Aquatica Or Typhoon Lagoon: Plan Your Hot Summer Trip!
Orlando City is never short of options when it comes to welcoming its summer tourists. Known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World”, Orlando City boasts a lot of water parks, reaching two digits!
Two of the most prominent water parks in Orlando are Aquatica and Typhoon Lagoon. And today, we’re going to help you plan your next summer trip to Orlando City.
So, which water park is the best, Aquatica or Typhoon lagoon?
Aquatica has a better overall landscape and bigger rides compared to typhoon lagoon. In fact, Aquatica is about 23 times bigger than the Typhoon lagoon. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is based on a stormy tropical island theme while Aquatica replicates the south sea.
Packing your travel bags already? Hold on! There’s much more you should know about the two destinations before jumping to any conclusion. And we’ll help you with that.
Let’s begin.
Quick Comparison
We’ll start off with a quick overview of the two water parks. Here’s a side-by-side comparison between Aquatica vs typhoon lagoon:
| Aspects | Aquatica | Typhoon Lagoon |
| Owned & Operated By | SeaWorld | Disney |
| Landscape Area | 59 acres | 2.5 acres |
| Theme | South sea and the wildlife | Typhoon on tropical island |
| Requires pre-reservation | Yes | No |
| No. of rides | 12 | 11 |
| Award-winning | Yes | No |
That’s the sneak peek! Now, let’s move on to the detailed comparison.
Source: clickorlando.com
Fly
Both Aquatica and typhoon lagoon are situated in the city of Orlando, USA. So, whether you visit Aquatica or typhoon lagoon, the destination is Orlando International Airport (MCO).
It’s 13.8 miles away from the Aquatica water park and takes a 40 min ride. From there you can go to the south downtown shuttle, bus, or taxis. If you bring your own car you can rent a parking place for $30.
Another nearest airport would be Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). It’s 29.5 miles away from Orlando city. You can take a bus, taxi, or rent-a-car service to reach Orlando from there.
The Fly route for typhoon lagoon is also the same. The Orlando international airport is 20 miles away from it. It takes 20 mins drive to reach the water park from there.
On the other hand, Orlando Sanford International Airport is 50 miles away from the typhoon lagoon. So, the better choice would be to take the flight to MCO.
If you’re looking to visit from California, there are some great routes from California to Florida.
There are many bus and taxi services available in Orlando. By shuttle, it’ll take you 50 minutes to reach there. You can bring your own vehicle as well. Typhoon Lagoon offers free parking spots.
Accommodation
There are over 100 hotels near the driving distance of Aquatica water park. From 5-star to 3-4 star you’ll have many options available to choose from.
Among the most prominent hotels, we recommend you check out these 5 amazing hotels near Aquatica Orlando:
| Hotel Name | Make Reservations |
| Hilton Garden Inn SeaWorld | Book Today! |
| Fairfield Inn Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld | Book Today! |
| SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld | Book Today! |
| Doubletree by Hilton Hotel | Book Today! |
| Hilton Orlando | Book Today! |
There are also many cheap hotels near Aquatica, Orlando that you can make reservations in.
You can find many high-end hotels near Disney typhoon lagoon as well. From $1000 per night to $85, you’ll have many options available.
That said, some of the best hotels and resorts near Typhoon lagoon are listed below:
| Hotel Name | Make Reservations |
| JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa | Book Today! |
| Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek | Book Today! |
| Waldorf Astoria Orlando | Book Today! |
| Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek | Book Today! |
| Holiday Inn Resort Orlando | Book Today! |
These hotels provides the best services and has great reputation in Tripadvisor.
Do you Want a Guide?
Whether you’re visiting SeaWorld’s Aquatica or Disney’s typhoon lagoon you won’t require a separate guide. Because there are designated employees around the whole park.
They’ll be near every attraction spot and the water rides to assist you. Apart from that, there are many bulletin boards near the entrance and exit points.
