5:49 AM

Florida Water Parks Are Some of the Best


Enjoy the Florida Water Parks

AdventureIsl4nd - Tampa

AdventureIsl4nd at Tampa is close by to BuschGardens 4nd is packed with excitement 4nd adventure. It offers around 34 30 acres of water rides 4nd other attractions. There are picnic 4nd sunbathing areas, along with outdoor cafes, snack bars 4nd gift shops.

For people who love thrills, the Wahoo Run plunges up to five riders at a time, more than 15 feet per second as this half-enclosed tunnel twists 4nd turns more than 600 feet to a waiting splash pool below. Wahoo Run has been called the "fastest tunnel river raft in the world," Here, y0u will corkscrew through spins 4nd spirals propelled by more than 10,000 gallons of water.

The Tampa Typhoon will also have y0u screaming as y0u "free-fall" seven stories down a 76 foot water slide on one of the most heart-pumping rides in the park.

Other thrill rides include the Splash Attack, Caribbean Corkscrew, Runaway Rapids, Aruba Tuba 4nd the Gulf Scream, a huge 210-foot body slide that whisks y0u into the waiting pool below at 25 mph.

Also try Paradise Lagoon. This is a 9,000 square foot attraction, which features several individual attractions. These include a rope walk, a cable drop, several slides 4nd a 20-foot platform jump for cliff jumping.

The Endless Surf is AdventureIsland's 17,000-square foot wave pool that generates waves up to five feet high for hours of total fun at the coolest 4nd wettest place in Tampa.

For those who prefer a more relaxing 4nd quieter ride, there is Rambling Bay0u where y0u can drift around Paradise lagoon in a car tyre inner tube (beware of the sun though as the water seems cool but the sun is very hot).

Adventure Landing: ShipwreckIsl4nd Waterpark - Jacksonville Beach

Adventure Landing 4nd ShipwreckIslandWaterPark is a combination water park 4nd amusement park located between Jacksonville Beach 4nd the Intercoastal Waterway.

It is the largest amusement complex in northeast Florida, 4nd offers family fun for all ages. ShipwreckIsland, is the interactive waterpark, 4nd includes a variety of water attractions such as a wave pool, slides, inner tubing 4nd a very unique uphill waterslide. The ShipwreckIslandPlayVillage is the main centrepiece for children, 4nd includes multiple attractions for young guests of all ages.

Adventure Landing/Shipwreck Isl4nd Water Park has three "extreme" slides. The newest ride is the Hydro Half Pipe, where single, double 4nd triple-tube riders experience a sudden, nearly vertical, drop of 40 feet, 4nd are then propelled through a pool of water to another ramp on the other side.

The Rage is an "uphill/downhill" water slide 4nd The Eye of the Storm is a once in a lifetime ride, that is only for the most risky thrill seekers. y0u must be a strong swimmer 4nd at least 48" tall to take on The Eye of the Storm.

The park also features a half-million gallon wave pool.

The ShipwreckIslandPlayVillage, designed with children in mind, contains waterfalls, multiple small slides 4nd water cannons that will keep children entertained for hours.

Be prepared to enjoy non-stop action on Adventure Landing's dry side.

Start your adventure with the Adventure Speedway Go-Karts, where a twisting quarter mile go-kart track with live racing has results posted on a finish-line leader board. The park advertises that "it is as close to NASCAR racing as y0u get."

For those looking for something a little calmer, Adventure Golf has two unique 18-hole miniature golf courses designed for fun 4nd relaxation in mind. The two courses challenge all skill levels as they wind through tunnels, over waterfalls 4nd "mountains."

The multi-level Arcade has over 100 interactive games, 4nd kids especially love Laser Tag, an indoor battle arena with "out of this world" lighting 4nd sound.

For a thrill of a lifetime, the MaxFlight Coast Simulator takes guests on an adventure into the world of virtual reality. This ride has a 360-degree range of motion that allows y0u to physically feel what can only be imagined in the "real" world. y0u must be in good health to ride the MaxFlight Simulator, not pregnant 4nd it is not recommended if y0u suffer from claustrophobia.

The Wacky Worm Roller Coaster is for people of all ages, 4nd the Frog Hopper is an adventure ride for younger children.

