you can just make the most of straight away like the wave pools Cutback Cove & Big Surf Shores.

Aquatica really have come up with so many ways to enjoy the water!  When you’re in the Orlando heat you will be grateful of cooling off in such entertaining ways.

Face Your Fears At Ihu’s Breakaway Falls

Even though this was the ride that I was most worried about it ended up being the most memorable.  If you are attempting to feel calm when you enter the pod, as soon as you hear those heartbeat sounds you can’t help but panic a little!  It really does add to the build-up!

Then the floor gives way and off you go down the vertical slide at the rate of knots.  All the time praying your swimming costume stays with you for the journey!

But when you get to the bottom (swimming costume still intact!) you feel a proper sense of accomplishment, like you have achieved daredevil status!!!  It’s something you will keep talking about, telling everyone, showing them video clips and basking in the glory that you did THAT ride!  It earns you bragging rights that’s for sure.

The second time I opted for the purple slide, not realising that was even more intense!  I was happier letting myself go, I felt more in control pushing myself off.  But it’s the steepest of the four rides so I came out looking even more dishevelled than before!  However, I felt on such a high it was well worth it!!!

Conquer The Wave Wall At KareKare Curl

KareKare Curl is the latest ride to open in Aquatica and was quickly another firm favourite.  I love rides you can go down together, its nice sharing your excitement with someone else.  I didn’t realise you could get so many thrills at a water park but Aquatica certainly delivers.  The vertical wave wall and the feeling of weightlessness makes this a MUST ride!  It was that good that we didn’t even mind carrying the big raft up all the stairs.

Unwind In Loggerhead Lane

There is plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind too!  Loggerhead Lane was heavenly you grab a rubber ring and float around the beautiful lazy river.

You even get to take in some sights, we enjoyed watching the tropical fish in the aquarium as we bobbed past.  It kept things interesting, I would have gladly gone around for longer, but we wanted to make sure we covered everything.

Speed Round Roa’s Rapids

Here the water races you round the river.  Leaving can be a little tricky, but it adds to the fun!  I love the landscaping and all the extra water features.  If you wear the provided life jackets you can just go with the flow!  My youngest was determined to get another go around Roa’s Rapids I literally had to scoop him out before he sped past.  If he had his way, I think he would still be in there now!

Make A Splash On Ray Rush

So many elements of this ride I loved!  Most of all the impressive Manta Ray wing section, which feels quite exhilarating but is pitched at a level everyone in the family can enjoy it.  I was also a big fan of the lights in the tunnel and the soaking you get at the end!  It’s a decent length ride which gives it bonus points too!

Get Competitive At Taumata Racer

My husband, my eldest and I really enjoyed the competitive nature of this thrilling water slide!  Sadly, we couldn’t convince youngest to come on.  I think he was too busy daydreaming about Dippin’ Dots.

My eldest was much quicker at setting off than us, he won by a clear margin!

Spin Around On Tassie’s Twisters

You leave the tube at speed and end up in a big bowl, spinning around and around until you make your way through the exit point!

It felt like we were going down a plughole…

When you are in the bowl you keep wondering who will draw the short straw and end up going backwards!  It was me by the way, it always is!  Even when I was on my own on other rides, I had an uncanny way of managing to rotate myself so I was riding backwards.

Hire A Cabana

I think its worth hiring a cabana priced at about $200 for four to share.  The fridge came packed with 12 water bottles and you have a locker to keep your valuables safe.  You also get rental towels, which saves you bringing your own.  Plus, you can feel a bit more fancy having your own dedicated area in the park!  But if you don’t want to make the investment there are lots of lounge chairs on the beach by Cutback Cove and Big Surf Shores.

The cabana is a nice to have if you want to make your holiday a bit more special and have guaranteed shade from the sun.  But you will have a fantastic time whatever you decide!  We certainly did.  Our 2020 Orlando holiday countdown has started… yes, I managed to persuade my husband after all!  So, we will be back at these amazing SeaWorld Parks before we know it.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment provided us The Discovery Cove Ultimate Package which provides an all-inclusive day at Discovery Cove and a 30-minute dolphin interaction and swim. As well as 14 days unlimited access to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens. This package includes free unlimited parking at all parks. It’s currently available at www.seaworldparks.co.uk from £197pp*. For more information, head to www.seaworldparks.co.uk.

*Price correct as of 14.08.19.