Opening this spring, Ray Rush is where family and friends can take on three exciting thrills as they slide, splash and soar like never before. First, riders will be launched with water jets designed to propel rafts into the first of several enclosed tube sections. Next, riders will swirl into the giant translucent sphere. Finally, riders will drop into an open-air halfpipe that resembles the shape of a manta ray. Rafts will soar back and forth on the wings of the manta before entering the final enclosed tube section that ends with a splash.

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark announced the addition of Ray Rush this past October. The new attraction promises to be a fully-loaded water adventure which will combine unique slide elements, never before seen at Aquatica, into one action-packed attraction the entire family can enjoy together. Ray Rush will have a height requirement of 42” to appeal to families with children.

The best way to experience Aquatica is with an Aquatica Orlando Annual Pass. For a limited-time, Florida residents can purchase an Aquatica Orlando Annual Pass for only $10 per month with EZpay. Aquatica Pass Members enjoy unlimited admission and free parking as well as discounts and the opportunity to be among the first to ride Ray Rush when it opens in spring 2018. For more information, visit AquaticaOrlando.com. I am looking forward to riding Ray Rush this spring!

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Volcano Bay will span 30 fully immersive acres and feature a variety of experiences that range from daring to serene. Dozens of unique attractions will offer something for everyone, including a multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, a peaceful winding river, twisting multi-rider raft rides, speeding body slides that drop from the top of the volcano into the waters below – and more. And the best part – guests won’t have to wait in long lines to enjoy any of it.

Universal Orlando Resort revealed first-ever details about the park’s state-of-the-art Krakatau Aqua Coaster that will take guests on an exciting voyage unlike any other, and the all-new TapuTapu wearable technology that will redefine the way guests experience water parks.

Krakatau Aqua Coaster

Volcano Bay’s State-of-the-Art Marquee Attraction
Krakatau Aqua Coaster will be the star experience at Universal’s Volcano Bay – combining innovative ride technology with water theme park thrills to take families on an unforgettable adventure through the park’s massive icon – the 200-foot Krakatau volcano.

Guests will board specially-designed canoes and propel downwards – and upwards – through the volcano’s interior peaks and valleys. They’ll twist, turn and plummet along dark passageways, be launched through sparkling waterfalls and so much more.

Universal is using some of the incredible technology that makes its theme park attractions so compelling to create a first-of-its-kind aqua coaster in Florida. The attraction will use linear induction motor technology, which launches the canoe uphill before it immediately sends riders into a downhill plunge. This technology – combined with the immersive theming Universal is known for – will make Krakatau Aqua Coaster a unique water theme park attraction that’s fun for the entire family.

TapuTapu Wearable Will Redefine the Queue Experience

Less Time Waiting in Lines, More Time Having Fun
Universal’s Volcano Bay will debut a new technology, the TapuTapu wearable, designed to make the guest experience throughout the entire park as hassle-free and fun-filled as possible. As part of their admission, guests will receive a TapuTapu wearable upon arrival to the park that allows them to do the following with a simple tap:

Virtual Lines

Guests will be able to virtually wait in line while they play in other areas of the park. The wearable will alert guests when it’s time for them to ride so they can head to the attraction.

Tap to play

Guests will discover various “tap-to-play” experiences throughout the park – all designed exclusively for Volcano Bay by Universal’s award-winning creative team. With just a tap of TapuTapu, guests can trigger special effects like controlling streams of water spurting from whales in Tot Tiki Reef, shooting water cannons at guests snaking down Kopiko Wai Winding River and illuminating images in the volcano’s hidden caves.

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We checked in for the event and were guided to the Banana Beach Cookout, where we would be having dinner. Banana Beach Cook-Out is an all-you-care-to-eat restaurant featuring traditional burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken and classic side items.

After eating we were greeted by Aquatica staff and informed about the new After-2 p.m. Pass. For slightly more than the cost of a single day’s admission, guests can enjoy Aquatica after 2 p.m. throughout the rest of 2010. With no blackout dates and unlimited admission to Aquatica after 2 p.m., Orlando’s coolest beach is a hit for all ages time after time. Whether it’s tiny tots splashing around in Kata’s Kookaburra Cove, teens sliding down Tamauta Racer or adults relaxing on the laid-back beaches, guests can enjoy Aquatica all year long. This is a great deal for Orlando area residents.

