5 of the Best Water Parks in Orlando

Here we take a closer look at five of the best water parks to visit during your stay in Orlando.

What is the best water park to go to in Orlando?

All the water parks in Orlando offer an amazing day out with epic water slides and lots of splashing good fun. The best water park will depend on what you’re looking for, so we’ve put together this post to help you decide. Of course, you don’t need to stick to just one!

1. Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park

Where: Universal Orlando Resort

Top attractions:

• Krakatau Aqua Coaster
• Ko’okiri Body Plunge
• Tot Tiki Reef
• Runamukka Reef

Volcano Bay opened in 2017 and is Universal Orlando’s first water park. The tropical-themed park surrounds the 200ft (61 metre) Krakatau Volcano which overlooks a huge beach, thrill slides, two lazy rivers, and a unique aqua coaster.

The Krakatau Aqua Coaster is part water slide, part roller coaster and sends you on a journey full of twists, turns, and drops in an inflatable log boat.

The more daring in your group can attempt the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, the tallest body slide in America. Standing in a closed capsule, the deafening sound of drumming reaches a tense crescendo before a trap door in the floor opens, dropping you 125 feet (38 metres) to the ground below. This is definitely not one for the faint-hearted!

This Orlando water park is within walking distance of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal’s Aventura Hotel, and they even have their own dedicated entrance to the park. We like the sound of a day relaxing on the beach and cruising around the lazy river after pounding the theme park pavements – that’s our kind of holiday!

For children: For the little ones, there are two huge kids splash areas at Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park: Tot Tiki Reef and Runamukka Reef.

Tickets: With the Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer ticket, you can visit as many times as you like within a 14-day period. 

2. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Where: Walt Disney World Resort

Top attractions:

• Miss Adventure Falls
• Ketchakiddee Creek
• Crush ‘n’ Gusher

The story behind Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in Orlando is that a huge storm caused a shipwreck and created the unique landscape that surrounds Mount Mayday. The result is curious covers, curling palm trees, and lots of secluded spots. It’s ideal for sunbathing.

This is the ideal Disney water park for families as it offers plenty of shade, splash pools for younger guests, and family-friendly rides. One of the best flumes at the park is a family raft ride called Miss Adventure Falls, a gentle slide that glides through a tunnel and takes more than a few twists and turns.

For the adrenaline junkies, a ride on Crush ‘n’ Gusher, a thrilling water coaster, is just the ticket. Head into an abandoned fruit processing plant before you slide down a 400ft (122 metre) long tube. There are three tubes to choose from and you can ride alone or with someone else. Sudden drops, sharp turns, uphill climbs, and plunges make this one not to be missed.

This was one of the first ever themed water parks to open in Orlando and the lush gardens that line the winding pathways are beautiful and bountiful. It’s an ideal place to relax, away from the theme parks, even if you don’t plan on riding any of the slides – perfect if you’ve got a mixture of thrill-seekers and less adventurous types in your group.

For children: Little ones can head to Ketchakiddee Creek to splash around in shallow pools, try some mini waterslides, and explore a cave with a waterfall.

Tickets: Disney 7-Day Magic Tickets and Disney 14-Day Magic Tickets include entry to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in Florida.

3. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Where: Walt Disney World Resort

Top attractions:

• Summit Plummet – 3rd tallest freefall body slide in the world
• Snow Stormers
• Slush Gusher
• Ski Patrol Training Camp

After a freak snowstorm, the sun came out and melted the ice and snow, creating Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park in Orlando – or so the legend says! This water park has a fun ski theme, complete with a melting mountain – Mt. Gushmore.

Of the two Disney water parks, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is home to the more adrenaline-fuelled attractions. The main player is Summit Plummet, one of the tallest freefall body slides in the world. It’s so steep you can’t see where you’re about to drop off until it’s too late.

Check out our video to give you some ideas on how to enjoy your day at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, including the view as you plummet from the summit.

Other popular attractions are Snow Stormers, where you can race your family to the bottom on toboggan-style mats, and Slush Gusher, a 90ft (27 metre) high-speed water slide.

