SeaWorld’s Aquatica in Orlando may not be the best themed water park in the world, but it is our go to water park as Orlando locals. The mix of water slides, lazy rivers, one crazy river, raft rides, and wave pools, plus decent food choices and plenty of space to part our bodies and just soak up some sun makes it a great destination any day the weather allows. Today they announced a big change that will make the park that much more fun for families.
Ray Rush will be a new family raft slide that combines multiple slide elements never before seen at Aquatica into a water soaked adventure families can enjoy together. It will replace the HooRoo Run and open by Spring of next year. Construction also will temporarily close Wallhalla Wave.
At nearly 60 feet tall, 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 at 33 feet per second with water jets designed to propel rafts into the first of several enclosed tube sections. Next, riders will swirl into a colossal translucent sphere which spins the raft around the slide walls before entering another enclosed tube section. 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.
“Ray Rush will offer a ride experience you won’t be able to get anywhere else in Florida. Aquatica will be the first waterpark in the state to combine these three unique elements into one attraction” said Cathy Valeriano, Aquatica Orlando vice president. “Ray Rush is the perfect addition to our attraction portfolio, complementing what is already one of the most family-friendly waterslide lineups in Orlando.”
Ray Rush will have a height requirement of 42” to appeal to families with children and will accommodate up to four riders per raft. The new slide will be located on the north side of the park next to Walkabout Waters.
Have you been to Aquatica lately? What was your favorite part of the day?