Loggerhead Lane

Then we were free to explore the park. Wanting to take things easy after eating we headed to Loggerhead Lane, the lazy river ride which takes you past some beautiful fish tanks. Loggerhead Lane was the shortest lazy river ride I’ve ever been on. It was also very crowded with lots of people and lots of empty tubes floating a long. Now we were ready to try something a little more adventurous so we headed to Roa’s Rapids. This adventure river zips guests through 1,500 feet of rapids, past geysers and through waterfalls at a speed three to four times faster than a typical waterpark river. Roa’s Rapids quickly became a family favorite, I can’t even tell you how many times we rode it. There are no tubes allowed on this quick moving river, though life jackets are available, you just pick your feet up and float along. I’ve never been on a ride like this and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Omaka Rocka-photo courtesy of Aquatica

Next we walked around the park to check out the slides…and burned the bottom of our feet on the HOT walkways. Aquatica does have the occasional spritz of water shooting out onto the walkways but there aren’t enough to keep from burning your feet. What Aquatica does have, that I haven’t seen at any other waterpark, are sneaker keepers at each ride. You know, like at a McDonald’s Play Place, we didn’t know this and our shoes were on the other side of the park when we realized this. Also, I probably wouldn’t have left my Crocs laying around with all the other shoes so here is a hint…when you visit Aquatica wear cheapo flip-flops to keep your feet from burning.

We looked at Omaka Rocka, Walhalla Wave & HooRoo Run but the lines were soooo long we chose not to ride. Instead we headed over to the 2 wave pools Cutback Cove and Big Surf Shores. Wave pools are classic waterpark fun and you have to have some fun bobbing in the waves. Our next stop was Walkabout Waters, even though my boys are 15 and 17 they LOVED playing here. I think it has something to do the being able to dump water on stranger’s heads, hee hee.

Walkabout Waters-photo courtesy of Aquatica

Next Ron and Aaron rode Dolphin Plunge while Jordan to another few laps on Loggerhead Lane. Then we finished our day with a few more trips around Roa’s Rapids. We had a fun time at Aquatica, though the park closing time of 7pm seemed awfully early on a Florida summer day. We will be back, some day…when public school is in session and the lines aren’t so long.

If you are planning a trip to the Orlando Area, check out Aquatica, a single-day ticket  for ages 10 and up is $47.95 (plus tax).

Disclaimer: My family and I enjoyed 3 hours at the waterpark as guests of Aquatica. We received dinner and a few small gifts while attending the event. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Here is some information from Adventure Island and then I’ll share our experiences.

This summer at Adventure Island, when the sun goes down, the fun heats up during Island Nights. From June 10 to Aug. 14, it’s a vacation from the everyday as Busch Gardens’ water park transforms into a celebration of island life with live music, authentic entertainment and inspiring cuisine. New in 2010, Island Nights has been extended to a three-day weekly celebration, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 5 to 9 p.m.

Exotic birds and larger-than-life stiltwalkers greet guests, and a steel drum band strolls throughout the park. Family-friendly DJs lead the party with games and music on two beaches, including a new beach area near Riptide.

Each event night, Polynesian dancers and a skilled fire performer captivate guests on the main beach. On Mango Joe’s deck, live bands perform a variety of styles, from Latin to beach party music. Sample the tastes of the islands with unique offerings added to the daily menu, such as coconut shrimp and conch fritters, sangria and frozen drinks.

Island Nights is the perfect night-time escape for all ages, and admission is included with any daily park admission or Adventure Island Pass. An ideal way to escape to Island Nights this summer is with an Adventure Island Weekday Pass. Pay for a day and come back any weekday – that’s any Thursday or Friday of Island Nights – all season long. Visit AdventureIsland.com for more information.

When we arrived at the park we were escorted back to Mango Joe’s where we sampled delicious food including chicken wings, fruit, shrimp and conch fritters.

We also got to see a Macaw and a Toucan up close and personal.