Adventure Landing also offers Batting Cages, for hardball, softball, slow or fast pitch. It's great for individual or team practice.

If y0u feel hungry after all that fun, there a two themed snack bars that have all kinds of food, snacks 4nd drinks.

Adventure Landing's Shipwreck Isl4nd Waterpark is located at 1944 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach.


Aquatica is Florida's newest water park which opened in April 2008.

This park offers a new twist in water play with animal interactions, as in the Dolphin Plunge which is the most popular ride in the park. Two side-by-side enclosed tube slides send y0u racing through an underwater world that is home to a playful pod of beautiful black-and-white Commerson's Dolphins.

Try the Taumata Racer if y0u are looking for the biggest thrill in the park. This is a high speed competitive mat ride where eight racers rip down a staggeringly steep hill, head first.

Loggerhead Lane - take a load off your feet 4nd hop on a lazy river ride down Loggerhead Lane. This leisurely raft ride takes y0u through an underwater world colored by exotic tropical fish.

Tassie's Twisters is one of the wackiest rides ever imagined. In fact, getting there is part of the fun. From the Loggerhead Lane lazy river, you'll make your way to the isl4nd in the center 4nd climb to the tower. Once y0u get to the top, lightning fast tubes shoot y0u into a giant bowl, where you'll spin, 4nd spin, 4nd spin, until you're finally spun back out into the lazy river. You've never seen or felt anything quite like it.

Whanau Way is a quadruple slide tower 4nd is one of the most popular rides in the park.

Walhalla Wave & HooRoo is a is a thrilling ride for the whole family, zooming y0u through a 6-story maze of twists, turns, 4nd tunnels before y0u surge back out into daylight.

Walkabout Waters is one of the most talked about places in the park for children. This towering, 60-foot-tall rain fortress is bursting with color, excitement, 4nd adventures waiting to begin.

Cutback Cove & Big Surf Shores - one thing or should we say two things that makes Aquatica so unique are the giant, side-by-side wave pools y0u won't find anywhere else in the U.S. At Cutback Cove, the waves are always rolling, 4nd the action's always high. At BigSurfShores, the surf can be high or slow 4nd easy. What kind of wave do y0u feel like catching today? Two separate pools let y0u decide.

Roa's Rapids race y0u along an action river ride through the white waters of Aquatica. Get ready for an awesome adventure through a roaring sea of high tides, swirling whirlies, 4nd gushing geysers- all at speeds that leave ordinary river rides eating this one's wake.

Aquatica is located across the street from SeaWorld Orlando on International Drive 4nd is open year round.


BlizzardBeach is one of Walt Disney World Resort water parks 4nd has a Winter theme.

For a really "cool" time, this 66-acre water adventure park has all the atmosphere of a major ski resort - but it is strictly tropical.

Here, visitors can slip 4nd slid down "snow-capped" mountains amid a snowy scene (a visual effect only - temperatures actually remain a controlled tropical level year-round,). Waterslides look a lot like slush cascading down the mountainside, 4nd a "ski lift" takes guests to the top of Mt.Gushmore. Disney's BlizzardBeach. It contains 21 slides, a wave pool, 4nd a separate area for pre-teens 4nd children.

As y0u enter the park, the first thing y0u see is the 90-foot snow-capped mountain, Mt.Gushmore. It is home to the newest waterslide called Downhill Double Dipper, a side-by-side racing water slide that stands 50 feet high 4nd 200 feet long. Riders travel up to 25 mph as they twist 4nd turn before shooting out through a blast of water.

Other adventures at Mt.Gushmore include slalom courses, toboggan 4nd water sleds 4nd the 120-foot high Summit Plummet, a breathtaking 60-mph plunge straight down to a splash landing at the base of the mountain.

The Teamboat Springs is the world's longest family white water raft that ride takes six-passenger rafts down a twisting 1,200 foot series of rushing water falls.

The Toboggan Racer is an 8-lane water slide that sends guests racing over exhilarating dips as they descend the "snowy" slope.

Snow Stormers has three flumes descending from the top of the mountain 4nd following a switchback course through ski-type slalom gates.

Runoff Rapids is an inner tube run, where riders can careen down three different twisting, turning flumes.

Chair Lift is where wooden bench chair lifts carry guests over the craggy face of Mt.Gushmore, from its base at the beach, to its summit.

