Orlando’s sunny weather and warm, balmy temps make it the perfect place for refreshing, watery fun.  

Combined with a reputation for world-class theme park entertainment, it makes sense that The City Beautiful would be home to multiple amazing water parks that pack aquatic adventures and laid-back leisure into every visit.  

Aquatica

When you stay at Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, you’re only minutes away from two epic water parks: Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay and SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica.  

Both parks offer plenty of thrills and chill vibes that are perfect for a memorable day in Orlando.  

But with two incredible options, which do you choose for your vacay? 

Here’s our breakdown of Aquatica vs. Volcano Bay to help you decide which is better for your dream Orlando getaway.  

Theme and Atmosphere  

Volcano Bay

Orlando may not be home to tropical beaches, but you wouldn’t know it when you spend the day at either Aquatica or Volcano Bay.  

Both water parks have playful theming that will transport you to a beautiful oasis full of sun, sand, and surf.  

Volcano Bay is recognizable by its towering 200-foot volcano, Krakatau, with cascading waterfalls and billowing plumes of steam. The rest of the water park sprawls around the base of Krakatau, divided into four distinct areas: Rainforest Village, River Village, Wave Village, and The Volcano.  

The Universal Orlando water park has a strong Polynesian influence and a detailed thematic story. According to Volcano Bay lore, the Waturi people traveled the world in search of a new home, gathering cultural influences along the way before settling on a beautiful island at the foot of the mighty Krakatau. 

Like Universal Orlando’s other famed theme parks, Volcano Bay is full of story-driven detail and immersive theming that will transport you to another world.  

Aquatica

SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica water park has a similar tropical beach aesthetic that’s a little more laid-back.  

As you might expect from a waterpark operated by SeaWorld, they’ve incorporated animal encounters throughout the park. For example, the Reef Plunge water slide propels you through a transparent tube past marine life including Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks, and other aquatic animals.  

Aquatica is a colorful, tropical destination with attractions for grown-ups, kids, and everyone in between.  

While both theme parks offer plenty of aquatic fun and a playful, beachy aesthetic, Volcano Bay has a more evident storyline with interactive elements that give it an entertaining theme park vibe.  

Attractions  

Thrill seekers and sunbathers alike will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy either water park.  

Volcano Bay is packed with rides and attractions offering various levels of exhilaration for guests.  

Adrenaline junkies will love the Krakatau Aqua Coaster which sends riders splashing through dark twists and turns within the mighty volcano on a four-person canoe. The Ko’okiri Body Plunge drops daring participants down 125 feet on a 70-degree fall through a trap door.  

Race a friend to the turquoise waters of a refreshing pool below on the Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides, or join them on a four-passenger raft on Honu of the Honu ika Moana for a twisting, turning ride. 

Volcano Bay

Those looking for a more relaxing way to spend the day at Volcano Bay will appreciate the Kopiko Wai Winding River that gently floats guests through the tropical landscape of the park. Waturi Beach and The Reef are other leisure options ideal for kicking back and going with the flow.  

At Aquatica, you’ll find plenty of water slides to keep your heart racing.  

Riptide Race is the world’s tallest dueling waterslide where you can challenge friends and family members in a 650-foot race to the finish line.  

Tassie’s Underwater Twist is the most newly renovated attraction at Aquatica. It’s an innovative immersive waterslide that plunges riders into an aquatic setting just below the ocean with breathtaking projections and an epic musical score.  

Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the steepest multi-drop tower in Orlando, and Omaka Rocka is a water slide that keeps riders gliding high from side to side along the massive funnels.  

Competitive thrill-loving guests will love gliding head-first down the staggeringly steep hills of Taumata Racer, a mat ride that pits you against seven other sliders for a wild high-speed race.  

Aquatica

Anyone who prefers to keep their toes blissfully in the sand can enjoy the rolling waves of Cutback Cove and Big Surf Shores, two giant side-by-side wave pools. 

If floating is more your speed, check out their lazy river, Loggerhead Lane, for a leisurely raft ride through an underwater world with a unique look at colorful tropical fish.  

Adventure and relaxation await at either Orlando water park.  

Comfort and Convenience 

Both Volcano Bay and Aquatica offer an array of amenities that prioritize the comfort and convenience of their guests. 

Volcano Bay’s TapuTapu system provides every guest with a wristband device that allows them to hold their spot in line for rides and attractions. This virtual queue allows you to enjoy everything the park has to offer without wasting time waiting in line. 

Avoid scouring the park for the perfect lounge chair when you book premium seating or a private cabana.  

Premium seating comes with two cushioned lounge chairs, an adjustable shade canopy, and built-in storage lockbox ranging from $29.99 per day to over $140 per day.  

The private cabanas hold anywhere from six to 16 people and include perks like towel service, a complimentary fruit and snack basket, a small fridge, and concierge service that allows you to order any item from any of Volcano Bay’s four restaurants or two bars throughout the park.  

A Volcano Bay private cabana will set you back anywhere from $159.99 to $550 or over for the day, depending on seasonal pricing. 

Aquatica offers similar cabana and upgrade loungers to take your day at the water park to the next level of leisure. Opt for a pair of loungers (starting at $34 a day) or a private cabana with amenities like rental towels, lockers, complimentary bottles of water, and in-cabana food and beverage service.  

Aquatica

If you feel like skipping the lines at Aquatica, Quick Queue passes allow you unlimited priority boarding on their most popular rides. Available seasonally, these passes start at $29 per person. 

In 2019, Aquatica was the first water park in the world to become a Certified Autism Center, providing additional accommodations and amenities for guests with sensory processing sensitivities.  

Their thoughtfully curated Sensory Guide is a wonderful resource for guests who may appreciate additional planning and insight into the kind of sensory stimulation to expect during a day at Aquatica. In the guide, you’ll find sensory breakdowns for every attraction, allowing you to determine your perfect itinerary for everyone in your party. 

Dining and Refreshments  

A day of daring adventure and soaking in the Orlando sun requires plenty of fueling and hydration.  

Throughout Volcano Bay you’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars serving sustenance for a long day of splashing. 

Volcano Bay

Some popular choices include tacos and the Poke Poke Bowl from The Feasting Frog, burgers and sandwiches from Bambu, and specialty pizzas from Whakawaiwai Eats.  

The only thing that improves a day spent at the water park is a refreshing, delicious cocktail – for grown–ups, of course. Enjoy thirst-quenching tropical drinks and fruity frozen concoctions from specialty bars like Dancing Dragons Boat Bar and Kunuku Boat Bar.  

Aquatica also has a variety of restaurants ready to help you refuel, though several of them are only open seasonally.             

Mango Market is one of Aquatica’s most popular dining establishments serving up fresh entrées like their famous buffalo chicken fries and the tropical Island Time Pork Sandwich served with mango slaw.  

Adults over the age of 21 can cool off with beer, wine, cocktails, and frozen drinks from Aquatica’s bars all day long. 

Order à la carte or plan ahead with an All-Day Dining Deal. For one all-inclusive price you can eat and drink all day as often as once every 90 minutes. 

Always Choose Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando   

Aquatica

Both Volcano Bay and Aquatica offer thrills, relaxation, and a full day of fun in the sun.  

While Universal’s water park offers more theming and storyline in true theme park fashion, SeaWorld’s delivers on discovery and innovative ride updates and refurbishments. 

Otherwise, both water parks offer excitement, relaxation, luxury upgrade options, delicious dining, and fun for friends and family of all ages.  

Volcano Bay

When your day at the water park draws to a close, dry off, curl up in a comfortable bed and rest your fins at Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando.  

Our convenient location means you’re never far from the best aquatic action in Orlando.