The Top Best Water Parks In Orlando 2023

The question really is, which water parks should you try first. The choices are many.  You’ll find plenty of themed and entertaining water parks that offer a range of “adventure” level, from slow and easy to adrenaline pumping thrill rides. Spend a day in a polar themed park, or a storm-tossed lagoon. Drop in on a Rainforest, or a River Village. Orlando water parks have it all and you’ll want to be sure to include at least one aquatic adventure in your visit.

Talk about water parks “Orlando style!”The concept of this water park is quirky and fun. Sporting a polar theme, it is presented as Florida’s only outdoor ski resort, which is melting in the Florida sun. Because of the heat, the park is transformed into an aquatic venue that mixes snow-capped mountains with water slides bringing you to the sandy beaches below. Mount Gushmore, one of the world’s tallest and fastest waterslides is the highlight of this water park. Families of up to six people can experience a whitewater raft together at Teamboat Springs.
And for a milder and more relaxing experience, grab a tube and drift on the lazy river. The day will fly by for the entire family at this wonderful water park. 

This top water park features over 10 water slides, including  the favorite “Crush ‘n’ Gusher” which is a 2-person roller coaster raft-like water slide. For the adrenaline junkie, the “Humunga Kowabunga” is an excellent choice with its five steep heart-stopping drops that will make you hold on for dear life.  In addition to the heart-pounding slides, there’s Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool which is perfect for surfers as the underwater turbines generate a 6-foot wave. Ticketed guests can also jump in the tanks to swim with stingrays, sharks, as well as tropical fish at the Shark Reef. 

If you want to try a new ride, then head to Aquatica Orlando which is one of the newest water parks in the area. It’s located at SeaWorld, which is south of downtown Orlando. Check out Ray Rush, a new family raft ride, or Breakaway Falls, the tallest and steepest multi-drop ride in Orlando. Along with the slides and water attractions, most guests flock to the “Dolphin Plunge,” a ride that shoots you through transparent tube slides with dolphins swimming around you in the surrounding pool. This 59-acre park is open all year long, with tickets priced at $47 for Aquatica. If you want to get passes for both Aquatica and SeaWorld, the cost will be $126

This stunning park is divided into four “lands” with the impressive 200-foot-tall Krakatau volcano towering above. Volcano Bay has the Rainforest Village which combines relaxation with action, in various attractions like the Taniwha Tubes. Volcano Bay of Universal Orlando also has an area for their younger guests in the River Village where they can check out Tot Tiki Reef, Honu ika Moana, Kopiko Wai Winding River, and the Runamukka Reef. Krakatau Aqua Coaster is another thrill ride that your kids will love. If you’re looking for a tranquil spot to hang out with the whole family, try The Reef and the Waturi Beach at the Wave Village. And don’t miss the Ko-okiri Body Plunge to get that adrenaline rush you’re looking for. While you’re here, why not splurge and rent a cabana so you can take a break and get some cool relaxation? Don’t worry about hungry little mouths because there are more than 60 unique items served here from the eateries dotting the park.  And no worries if you forget the sunscreen, because the park’s shops sell everything you’ll need for some fun under the sun with souvenirs, beach supplies, and more. 

This park is meant for kids and their families with, of course, a focus on creativity. Before you head out to LEGOLAND water park, make sure that your kids know how to do a cannonball and have their building skills ready, especially when they go to the Build-a-Raft River where they can build their own LEGO rafts for sailing on the 1,000-foot lazy river. How’s that for entertainment? Check out the Creative Cove too because children’s play here is transformed into a challenging venture as they are taught to build their own boat, which they can then race with one another. On the other hand, if your kids want to do the racing on their own, Twin Chasers is their best bet, as this intertwining pair of enclosed water slides reaches up to 375 feet. The LEGO Wave Pool is for those who are looking for gentler rides as the wave generated here is suitable for all ages .

Situated at Westgate Town Center Resort & Spa, Shipwreck Island Water Park allows you to play in relaxed comfort as it is generally not nearly as crowded as the other water parks in Orlando. The highlight of this water resort is the huge pirate ship that sits in the middle of the upper level of the resort. Called “Black Bear’s Pirate Ship,” this is a great playground for you and your kids to play in. As you explore this pirate’s ship, you’ll discover slippery water slides, water fountains, and a whole lot more. Chill out in the lazy river that circles the upper level of the water park where you’ll find areas like splash zones, mysterious caves, and other outlets where you can stop for a while to play. What else will you find here? This park also features water slides, a fully enclosed tube drop slide, and a zero-entry splash zone as well. There are several restaurants and pool bars nearby, too, when you’re ready to take a food break.

When it comes to water parks in Orlando, there’s one that’s considered to be the best-kept secret, and offers one of the best experiences in the city in terms of water parks. What sets Discovery Cove apart from other competitors is that you’ll find it to be laidback, tranquil, and soothing for everyone. After you check in with the resort’s staff, you’re free to explore, drink, relax, eat, and enjoy what the resort has to offer at your own pace. Discovery Cove manages to incorporate the beauty of nature with the tranquil atmosphere of a spa. The headliner here is swimming with the dolphins. The Dolphin Lagoon provides a 30 minute experience with the majestic dolphins where they will play and entertain. Check out their upgrades such as SeaVenture where scuba and snorkeling are combined, and get the chance to swim with the sharks, and even try to feed stingrays too. But don’t miss out on the dolphin experience as it is one of the best features of this water park. 

Ready to take a day trip and explore more of Florida? Another great water park is Buccaneer Bay, which is in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, just under 2 hours west from Orlando. Here you’ll find a lazy river, water slides, a vast spring-fed pool, and more. This water park is open almost all of the months out of the year except for February and March. 

Another fun day trip? Take a one hour trip over to famous Daytona Beach and visit Daytona Lagoon. It’s likely to be much less crowded than other water parks; however, it still has plenty to offer. From the water play area for the kids to tube slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and speed slides, there’s more to this water park resort than just what meets the eye. This resort is part of Daytona's entertainment center which features a rock wall, mini-golf, laser tag, and even go-karts, to name a few.

If you’re passing through  the West Palm Beach area, make sure to check out Rapids Water Park which is a large-sized resort with a wave pool, a lazy river, FlowRider surfing ride, body slides, funnel ride, launch capsule slides, and tube slides to name a few.

When it comes to water parks Orlando has it all. Don’t overlook the chance to have an awesome aquatic adventure and cool off at one of these great water parks. 

[1] VisitOrlando; Orlando Water Parks, 2019.
[2] WestGate Resorts; A Vacationer's Guide to the Best Water Parks in Orlando, Jayleen Nazario, December 18, 2018.
[3] tripsavvy; Florida Has Some of the World's Best Water Parks, Arthur Levine, June 3, 2019.