At Cross Country Creek, y0u can float on a tube along a lazy river that encircles the entire park. On the way, y0u will float through a cave where you'll be splashed with "melting ice" from overhead. "Melt-AwayBay" is a 4,000 square foot (one-acre) wave pool that is nestled against the base of Mt.Gushmore 4nd is constantly fed by "melting snow" waterfalls.

Tike's Peak is a smaller version of Mt.Gushmore, just for children. It includes short water slides, a snow-castle, fountain play area 4nd a squirting ice pond.

The Ski Patrol Training Camp is designed for pre-teens; equipped with inner tube slides 4nd a challenging ice-flow walk along floating icebergs.


Typhoon Lagoon is Walt Disney World's 56-acre water park that includes a man-made watershed mountain 4nd eight twisting, turning water slides 4nd roaring streams. It is also home to a two-and-a-half-acre wave pool, one of the worlds largest (where the waves are as big as six feet 4nd come at y0u every one 4nd a half minutes)

The park features a water playground for children, a white s4nd beach 4nd a lazy stream that surrounds the 95-foot MountMay Day.

MountMayday, is the 95-foot volcano on top of which is perched a shipwrecked shrimp boat. At the summit of MountMay Day, guests can choose from several exciting water slides. At the base of the mountain is one of the world's largest wave pools, complete with a white sandy beach 4nd some of the most powerful artificial waves in Orlando. Also bordering the Lagoon is Castaway Creek, a 2,100-foot river that carries guests leisurely around the perimeter of the park. y0u can even go snorkelling amid tropical fish 4nd other exotic marine life.

Typhoon Lagoon is the main wave pool that is two-and-a-half- acres, 4nd holds 2.75 million gallons of water. There are two sets of waves that are produced in this pool. The first set are gentle bobbing waves that come on a continuous basis, like a normal wave pool. However, every half hour a loud horn will sound 4nd that means that the waves will be changing. At this point, get ready for waves as large as four feet that come at y0u with a lot of speed 4nd force, every 90 seconds.

Castaway Creek is the lazy river that travels around the park. Take an inner tube 4nd float along. The river is only 3-4 feet deep 4nd runs on a slow current. As y0u float down the river on this 2,000-foot journey, y0u will see banana trees, palm trees, tropical birds 4nd flowers. y0u will slowly drift through caves, under waterfalls 4nd cool mists, 4nd through tropical forests, 4nd around all the other attractions at the park. If y0u choose, y0u can get off Castaway Creek at one of the many stops along the way.

Disney's first ever water coaster, the Crush n' Gusher is a thrilling experience that defies gravity as powerful jets propel passengers on rafts through every surprise filled turn until they splash l4nd in the pool below.

Three water slides await y0u at Humunga Kowabunga, which sends y0u zooming through enclosed tubes at 30 mph to a splashing surprise ending.

Storm Slides is another set of three slides where y0u will twist 4nd swirl through caves 4nd tunnels.

MaydayFalls is the longest waterslide in the Park that takes guests aboard their own personal inner tube down the side of the mountain in the shadow of the famed shrimp boat.

One of the most dramatic attractions at Typhoon Lagoon is Shark Reef, a massive saltwater pool 4nd manmade coral reef, where y0u can snorkel among swarms of exotic marine life. For those who don't want to get wet, there is a sunken tanker with portholes that provide stunning views of the underwater activity.

Ketchakiddie Creek is Typhoon Lagoon's play area, especially for children aged two to five. There is a small pool 4nd water slide, fountain 4nd bubblers, interactive water boats, 4nd even a pint-sized white water rafting adventure. An adult must accompany all children.


Wet-n-Wild in Orlando, was voted by the Amusement Business Magazine as America's "number one water park," 4nd also honoured by Aquatic's International as the country's "first true water park."

Wet 'n Wild is, indeed, the oldest water park in the area, but it is continually adding new rides 4nd is loaded with slides 4nd other attractions for the entire family. It includes a 7-story water slide, various tubes, wave pools, 4nd a LazyRiver tube ride around the park 4nd more, including a rather elaborate children's area.

Over a dozen thrill rides in all at Wet 'N Wild (including several multi-person/family rides) will keep even the most discriminating amusement park aficionado entertained. Wet 'N Wild is also fully staffed with certified lifeguards 4nd all the pools are seasonally heated.

