Tips for planning and saving at SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica water park

It’s summer, and for many people, that means lots of water time — whether it’s the pool, lake or beach. For Orlando visitors and locals, beating the heat often translates to taking advantage of one of the area’s many water parks.

Today, we’re taking a look at some of things that can make a day spent at SeaWorld’s Aquatica as hassle-free as possible. Plus, we’ll give you some ideas for saving money.

The biggest expense of going to Aquatica other than consumables, is, of course, your admission ticket. If you purchase your ticket online in advance for $47, you save $10 over the gate price. You can also purchase in advance an eat-and-play-all-day ticket for $52 for adults and $47 for children ages 3 to 9. However, if you are planning to visit more than once, you might want to consider an annual pass for $108 for one year or $146 for two years. Or, if you know annual pass members, they can purchase guest tickets for half off, $28.50. (Only annual pass members receive free parking; for everyone else, it’s $13 for cars and motorcycles and $17 for RVs.)

There also are other combo offers if you and your family are interested in visiting SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens in Tampa. Or, if you splurge on a day at Discovery Cove, your ticket gives you 14 days at SeaWorld and Aquatica.

Another way to add value to your day at Aquatica is go on a Friday or Saturday from July 3 through Aug. 8, when the water park stays open later for Island Nights. Closing time is extended until 9 p.m. on those days and includes a beach party. Waterstone Grille also serves up a new, evening menu.

Speaking of food and drinks, they can add up quickly at Aquatica (or any theme park). Aquatica does offer an all-day dining plan for $26 for adults and $21 for children ages 3 to 9. Depending on how much you eat, this might be a good deal for you! Or, if you can squeeze in two meals — lunch and an early dinner — that could help justify the cost, too.

Just like at SeaWorld, Aquatica sells cups that can be refilled with soda or juice from the fountain machines for $1.29. The initial price varies by the style of the cup, but count on about $10, and it’s good forever. We have had some cups for years! That’s a good deal for this Diet Coke-loving mama. Even better: I recently discovered that the cups may be used interchangeably for refills at SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens. (Pass members receive 10 percent off all dining, including the refills.)

If I could change one thing about dining at Aquatica, it would be that there would be fewer restrictions placed on bringing in personal coolers and their contents. Guests are permitted to bring in a cooler that is 16 quarts in size, and it can contain snacks in individual serving sizes that are less than 3 ounces, bottled water and baby food in plastic containers. That’s it — no sandwiches or anything that would constitute a meal is allowed. Exceptions may be made for guests with dietary restrictions. This was a big adjustment for our family because we were used to Walt Disney World’s policy that doesn’t put such tight size limitations on coolers and only forbids alcohol and glass containers.

Still, if you really want to bring your own food and drinks to Aquatica, it is possible, but you will have to leave them in your vehicle. There are a limited number of picnic tables outside the turnstiles, and guests who want to exercise this option are allowed to leave and gain re-entry to the water park.

Another expense for many guests is a locker to hold valuables. Aquatica has upgraded its offerings by trading in its key-entry lockers for ones with digital codes. No need to wear that key around the park all day and hope you don’t lose it! Plus, renting a locker is now done at self-service machines, which reduces lines. Lockers are $10 for a small size and $15 for the large space. There no longer is a deposit given back at the end of the day because you are not returning a key.

About a week ago, Aquatica introduced another option for keeping your valuables safe — the AquaVault. This device is slightly smaller than a shoebox and made of plastic with a digital entry. It is designed to be secured to your lounge chair. It retails for about $40 in the gift shop at the front of the park and can be reused on multiple visits.

If you want to completely avoid charges for securing items such as cell phones and credit cards, you can get a cashless wristband at Guest Services and leave your phone in your vehicle. A team member will link your credit card information to the wristband so you can charge throughout the park, and then you can return that to your car, as well.

If you plan your day at the water park, you can save a few bucks and beat the summer heat. And with as hot as it’s been lately, that’s well worth the money you save.

Follow @Kristin_B_Ford

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