Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and SeaWorld’s Aquatica are all very popular water parks in Orlando, Florida. Each park has its own distinct features and attractions, all would make for an amazing, fun waterpark day. Let’s explore some of the differences and see which one you would pick!
Best Theme: Blizzard Beach
Each of these parks has a fun theme! Blizzard Beach wins this category.
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach is themed as a ski resort that has melted into a water park. It features a winter wonderland aesthetic with snowy mountains as well a melting ski lodge.
- Universal’s Volcano Bay is themed as a tropical paradise with its towering volcano as its centerpiece. The waterpark showcases Polynesian-inspired architecture.
- SeaWorld’s Aquatica theme offers a vibrant and colorful South Seas theme. It combines elements of marine life and tropical landscapes, with animal encounters.
Best Attractions: Aquatica
So many great things to do! Keep in mind slides do have height requirements, be sure to measure kids without shoes. While each park includes a wave pool, lazy river and lots of slides! Blizzard Beach is the best family park but Aquatics and Volcano Bay offer more teen/adult things to do. Aquatica wins for number of attractions!
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach offers a mix of thrilling water slides, including Summit Plummet, one of the park’s iconic attractions, which is a high-speed free fall slide. Other notable slides include Slush Gusher, Teamboat Springs (a family raft ride), and Toboggan Racers (a mat racing slide). Blizzard Beach also has Tike’s Peak, a separate area with smaller slides for younger children.
- Universal’s Volcano Bay offers an array of thrilling attractions, including Ko’okiri Body Plunge, a trap-door slide that drops riders through a vertical plunge. Krakatau Aqua Coaster is another standout attraction, combining a water coaster with twists and turns. Other popular slides include Honu ika Moana, Punga Racers, and Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides.
- SeaWorld’s Aquatica has a mix of thrilling and family-friendly slides. Dolphin Plunge is a unique slide where riders pass through a clear tube with dolphins swimming alongside. Other notable slides include Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, a multi-drop slide, and Taumata Racer, a mat racing slide.
Best Dining & Entertainment: Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay wins in this category; they have a few more options and some fun entertainment. However, Aquatica wins the Entertainment section.
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach offers various dining options, including quick-service restaurants and snack stands, serving burgers, salads, sandwiches, and refreshing treats.
- Universal’s Volcano Bay provides several dining options with a Polynesian-inspired menu, offering burgers, pizzas, tacos, and specialty cocktails. The park also features live entertainment with Polynesian dancers and music.
- SeaWorld’s Aquatica offers a range of dining options, including quick-service restaurants and snack stands, serving a variety of cuisines. The park also hosts seasonal events and live shows, such as the Dolphin Days show
Best Line System: Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay wins in this category no question the TapuTapu is really cool!
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach has a unique ski lift that you can ride to the top of the hill instead of walking up all of the steps to get to a majority of the waterslides.
- Universal’s Volcano Bay utilizes a virtual line system called TapuTapu. Guests can reserve a spot in line for attractions using a wearable device, allowing them to explore other areas of the park without physically waiting in queues.
Best Price: Blizzard Beach
When deciding which water park to visit, consider factors such as the theme, attractions, dining options, and overall atmosphere that appeal to you and your preferences. Each park offers a unique experience, and all three can provide a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages.
Parks may offer discounts for Florida residents, military personnel, and other special categories. All three offer a multi-day ticket that includes waterpark for various prices. If planning. on going to a waterpark consider which ticket will offer the best deal for you! For a single day ticket with no other discounts Blizzard Beach wins out. I do think Aquatica would win with the discounted options they offer.
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- Disney’s Blizzard Beach 1-Day Water Park Ticket – $69 per adult or $63 per child (ages 3 to 9) or you can add it on to a Park Hopper Plus ticket but prices will vary.
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- Universal’s Volcano Bay 1-Day Water Park Ticket – $80 per adult or $75 per child (ages 3 to 9) or you can add it to a multi-day ticket prices will vary.
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- SeaWorld’s Aquatica 1-Day Water Park Ticket – $99 per ticket (ages 3+) or you can add it to a multi day ticket. SeaWorld often offers discounts on single day and multi day tickets.
Best Atmosphere: Blizzard Beach
I don’t think you will go wrong with any of the options but picking one I think the theming of Blizzard Beach wins out.
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach creates a family-friendly and lighthearted atmosphere with its whimsical winter-themed experience.
- Universal’s Volcano Bay aims to transport guests to a vibrant island paradise, providing an immersive and tropical environment.
- SeaWorld’s Aquatica offers a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere, combining the excitement of water attractions with a tropical beach vibe and animal encounters.
