My wife, daughter and I arrived at Aquatica at 9 a.m. yesterday. Right at rope drop ...
Photo by Robert Bish
... And almost immediately after we entered SeaWorld's waterpark, we hit a bottleneck. As this huge crowd of people had stopped to stare down into the pool where Aquatica's star attractions, those Commerson's Dolphins ...
Photo by Robert Bish
... swim. Mind you, these folks were also checking out the two acrylic tubes that you slide through as you zoom down Dolphin Plunge.
Photo by Robert Bish
And they must have liked what they saw. For within moments, there was a huge line for this Aquatica attraction.
Photo by Robert Bish
Of course, if you weren't willing to wait in the Dolphin Plunge line in order to see those Commerson's Dolphins, you could always grab a tube and float down Loggerhead Lane. Which actually took you under the pool where these sea mammals were kept.
Photo by Robert Bish
And if you found Loggerhead Lane to be a bit too placid ... Well, there was always Roa's Rapids. Which is like this Lazy River attraction that's on crack. Given that it just whizzes you along at warp speed.
Photo by Robert Bish
And if you really feel the need for speed, then you have to check the Taumata Racers. Which allows 8 different Aquatica visitors to race against each other at the same time.
Photo by Robert Bish
My daughter, Sydney, took a pass on that. Preferring to go check Aquatica's kiddie play area, Walkabout Waters. Which she gave very high marks to.
Photo by Robert Bish
Another nice aspect of SeaWorld's latest addition is its theming. The way that this new waterpark mixes a bold color palate with stylized aboriginal artwork does give Aquatica a distinctly different look & feel. Of course, to nail home the idea that you're supposedly splashing around somewhere out there in the Outback, all of the in-park PA announcements were pre-recorded by an actor using an Australian accent.
Photo by Robert Bish
All in all, my family and I had a great time at Aquatica's first annual passholder preview day. And given the amount of fun that we had exploring SeaWorld's waterpark, I'm genuinely glad that my family and I sprang for the annual passes. Because I'm sure that we'll be coming back here soon. Given that Aquatica seriously raises the bar when it comes to waterparks in the Orlando area.
Though -- that said -- SeaWorld may still need a little help when it comes to proof-reading Aquatica's signage ...
Photo by Robert Bish
Technically, Aquatica isn't open to the public yet. Though now through the end of the month, SeaWorld Orlando will be allowing select groups of people to come in and try out their new waterpark. Starting on March 1st, Aquatica officially opens its doors to the general public. Though the grand opening of SeaWorld's waterpark won't actually be held 'til sometime in mid-April.
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