Aquatica (Orlando)

Infobox Amusement park
name = Aquatica


caption =
location = Orlando, Florida
opening_date = March 1, 2008
previous_names =
season = All Year
area = 59 acres
rides = 12 (36 slides)
coasters =
water_ride =
owner = Busch Entertainment Corporation
slogan = Fun as endless as the sea itself.
homepage = [http://www.aquaticabyseaworld.com Aquatica Home Page]

Aquatica is a water park constructed by Busch Entertainment Corporation and located near Orlando, Florida. The park, which opened to guests on March 1, 2008, is a companion to SeaWorld Orlando and is located across International Drive from the main theme park. The park is themed to the southern Pacific and features Australian and New Zealand based mascots.

Development history

SeaWorld originally announced plans to build a water park on July 15, 2005. The announcement stated that it would be a "natural" park and revealed the park's iconic Dolphin Plunge water slides. [ [http://www.wesh.com/travelgetaways/4728275/detail.html SeaWorld Unveils Plans For New Water Park - Travel News Story - WESH Orlando ] ]

On March 5, 2007, SeaWorld held a press conference officially announcing Aquatica. Construction continued in earnest throughout 2007 and into early 2008. Previews for employees and holders of park annual passes were held in February. On March 1, 2008 the park opened to guests for the first time, with the official grand opening held on April 4, 2008.

Attractions

The park features a wide array of attractions for all ages and swimming abilities, some of which pass by or through animal habitats. [Aquatica park map]

Body/mat slides

* Dolphin Plunge - the park's signature attraction, these two enclosed tube slides pass through a pool containing a pod of Commerson's dolphins.
* Taumata Racer - an eight-lane racing slide with guests sliding down on mats through enclosed and open sections.

Raft slides

* Whanau Way - a tower with four double-raft slides.
* Tassie's Twisters - a pair of funnel-like slides that can be ridden in single or double rafts.

Multi-person raft slides

* Walhalla Wave - a twisty slide with enclosed, pitch-dark segments.
* HooRoo Run - sharing a tower with Walhalla Wave, this triple-dip slide is short, but fast.

Lazy rivers

* Roa's Rapids - a faster, aggressive version of the lazy river with geysers and speed zones.
* Loggerhead Lane - a traditional lazy river that passes through a grotto of cichlids and the Commerson's dolphin exhibit.

Wave pools

Both wave pools share an extensive, convert|80000|sqft|m2|sing=on white-sand beach area equipped with lounge chairs and umbrellas. [ [http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-tourism2508feb25,0,254424.story Aquatica is set for 'soft' debut - Tourism and Leisure, SeaWorld, Starbucks Corporation - OrlandoSentinel.com ] ]
* Cutback Cove - featuring stronger, taller waves.
* Big Surf Shores - featuring gentler, rolling waves.

Children's areas

* Kata's Kookaburra Cove - designed for younger children, with smaller slides and play features.
* Walkabout Waters - a play fortress with slides, ladders and dumping water buckets.

Park mascots

Instead of importing established characters from SeaWorld, such as Shamu, Aquatica has developed its own set of characters, known as "park ambassadors." Visible on merchandise and on signage and statuary throughout the park, these characters include:
* Roa, a kiwi
* Kata, a kookaburra
* Wai, a Commerson's dolphin
* Ihu, a gecko
* Papa, a Royal Spoonbill
* Wae Wae, a takahē
* Motu, a turtle

References

[http://www.thedibb.co.uk/aquatica-seaworld-orlando.php theDIBB Aquatica Page]