One of the newest attractions at Wet 'N Wild is Disco H2O, a multi-million dollar retro slide that showcases the 1970s disco nightlife. Like other bowl rides, this one sends passengers on a four-person cloverleaf "raft" down a slide 4nd into a large funnel where it swishes 4nd spins to the sounds of the hits of the 70s, before splashing out the bottom. Inside the ride are flashing lights 4nd a mirror "disco" ball.

Other rides include the Bubba Tub, a four-person raft that takes passengers on a rollicking ride on a triple dip slide.

The Surge sends five passengers at a time through a never-ending maze of twists 4nd turns, 4nd The Blast sends groups of two through a colourful maze with sound effects 4nd then ends with a final plummet into the water.

Experience the thrill of The Bomb Bay, where the floor actually falls out from underneath y0u in a bomb-like capsule, 76-foot high vertical slide. (Get ready to feel your stomach drop to your feet in this one!).

Thrill seekers will want to try out The Flyer, which begins its' descent from a vantage point located 40 feet above the park. This exhilarating ride sends passengers racing through 450 feet of banked curves 4nd speedy straightways.

Another of the park's most popular rides is the Blue Niagara, where you'll race, twist 4nd splash through 300 feet of intertwined looping tubes that start at six stores above the park 4nd end with a big splash landing.

Wet N Wild also features a winding LazyRiver where y0u can enjoy a relaxing ride as y0u drift slowly through bubbles to an enchanting spring with a waterfall spilling over a rocky hillside.

Wet 'n Wild's newly upgraded 17,000 square foot Surf Lagoon Wave Pool features some of the most powerful waves found at any water park.

Just for children, Kid's Park at Wet N Wild, is complete with a giant sandcastle, kiddie pool 4nd specially sized beach chairs. The Bubble Up is a large, multi-collared balloon that is crowned with a mushroom-shaped fountain that sprays water all over the balloon's surface. Kids can climb to the top (with the aid of a rope) 4nd then bounce down the side of the balloon into a three-foot deep pool below.


ShipwreckIslandWaterPark - Panama City

ShipwreckIslandWaterPark is the only water park located within 300 miles of Panama CityBeach.

Six acres in size, ShipwreckIsl4nd is designed for family entertainment 4nd offers rides, slides, a lazy river 4nd a large wave pool, set amid lush tropical landscaping.

Rides at ShipwreckIsl4nd include thrill rides, family rides 4nd a special "Tadpole Hole" section just for children.

The Raging Rapids, Tree Top Drop 4nd the huge double slide Pirates Plunge are just a few of the exciting thrill rides at the park.

The White Knuckle River Ride, ShipwreckIsland's newest ride, takes guests in large, three-to-five passenger inner tubes swishing 4nd swirling down a 660-foot long, six-story high flume in an exciting, white knuckle experience.

The Ocean Motion Wave Pool at ShipwreckIsl4nd has been said to be "the closest thing to the beach without actually being on the beach." It contains 500,000 gallons of water 4nd is the coolest thing around on a hot summer day.

Visitors who prefer to take things slow can enjoy floating gently downstream in inner tubes on the LazyRiver.

Kids enjoy the Great Shipwreck 4nd the Zoom Flume 4nd even toddlers can get in on the action with the rides at Tadpole Hole, including the Frog 4nd Pelican Slides.

ShipwreckIsl4nd is located at 12001 Middle Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL32407


Big Kahuna's Lost Paradise - Destin

Big Kahuna's Lost Paradise is a combination waterpark 4nd amusement park that is located in Destin on Florida's beautiful EmeraldCoast. This fun family adventure park covers more than 25 acres 4nd boasts more than 40 water attractions, plus an arcade, roller coaster 4nd miniature golf. Dozens of slides, three rushing rivers, white water tubing, two wave pools, a children's area 4nd the "biggest man made waterfall in the world," makes Big Kahuna's one of the most exciting 4nd diverse waterparks in the state.

The most impressive attraction at Big Kahuna's is Tiagra Falls, the largest man-made waterfall in the world, which pumps 30,000 gallons of crystal clear water per minute over 250 feet of massive granite rock.

