Aquatica is a newer addition to Busch Entertainment Corporation. Located conveniently next to Sea World and Discovery Cove - this is a great addition to your vacation excitement. Aquatica is a unique water park where fun awaits everyone of all ages. Unlike many other water attraction parks, Aquatica incorporates real marine life into it all. It is a great experience to remember for a lifetime!
Some travelers may be hesitant to visit Aquatica due to weather that isn't so hot. Although I would not recommend going to the park while it's very cool out - you can expect the water to feel nice as it is heated up to 84 degrees F.
You are not allowed to carry any personal food into the park, so please keep this in mind prior to packing your bag for the day. They will not allow you into the park with any food or drink which has not been purchased inside of Aquatica and it will be thrown away. However, they do offer three restaurants - one including an all-you-can-eat buffet. (This buffet includes Vegetarian Burgers as well.)
Travel Tip to Aquatica: Be sure to carry cash on hand to pay for parking. The current fee is $10.00 for cars and motorcycles and $12.00 for recreational vehicles.
You will also want to bring your own towels as there is a fee to rent them from the park.
Aquatica attractions:
Dolphin Plunge - This is a very unique slide which sets this water park aside from others. You will set off in a pitch black tunnel, sliding quickly along; when suddenly you see light! At this point on the slide you are now submerged under the water (While still in the tube of the slide of course!) as you pass by Commerson's Dolphins. (You will have a much easier time viewing these dolphins afterwards. You are sliding so quickly through the submerged section that it is difficult to see the marine life.) - You must be 48" tall to go on this slide.
Cutback Cove & Big Surf Shores - These are your typical wave pools. One neat thing however is that they are split into two sections and styled to look as though you are in the ocean. The water gradually gets deeper and you're next to an actual beach setting (with real beach sand!). It gives a much more authentic feel. The water also feels very nice on cooler days as this section is heated during certain times of the year.
Loggerhead Lane - This is a unique version of the lazy river. You can choose from either single or double tubes to ride in (great for couples!) - and the best part is, they're free! The river has very nice foliage along the way which will give you the feeling of being in a true tropical oasis. A feature along this river that sets it apart from others is that on your relaxing journey around the loop you will enter a small "tunnel" (there are two separate ones) where you can view a tank filled with many tropical fish and dolphins. Those under 48" are required to wear a life vest at all times while in the river. *Note: Be sure to stay in the tube at all times or a lifeguard may call out to you and have you do so. On this specific river you need to be in a tube.*
Tassie's Twisters - During your time floating along Loggerhead Lane, you can make a pit stop to this slide. (The only way to get to this slide is through Loggerhead Lane! A unique concept!) This ride is very cool, and you can choose to go solo or with a partner. Be sure to hold onto your raft from Loggerhead Lane as you will need a raft to go on this slide. You will take off into darkness as you speed downward and into a large "bowl". After spiraling around the bowl a couple of times you will take one last plunge right back into Loggerhead Lane! In order to go on this slide all riders must be able to firmly grip each of the raft handles without assistance.
Roa's Rapids - This is another river - however; unlike it's sister Loggerhead Lane, this river is a no-raft zone. You will begin by putting on a complimentary life vest (Don't be embarrassed, everyone else is wearing them too!) You'll then make your way deeper into the zooming rapids. It is a fast flowing water "ride" the whole family can enjoy. It's surprisingly relaxing after a long day in the park. You can 'bob' along the river to take a load off of your feet. Anyone under 51" must have a life vest on or you can not enter the rapids. I would recommend guests of all sizes to use them as it makes this attraction must more entertaining.
Kata's Kookaburra Cove - A great beginners area for the future water park fanatics - your kids! This area has great slides and attractions just for children! No one above the height of 48" is permitted on any slides.
Taumata Racer - Oooh, this may be one of the most intimidating slides in the park - and yet, one of the most fun too! You slide down this face paced ride on long mats . . . head first! You will be sent zooming into darkness before being quickly sent shooting back into the light as you only have milliseconds before getting sent downward in this 8 person race! (The ride is not truly a "race", although it does make it much more interesting to see who can make it down the fastest and farthest.) Riders must be at least 42" to enjoy this slide. Anyone under 48" must wear a life vest. (I'm not arguing with safety here, please keep to mandatory instructions..although I must admit I was slightly confused when reading that as there is no swimming involved with this slide.)
Walhalla Wave & HooRoo Run - These slides are both on the same tower. It will split off as you climb the stairs. Walhalla Wave is a 6-story raft ride that sends you down 'rapids' of twists and turns. HooRoo Run is more intense than Walhalla Wave. From the start it sends you on numerous steep drops all of the way to the bottom. Riders must be at least 42". Anyone under 48" is required to wear a life vest.
Walkabout Waters - This is the ultimate water play land for children! They can have a blast in this 60 foot tall colorful fortress! There is water splashing and spurting from all directions.
Whanau Way - This slide is a blast! There are 4 separate slides (two different styles.). Each slide has it's moments where you will be in darkness appearing in the end as you swiftly plunge down into the pool. The end "drop" is steep, but not too steep to where it is too scary for children. I would say this is a great slide for the family. You use a one or two person tube raft on this ride. All riders must be able to firmly grip the handles of their raft without assistance.
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Current prices are as follows:
Florida Residents: $38.95 Adult $32.95 Child (Age 3-9)
Regular Admission: $38.95 Adult $32.95 Child (Age 3-9)
Please call 1-888-800-5447 or 407-351-3600 to verify pricing has not changed since the time of this article.
All photo rights reserved to Craig D. and 2008 Busch Entertainment Corporation
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