Then Aimee Jeansonne-Becka, Marketing Director, Adventure Island came and welcomed us to Island Nights. She shared with us how important social media and blogging are to Adventure Island and she thanked us all for coming. Next she introduced the Polynesian Dancers who were performing on the beach next to Mango Joe’s.

After the show it was time to play in the park! We enjoyed the slides at Runaway Rapids and Jordan had fun on the slide at Paradise Lagoon. Of course, we had to play in the Endless Surf wave pool-a trip to a water park wouldn’t be complete with some time in the wave pool. Then we spent some time on the Rambling Bayou lazily floating around the park. While on the Rambling Bayou we spotted Splash Attack so on our second time around we got out on that side of the park so we could play over there. We also rode Key West Rapids and the Water Moccasin and hubby tried the Rip Tide too.

Fabian's Funport Kiddie Area

Before the night was through we took one last ride on the Rambling Bayou.

We had a wonderful time at Island Nights. Some of the nice things about coming in the evening is the crowds are smaller, it isn’t as hot out, the added music, games and food really add to the party atmosphere. If you are a Florida Resident the Week Day Pass is a great deal and it includes 2 of the Island Nights a week!

I will say with all the swimming, walking and stair climbing I did…Island Nights= one fun workout too! If your summer vacation includes a trip to Tampa Bay-don’t miss Island Nights at Adventure Island it is fun for the whole family!

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to be a part of the Island Nights kick-off by Adventure Island. We received a tote bag and a towel as a thank-you gift. All opinions are 100% mine.

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The Adventure Island Weekday Pass offers incredible value for again-and-again Adventure Island excitement:

• Pay for a Day, and Play Weekdays All Season.
• Enjoy unlimited weekday access to Adventure Island during the 2010 season with no blackout dates
• Mondays through Fridays, March 22 through Sept. 6

Purchase at AdventureIsland.com, 1-888-800-5447 or at Adventure Island or Busch Gardens front gates
The Adventure Island Weekday Pass is $41.95 for adults and children

With the Online-Exclusive Florida Resident Offer guests receive a FREE day at Adventure Island when they purchase a Busch Gardens ticket Buy Busch Gardens, Get Adventure Island for $74.95, children and adults. Must be purchased at BuschGardens.com or AdventureIsland.com

NEW! MORE CABANAS, MORE SANDY BEACHES
There’s more space for your family to settle in and enjoy the sun and fun all day long. Eleven new cabanas have been added to Adventure Island, making available a total of 15 shaded, exclusive spots for your family to enjoy the water park. Each cabana includes four chaise lounges, a locker, a mini-fridge with assorted drinks and four souvenir towels. Daily rental prices range from $149.99 to $179.99, based on the time of year.

In addition, a new beach has been added at the south side of Riptide, creating more space to relax, dig your toes in and soak up the sun.

OPENING WEEKEND ONLY! Celebrate Tampa Navy Week during Adventure Island’s opening weekend. On March 13 and 14, guests can swim with Navy divers at Paradise Lagoon, listen to the sounds of the Navy Rock Band from 1 to 4 p.m. each day and challenge Navy volleyball teams for great prizes. A Blue Angels flight simulator will be stationed at the park, completing the Navy Week experience.

From the moment guests enter Adventure Island, they are immersed in a Key West-themed paradise. The 30-acre water park features thrilling slides and tube rides including Riptide, Wahoo Run, Key West Rapids, Runaway Rapids, Everglides, Calypso Coaster, Aruba Tuba, Caribbean Corkscrew, Water Moccasin and Gulf Scream. Guests can also kick back on the beach or in the 17,000-square-foot wave pool, play on professional sand volleyball courts, breeze through tropical gift shops or let the current sweep them through a half-mile of lush landscapes and tropical waterfalls on the Rambling Bayou.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit AdventureIsland.com for Spring Break’s extended hours and deals. Single-day admission tickets for Adventure Island are $41.95 for adults and $37.95 for children. Children ages 2 and younger are free, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. All prices are per person, plus tax. Park hours are subject to change. Visit www.adventureisland.com for more information and out-of-state visitor deals.

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