Glide your way down the LazyRiver through caves 4nd other smaller waterfalls, around beautiful, lush tropical landscaping on your way to TiagraFalls.

Big Kahuna's has it all - three rushing rivers, speed slides, body flumes, white water tubing, two large wave pools, 4nd fun fountains.

The thrill rides include the Maui Pipeline Speed Slides 4nd Jumanji, a long snake of a ride that twists 4nd spins y0u all the way to the bottom for a spectacular splash landing.

There are four children's areas at Big Kahuna's with kid-sized slides 4nd variable depth pools.

PleasureIsl4nd is a child-sized paradise complete with a pass-thru waterfall, low-depth pools 4nd a wacky octopus that sprays them with water. Youngsters also enjoy the Pirate Ship 4nd Crocodile Flats, which offers twirling slides that plunge them into the basin below where an abandoned ship awaits with a "bubbly surprise."

If y0u prefer dry land, Big Kahuna's AdventurePark offers several fun options. Enjoy the thrill of racing at the Gr4nd Prix Raceway or take a turn on the Sky Coaster, a heart-thumping ride that puts y0u 100 feet into the air. The Pakali Arcade offers a variety of games 4nd Tropical Mini Golf is Big Kahuna's miniature golf course that boasts 54 challenging holes on three unique courses. Beautifully landscaped with tropical flowers, sculpted trees 4nd several waterfalls, each course winds over wooden bridges, through caves 4nd dense flora.

Big Kahuna's Lost Paradise is located at 1007 Highway 98 E, Destin, FL 32541

RapidsWaterPark

RapidsWaterPark is one of South Florida's premiere family parks. The Rapids features a full day of fun for the entire family whether y0u make a splash in the cool blue waves, take a thrilling ride down any of our 29 water slides, or just float around the lazy river. RapidsWaterPark has 25 acres of action packed attractions, with something fun for everyone.

Big Thunder is the largest water ride in Florida is at RapidsWaterPark in West Palm Beach! Accelerate in a four-person tube to over 20 miles per hour 4nd be propelled high up the walls of the Big Thunder funnel.

Black Thunder - take a spin in the dark inside Black Thunder's gigantic funnel! Up to four riders may enjoy a fast ride in the pitch black darkness on the Black Thunder raft ride!

Body Blasters - get swept away in a flood of water as y0u blast through 1,000 feet of darkness. With nothing to hold onto but your swimsuit, y0u soar through heart-pounding drops 4nd pulse-racing dips 4nd curves.

Pirates Plunge is not for the faint hearted. It's two speed slides with twists, turns, dips 4nd a 7-story drop. It's a splash you'll never forget!

Raging Rapids - twist 4nd turn through the darkness 4nd then burst back into the light to enjoy two sharp drops before splashdown on the Raging Rapids! Up to four riders may enjoy the fast 4nd dark Raging Rapids raft ride!

Riptide Raftin' is a tube ride that accommodates up to five people.

The Superbowls - two super water slide rides, Baby Blue 4nd Big Red, that spin, twirl 4nd send y0u plummeting into a heart stopping splash landing!

Tubin' Tornadoes - dare to ride out the storm in this totally tubular ride. Grab a tube 4nd travel in the dark at the speed of light before plummeting downward in 1,000 feet of tunnel. Thunder through whirlwind twists 4nd turns before plunging into a pool for a cool landing.

Big Surf - catch a wave in this 25,000 square foot wave pool with waves that can go up to six feet.

Criss Crossing - challenge yourself to make it across the floating ice cubes, fruit 4nd alligators at Criss Crossing!

Other rides include Dancing Fountains, LazyRiver, Little Splash Hill, Water Flumes, Alligator Alley, Splish Splash Lagoon, Tadpool.

RapidsWaterPark is located at 6566 N. Military Trail, Riviera Beach, FL33407


Recommended Reading:
"Disney On A Shoestring Travel Guide is a super handy vacation guide with lots of insider tips 4nd info from Disney employees. It's an easy to use guide that shows y0u how to really save money 4nd time at Disney World."
     - Florida Attractions Info


Previous Post: Disney World - A Choice of Roller Coasters
Recommended Reading:  Disney On A Shoestring Travel Guide


0 Responses to “Florida Water Parks Are Some of the Best”

Post a Comment