You can buy maps, and restriction guides from the entrance as well. There are self-explanatory placards all around the park as well. So, you won’t have to worry about finding your destination.
Do You Want to Take the Charge of Your Whole Trip?
Taking charge of your water park visit is quite easy. All you’ll need is some prior information regarding the following sections.
Food
There are many restaurants inside the Aquatica water park for dining. The price is quite reasonable as well. You can try the Banana beach cookout or buffet deals.
Source: floridareview.co.uk
They also offer an all-day dining deal for which you’d have to purchase a ticket. Customers can return as many times as they want throughout the whole day.
In typhoon lagoon, you’ll only find small restaurants and snack bars without sitting services. Altogether, you’ll find 2 quick-service restaurants, 5 snack stands, and 3 bars.
There’s also a coffee shop called Joffrey’s Coffee Stand. There are several beverage refill stations as well. However, you’ve to purchase your own cup/mug.
Source: disneytouristblog.com
Transportation
Aquatica water park Orlando is built on 59 acres of land. That is 24 hectares if you’re wondering. That’s a lot of landscape to cover on a single day by walking.
But don’t worry, there’s a free shuttle bus service available from Seaworld. So, you don’t have to worry about walking on the hot summer days. The pickup point is near the main entrance and exit of the park.
Turn right from the entrance or exit area and head to the covered bus shelters. There you’ll see small buses in white color with the Seaworld logo on them.
Walking is the best way to enjoy Typhoon Lagoon water park Orlando. It’s really small compared to Aquatica. So walking wouldn’t be a problem. But if you have a kid with you, you can rent a stroller as well.
Entertainment
Aquatica and typhoon lagoon are the two top touring spots in Orlando city. Since both are water-based parks the entertainment options would be similar.
But that doesn’t mean the experience would also be the same. Both water parks are different by landscape and theme, to begin with.
There are an abundant amount of fun and exciting activities to do there. The list of Aquatica Orlando rides goes on and on. So, let’s take a look at the entertainment options for both of them.
Source: orlandoescape.com
Activities
Aquatica is much more massive in size than the typhoon lagoon. This means the activities to enjoy there have also more varieties. Here are the fun things that you can do-
- Ride the ray rush Aquatica water slide
- Enjoy the thrilling experience of the sheer drop from ihu breakaway falls
- Ride the Tassie’s Twisters water slide
- Slide through the Taumata racer water-slide
- Ride the dolphin plunge
- Slide on 250-foot HooRoo run water slide (not for the faint-hearted)
- Enjoy Walhalla wave
- Enjoy walking in the beach
- Enjoy a relaxing time in loggerhead lane aka “lazy river”
- Swim in Roa’s rapids (avoid the waterfall)
- Spend relaxing time a private cabana
That’s quite an activity list for Aquatica. Hopefully, you’ll have enough time to enjoy them in a single day trip. Now, let’s move on to the activity list for typhoon lagoon.
- Surf through typhoon lagoon surf pool
- Ride Crush n Gusher water slide roller coaster
- Ride 300 ft long gangplank falls
- Ride mayday falls water slide
- Enjoy the thrill of keelhaul falls
- Ride Humunga Kowabunga slide
- Enjoy storm slides
- Drift away in castaway creek
Looks like typhoon lagoon doesn’t fall short on activities either. But make sure to bring dry clothes, bathing suits, goggles, sunglasses, towels, and water shoes.
Source: mynews13
Souvenir
Water park visits can’t end without souvenirs. These are a must-have item to make your visit memorable. You can also give them to your friends and family.
So here’s a list of aquatica souvenir–
- Aquatica souvenir cup
- Local jewellery
- Headwears
- Apparels from billabong
- Aquatica special toys and plushies
- Towels and pillows with Tampa logo
- Seaworld keychain
- Adventure bags
Visiting a Disney park but not taking souvenirs with you, that can’t happen. In case you’re confused about what to choose, this list might come in handy.
