Orlando's four water parks compared
Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Volcano Bay and Aquatica. Which ticket includes which, and which to use.
Orlando has four major water parks and most UK tickets include at least one, which is why the choice is rarely about buying a ticket and more about which one to use. Here is how they compare.
Typhoon Lagoon (Disney)
Included in the Disney Magic Tickets. The centrepiece is one of the largest wave pools in the world, with proper surfable waves, and the theming is a storm-wrecked tropical island. Good body slides, a family raft ride, and a lazy river. It is the more relaxed of Disney's two parks and the better one for younger children.
Blizzard Beach (Disney)
Also included in the Magic Tickets. A melting ski resort, with Summit Plummet, a near-vertical 120-foot drop that is one of the tallest free-fall slides anywhere. Steeper slides, more thrills, a chairlift to the top. Disney closes one of its two water parks each year for refurbishment, so check which is open for your dates.
Volcano Bay (Universal)
Included in the Universal All Parks Ticket, not the 3-Park ticket. The best-designed of the four, with a wearable band that puts you in a virtual queue so you sit by the pool instead of on stairs. The Krakatau Aqua Coaster is the best water ride in Orlando. Excellent for teenagers and adults; slightly less for small children.
Aquatica (SeaWorld)
Included in the SeaWorld tickets. A large, colourful park with big slides, a good lazy river, and Roa's Rapids, a fast-moving river that is more fun than any lazy river. Less crowded than the other three, cheaper on its own, and free parking on the Ultimate ticket. A very good rest-day park.
Which to use
- With young children: Typhoon Lagoon.
- With thrill-seekers: Blizzard Beach for Summit Plummet, Volcano Bay for everything else.
- For a quiet day: Aquatica.
- If you have only one water park day and all the tickets: Volcano Bay.
Practical notes
All four rent lockers and towels; bring your own towels to save money. Sun cream, water shoes and a rash vest for children make the day. Afternoons in summer bring thunderstorms that close the slides for an hour, so go early.
