Aquatica’s Doors Open to the Public

I previously wrote a blog on Friday, February 8, 2008, when Aquatica opened its doors to the members of the Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCCVB).  On Saturday, March 1, 2008 I was there as Aquatica counted down and officially opened its doors to the public.

Overall, I would rate Aquatica as OUTSTANDING!  In the center of the park is Roa’s Rapids.  I have been on many “lazy” rivers but the great thing about this river is that it is not “lazy”.  The currents keep you zipping along at a very swift rate taking you through some exciting rapids.  There are no inner tubes for this attraction so you can either put on a life jacket or swim along. 

Taumata Racer was enjoyable as you compete with up to 8 people.  Lying on a foam mat, this ride zooms you through some tubes leading to a nice vertical drop that accelerates you to the finish line.  I don’t want to brag, but I did come in first place.  Okay, I was racing against my son and daughter but being a kid is what a water park is all about, no matter what your age!

The larger “family” raft rides are Walhalla Wave and HooRoo Run.  I enjoyed HooRoo better as it is a straight-down, fast-paced ride that leads many to scream out in a combination of fear and enjoyment.  Walhalla Wave is a longer ride with many twists and turns, which leads to some fun side-to-side, “crashing into each other” motion.

There are two, one and two person inner tube rides, Tassie’s Twisters and Whanau Way.  Both are entertaining with Tassie’s Twister shooting you into a large bowl where you spin around until you drop through a shaft to the finish.

Walkabout Waters is an extraordinary water playground for tikes and young ones.  I’m not sure how best to explain it besides saying there are many, many water spouts and play areas that are certain to keep your kids entertained …literally for hours.

The two wave pools are Cutback Cove and Big Sure Shores.  Cutback Cove had bigger waves but does not offer the extreme wave that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon does.  Big Surf Shores has smaller waves for the little ones.

We ate at the Banana Beach Cookout where you can have an all-you-can-eat meal for $12.95 (ages 3-9 is $9.95), which includes hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, salads, drinks and more.  If you want to come back throughout the day, the price is $19.95. 

The only disappointment was Dolphin Plunge.  This is a water slide where you lie on your back.  Most of the ride is pitch-black (not good for those having claustrophobia) and towards the end you shoot through a clear tube where you get a glimpse of the Commerson’s Dolphins for a fraction of a second.  Fortunately, there is an exhibit where you can stop and view them for as long as you want.

Ticket prices for Aquatica are $38.95 for adults and $32.95 for children ages 3-9.  Don’t miss this park, it is awesome.

As you are planning your vacation to be sure to check out our Orlando vacation rentals, particularly Windsor Hills Resort which is located only miles from all the major attractions, including Aquatica!