If you just want to sit back and enjoy the view, take a leisurely ride to the top of Mt. Gushmore on the chair lift and wave to the daredevils whizzing past you on the slides.

For children: Kids looking to burn off some energy can conquer the Ski Patrol Training Camp, a water-themed assault course.

Tickets: Both the Disney 7-Day Magic Ticket and Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket include entry to Disney’s Blizzard Bay Water Park.

4. Aquatica

Where: SeaWorld Parks

Top attractions:

• Dolphin Plunge
• KareKare Curl
• Taumata Racers
• Ihu’s Breakaway Falls
• Loggerhead Lane lazy river
• Turi’s Kid Cove
• Tamariki Twirl

This is a waterpark with a difference because SeaWorld’s famous marine animals also feature prominently throughout the park. On the totally unique Dolphin Plunge, you’ll slide down a glass tube that runs through a dolphin pool, with black and white Commerson’s dolphins swimming around you.

Aquatica is a fun, energy-filled park with a party atmosphere. Upbeat pop music plays throughout the water park as you enjoy your day.

One of the highlights of the park is KareKare Curl, designed to replicate the weightless feeling of riding on the crest of a wave. Another Aquatica favourite is Taumata Racers, a high-speed competitive mat ride where eight racers rip down a staggeringly steep hill headfirst as the clock registers the winning time. 

The very bravest amongst you will want to take on Ihu’s Breakaway Falls – the steepest multi-drop tower of its kind in Orlando and also the first trap-door drop slide to be built in the area.

You’ll step into a clear box and stand facing the other riders, not knowing who is going to drop first. The floor below you disappears without warning, and you drop 40 feet (12 metres) before racing through a 360-degree spiral slide.

If you fancy taking it easier during your visit, the Loggerhead Lane lazy river passes through a tropical fish tank as well as some surprise splashes and waterfalls. This water park has lots of areas for families to base themselves for the day and is ideal for those guests looking for exciting thrills and slides as well as younger kids and anyone just wanting a relaxing day in the sun.

For children: Children will love Turi’s Kid Cove, where they’ll find watering palms, tipping buckets, spraying jets, and the Tamariki Twirl water slide featuring a smaller version of a half pipe.

Tickets: Entry to Aquatica is included with SeaWorld Parks 3-Visit Ticket, SeaWorld Parks Ultimate Ticket, and SeaWorld and Aquatica 2-Visit Ticket.

5. LEGOLAND Water Park

Where: LEGOLAND Florida

Top attractions:

• Build-a-Raft
• Splash Out
• DUPLO Splash Safari

Calling all LEGO fans! Did you know you can build your own LEGO raft at the LEGOLAND Florida Water Park? The Build-a-Raft river is fun for the big kids (parents!) as well as the little ones as you challenge each other to build the best raft.

The water park is ideal for families, with attractions designed with children and teenagers in mind. Each slide and pool is LEGO-themed but the park isn’t without its fair share of thrills and spills. Splash Out gives you a choice of three slides, all sending you down a 60ft (18 metre) drop before splashing into the pool below.

For children: Most of the park is geared towards children, so you’ll find plenty to keep them busy, and LEGOLAND Water Park is an excellent choice if you want to experience a water park, but you’re not bothered about the big slides.

DUPLO Splash Safari is a water play area where smaller kids and toddlers can safely play amongst large DUPLO-themed animals. The area is specifically designed for children aged six and under.

Tickets: The LEGOLAND Florida 1-Day Water Park Combo Ticket gives you access to both the main theme park and the water park. Between the two, there are over 50 rides and attractions to enjoy.

Packing list for a day at a water park

Here are some essentials that you should bring with you when you visit the water parks:

• Swimsuit
• Towel (check if these are included with your entrance fee)
• Sun cream
• Sun hat/cap
• Sunglasses
• Refillable water bottle
• Cash/credit cards
• Plastic bag for taking wet swimsuits home
• Power bank for charging devices

Now you know which Orlando water parks will be right for you and your family, it’s time to make a splash! Have a look at our great value Orlando attraction tickets to start planning your dream holiday.