Aside from the incredible theme parks, Orlando is known for being HOT, especially during the summer months. So what could be a better way to cool off when the Sunshine State is living up to its name than with a drenching on one of the many water rides in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld, and more?
We’ve put together a list of some of the best, and steepest, water rides in Orlando so you know when to have those ponchos at the ready during your visit to the Florida theme parks.
Orlando water rides at a glance
Ride | Theme Park | Type of ride | How wet will I get? |
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges | Universal Islands of Adventure | River raft | Absolutely drenched |
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls | Universal Islands of Adventure | Log flume | Soaked |
Journey to Atlantis | SeaWorld | Log flume/Roller coaster | Soaked |
Congo River Rapids | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | River raft | Very wet |
Infinity Falls | SeaWorld | River raft | Pretty wet |
Jurassic Park River Adventure | Universal Islands of Adventure | Log flume | You could get soaked |
Kali River Rapids | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park | River raft | Depends where you sit |
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure | Magic Kingdom Park | Log flume | You might get wet |
1. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Where? Universal Islands of Adventure Soaking rating: 10/10
Make sure you pack a poncho for a day at Universal Orlando Resort because this ride is going to leave you soaked! This fun attraction is of course inspired by Popeye the Sailor. Bluto has taken Olive Oyl and unfortunately for you, the only way to save her is by taking on an 18-foot octopus and LOTS of water. Look out for other park guests firing water cannons at you when you least expect it… that’s when buckets of water aren’t being dropped on your head! Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges reaches speeds of up to 11mph, and with a raft that’s constantly turning and bobbing absolutely no one is safe from being splashed.
2. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Where? Universal Islands of Adventure Soaking rating: 8/10
Thanks to the 75-foot drop and speeds of up to 45mph, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls will have you cooled off from the Florida heat in no time! This flume ride will transport you to a cartoon world, where you follow Dudley Do-Right as he saves Nell Fenwick from Snidely Whiplash… but when you come face to face with runaway trains and dynamite explosions, there are plenty of opportunities for riders to get soaked as they go.
3. Journey to Atlantis
Where? SeaWorld Orlando Soaking rating: 8/10
If you love water rides, you must try Journey to Atlantis at SeaWorld. This attraction is a unique flume ride/roller coaster hybrid with lots of surprises. You’ll start off on a calm water ride, venturing through dark passageways, before the attraction turns into more of a coaster experience with an exhilarating 60-foot drop that ends with a huge splash! We don’t want to give too much away, so you’ll have to try it for yourself to find out why the surprises make this ride so great.
4. Congo River Rapids
Where? Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Soaking rating: 7/10
Like all river rapids, no one is safe from getting a soaking on the Congo River Rapids as your raft twists and turns with the water. As you journey down the Congo, expect water jets, waterfalls, and caves that will have water coming at you from all angles; above, sideways, and even from the river below you. And watch out for any bystanders looking to get their revenge with water canons on the banks of the ride!
5. Infinity Falls
Where? SeaWorld Orlando Soaking rating: 6/10
Infinity Falls is a record-breaking attraction, thanks to its 40-foot drop making it the tallest river rapid drop ride in the world… which means it’s pretty likely you’re going to get wet! Infinity Falls is all about water and is inspired by the fact that water takes up more than 70% of our planet. As you embark on your river adventure, you’ll get to take on the role of conservationist in this unique ride experience.
6. Jurassic Park River Adventure
Where? Universal Islands of Adventure Soaking rating: 5/10
It doesn’t matter if you’re a huge Jurassic Park fan or you haven’t seen a single movie in the franchise, because if you’re a serious thrill seeker, you’re going to absolutely love this water ride. If you think this is going to be a nice relaxing journey though, you’re very wrong. Your raft will pass by several dinosaurs before taking a wrong turn into the restricted section of Jurassic Park. You’ll find yourself in total darkness before coming face to face with a huge T-Rex and battling a staggering 85-foot drop! You might get lucky and come off this ride with just a few splashes, but some of you definitely won’t make it down that drop with dry clothes.
Want to experience more thrills? Check out our overview of the best drop rides in Orlando, including Jurassic Park River Adventure.
7. Kali River Rapids
Where? Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Soaking rating: 4/10
This fun-filled ride is perfect for the whole family as you can all enjoy it together. Hold on tight though, as this white-water adventure offers a bumpy ride. You’ll climb a 90-foot hill and journey through a lush jungle landscape, passing bubbling geysers and rushing waterfalls along the way. Be prepared to get wet as the current gets stronger and you plunge down a 20-foot slope.
8. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Where? Magic Kingdom Park Soaking rating: 3/10
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is now the newest ride at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, after it replaced Splash Mountain. This attraction now takes you on a journey down the bayou with Tiana, Louis, and their friends, as you find musicians to play at their Mari Gras celebration, but one thing is the same - the 52ft drop at the climax of the ride! Whether or not you get soaked on this ride will all depend on where you are sitting.
Best water rides for kids in Orlando
If your little ones aren’t quite ready for the big drops and thrills that come with the water rides mentioned above, here are some of our favourite attractions that will still give them a good splashing!
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish (Universal Islands of Adventure) - these cheeky fish are out to get you so listen to the song lyrics as you move your fish up and down to stop yourself from being splashed… unless of course that’s your aim on a hot Floridian day!
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana (EPCOT) - this self-guided trail is fun for all ages, but kids especially will love the interactive stations that will cool them off while teaching them about the world’s water cycle. As you explore, it’s up to you whether you want to get wet or stick to the dry path.
- Battle of Bricksburg (LEGOLAND Florida) - the whole family can help defend Bricksburg from the evil DUPLO alien invaders by spraying them with water… but watch out because you’ll likely end up as collateral damage
- COMING SOON - Fyre Drill (Universal Epic Universe) - from May 22nd 2025, you can join Ruffnut and Tuffnut in How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk to take part in an interactive Viking boat battle as you shoot water canons at flame-like targets
Plus, don’t forget to pack a swimming costume, because many of the Orlando theme parks have splash pads and water play areas for your little ones, like the Rubber Duckie Water Works at SeaWorld and the Muddy Puddles Splash Pad at Peppa Pig Theme Park.
Want to experience all these water rides on your trip to Orlando? Check out our Orlando attraction tickets to get access to all this and more!