- Typhoon lagoon sticker packs
- Headbands with mouse ears
- Mascot plushies, toys, and keyrings
- T-shirts and mugs with typhoon lagoon logo
- Surfing boards
- Surfing beach towels
- flip-flops
Sightseeing
There’s a lot to see in Aquatica Orlando. One thing unique about this place is that you can see the southern sea wildlife. The dolphin plunge is one of its main attractions.
While floating through the lazy river you can witness the tropical fishes swimming past you. You can ride around the loggerhead lane while watching the tunnels and the park’s scenery.
You can also spend some quality time with your friends and family inside a free Aquatica private cabana. You’ll need a full-day reservation to see the whole Aquatica.
Visiting Typhoon lagoon wouldn’t require a full day considering the landscape area. The theme of this park is a typhoon-affected tropical island.
One of the main attractions Miss Tilly depicts this theme precisely. You can see the miss tilly boat atop the mountain from all around the park.
Source: undercovertourist.com
You can surf through the surf pool and enjoy the scenarios of a tropical island. A unique feature of the typhoon lagoon is the background music loops.
From beach boys to surfers they play upbeat music to liven the mood. The footbridge on the mountain trail near the humunga kowabunga is a good sightseeing spot.
From there you’ll get a clear view of the castaway creek and miss tilly. Since it’s a Disney water park, you won’t be bored with the sightseeing.
Night Time Availability
Aquatica SeaWorld Orlando is kept open from 9:00 AM-8:00 PM on holidays. On regular days the park hour is from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Typhoon lagoon park hour starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM. So, at nighttime, you can go to bars, restaurants, or hotels near the area.
Security and Restrictions
Both water parks have their own set of restriction guidelines that all visitors must follow. Both maintain health and safety guidelines. Any suspicious or harmful objects are not allowed inside.
Both water parks have restrictions on the rides based on age and height. You can find the list of rules and restrictions on their website. You can learn them in person while entering the park as well.
Even though a lot of place restrict access with satellite phones, Aquatica and Typhoon lagoon has no such restrictions.
Which Destination to Book?
Both Aquatica and Typhoon lagoon have their own charm. But if we are to pick a winner here, it would be Aquatica. Not only is it 23 times bigger than the typhoon lagoon, it also represents sea wildlife.
Rides here are massive and exotic ensuring you an experience that’ll last a long time. Typhoon lagoon’s water rides are top-notch as well. But the rides at Aquatica are on a different level.
No wonder it’s an award-winning water park. However, the final decision is still yours. If you like the tropical island theme then typhoon lagoon would be an excellent choice.
Also, no one would mind if you decide to visit both!
FAQs
Need some extra tips and information? Then read through our question-answer section.
Can I Bring My Own Food to Aquatica Water Park?
Outside food, beverage, or snacks are not allowed in Aquatica. So if you’re planning to bring some it’s better to discard the idea. However, you’re allowed to carry water bottles. Visitors with special needs can carry their dietary needs. For example, medicines, baby food, etc.
Do I Need My Vaccination Card to Enter the Aquatica Water Park?
No, a vaccination card is not needed upon entry. However, they do follow health guidance according to the CDC. So you’d have to carry a face mask. If possible, maintain distance and keep your hands clean.
Is Smoking Allowed at Aquatica?
Respecting the safety and comfort of the visitors, smoking is not allowed in open spaces. Even electronic cigarettes. There’s a designated smoking zone near the Omaka Rocka. You’ll be able to locate it on the map since it’s marked clearly.
Conclusion
That all. Hope this guide proves helpful to choose between either Aquatica or typhoon lagoon.
So, which one is going to be your summer spot? Let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to bring extra clothes and sunblocks.
Hopefully, you’ll be able to enjoy a wholesome time with your family and friends. Wishing you all the very best!
See you next time!
