By Steve Gorten
Beat the heat with some wet and wild fun.
Summertime in Orlando means sunshine, soaring temps—and plenty of ways to cool off.
The region is home to several awesome water parks, including a brand-new romping river playland that debuted at Westgate River Ranch in June.
And for the first time since 2019, both of Walt Disney World® Resort’s water parks, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, will be open at the same time. Guests staying at a Walt Disney World hotel in 2025 get free admission to either water park on their day of arrival.
From fresh attractions to revamped dining and after-hours events, here’s what’s new and noteworthy at some of Orlando’s top splash zones.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach is back and celebrating 30 years with some new water park perks. Complementing classic rides — such as Summit Plummet and Teamboat Springs, a swirling, twirling, family-raft ride — are Polar Patios: private decks featuring comfy seating, towels, lockers, and a cooler stocked with ice and water, plus a personal attendant ready to help. Snack carts have been refreshed, serving warm mini donuts, pretzels, and Chicago-style hot dogs. Resort guests still get free towels, life jackets, and same-day park access on check-in day. Plus, mobile food ordering makes grabbing a bite easier than ever.
Adding to its rip-roaring, splish-splashing attractions, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is making waves with new eats you won’t want to miss. Try the pork elote nachos, pineapple upside-down cones, and the famous DOLE Whip® Bathtub Sundae. Adults can chill with a Captain’s Mai Tai from Let’s Go Slurpin’. And the popular H2O Glow after-hours events are back on select nights, featuring glow-in-the-dark rides, music, and shorter lines. For an additional fee, guests can book a cabana that comes with towels, a cooler, and dedicated attendants. Resort guests get free towels, life jackets, and day-of check-in admission, making it easy to dive right in and cool off.
This summer at Island H2O Water Park, near Margaritaville Resort Orlando, the Glow Foam Parties thump and radiate brighter than ever with new exclusive cabana packages, signature MarGLOWrita cocktails, and private event options that take the vibe to VIP level. The water park features more than 20 experiences, including exhilarating slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a designated children’s area. Island Nights continue on select Saturdays with live DJs, drink specials, and neon-lit fun for adults 21 and older. Family Foam Parties bring bubbly excitement every weekend in August, while Matinee Movie Mondays offer family-friendly films poolside through July. Plus, digital season pass processing makes entry faster and easier. With these fresh updates, Island H2O Water Park keeps the summer energy flowing for everyone.
Aquatica® Orlando is glowing in 2025 with the return of AquaGlow, its after-dark event on select nights, May 16 through Sept. 27. New highlights include LUMINOUS Lane, a glowing lazy river; Tassie’s NEON Twist, a color-packed slide remix; and Electric Tides, a wave pool laser party. Roa’s Rapids is brighter than ever with neon tunnels and mist. By day, enjoy plenty of loungers and some 1,000 beach chairs, shaded cabanas, beach umbrellas, misting fans, and fresh eats like Walkabout Pizza. Want VIP vibes? Book a glowing cabana by the water. This is the most vibrant version of Aquatica yet.
With plenty of space to lounge and assorted snacks, Aquatica Orlando makes for an enjoyable family pool day.
LEGOLAND® Florida is rolling out big upgrades for little adventurers. The Joker Soaker splash zone got a colorful makeover, while the Twin Chasers slides offer a thrilling twisty ride. Splash Out delivers a 60-foot drop splash that’s sure to excite. Families can now Build-a-Raft for a leisurely float down the lazy river, and little ones will love the DUPLO® Splash Safari’s toddler-friendly slides and play areas. Hungry? The Beach-n-Brick Grill serves up tasty burgers, chicken tenders, and fresh salads to refuel your adventure.
Nona Adventure Park’s signature floating aqua obstacle course now glows after dark during LED-lit Glow Nights featuring live DJs, food trucks, and beachside festivals. Weekly themed nights might include sunset paddleboarding, karaoke, trivia, and live concerts to keep the energy high and the vibe local. The park also offers water sports camps with wakeboarding and kneeboarding instruction, making it a go-to for families, teens, and adventure seekers looking for outdoor fun beyond the usual splash zones.
Put River Country on Your Radar for Hours of Refreshing Fun
If you’ve ever thought, “I want a water park, but make it cowboy,” you’re in luck. River Country Water Park just opened at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, and it’s bringing major frontier-meets-family-fun energy to Central Florida, approximately 90 minutes south of downtown Orlando.
Set on a casual 1,700-acre dude ranch, this new splash zone leans all the way into the Western theme—think waterslides with names such as Rooster Run, Rodeo Rapids, and Stampede Falls. Rooster Run is a 281-foot open flume twisting and turning like a barrel racer. Rodeo Rapids is a colorful enclosed tube slide that’s all kinds of fun. And Stampede Falls offers a 35-foot freefall plunge for anyone feeling brave (or mildly unhinged).
Little kids get their own space, too: a soft-surfaced splash pad full of mini slides and sprayers. Grown-ups? You’ll want to claim a lounger by the lagoon-style pool—hello, sun shelf!—or splurge on a cabana, complete with a mini refrigerator and big-screen TV.
And yes, there’s food. Bar’N Bites serves ice-cold drinks and snacky favorites in a rustic ranch setting that feels both kitschy and kind of perfect.
Admission is free if you’re staying at the resort, but day visitors can grab a 1-Day Adventure Pass ($34.95) or go all in with a 3-Day Pass ($84.95). Either way, you’ll get unlimited access to everything from mini golf and archery to the on-site Cowboy Adventure Park. Bottom line: Whether you’re 5 or 45, this is the kind of spot where you can cool off, kick back, and embrace your inner cowboy. Or at least watch your kids do it.
