Wet 'n Wild, Orlando
When the sun gets hot, this exciting aqua park is the go-to place for cool thrills.
Landlocked Orlando may not have an idyllic Atlantic beach, but it can lay claim to the next best thing. As the name suggests, Wet ’n Wild is the place for those of all ages to keep cool and enjoy some fun in the water. There are a huge variety of exhilarating high-speed tube, flume and raft rides, amongst 25 acres (10 hectares) of tropical landscaping.
First opened in 1977, Wet ’n Wild Orlando is one of the oldest major water parks in the United States. Try the near-vertical, 76-feet (23-meter) drop of the Bomb Bay; the exhilarating five-story tube ride that is The Surge; or the retro Disco H20, complete with dazzling lights and funky music. Try some traditional water sports with a twist at the Wake Zone with cable-powered knee skiing and wake skating. (There’s an additional cost to the admission fee.)
A more relaxing pace is at the meandering Lazy River and Surf Lagoon with ample space to lounge in the sun or rent a private cabana. Then there's Wet ’n Wild’s Blastaway Beach, a sandcastle-themed water playground featuring 15 slides and waterfalls specially designed for families with young kids. It is the largest family water play area of its kind in Florida.
Wet ’n Wild’s qualified lifeguards are on duty throughout the day. Visitors have access to showers, all-day lockers, free life vests and towel rental.
Located on International Drive, Wet ’n Wild is less than two miles (3.2 kilometers) from Universal Studios. Pay to park on-site or use the I-Ride Trolley service, which stops at a number of attractions along International Drive.
The water park is open every day but reduced amenities or closure can occur during bad weather. It is less crowded on weekdays and earlier in the day.