If you’ve visited Universal Orlando Resort before, particularly in the summer, then you know all too well the importance of sprinkling some water rides throughout your day to beat the Florida heat. Luckily, from raging rapids to lazy rivers, there is no shortage of rides and experiences at the resort that are sure to make a big splash on your vacation. So grab your poncho (or not — it is Florida after all!) and let’s dive into my favorite wet and wild attractions at Universal Orlando Resort.
ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
Universal Islands of Adventure is known for its iconic water rides in Toon Lagoon and Jurassic Park, but I prefer a little bit of a warm up before I charge straight into the soak zone. I like to start my day in Marvel Super Hero Island, swinging through the city on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. But beware, Hydro-Man is not to be underestimated — he won’t hold back as he blasts you with water while facing off against our favorite web-slinger.
If I’m still not quite ready to get soaked but want to cool off, I like to take a spin on One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish over in Seuss Landing. Glide through the fountains as jets of water spray in time to the music. Since you control how high your fish flies, you can choose exactly how wet you’d like to get on this ride, so it’s perfect for any kind of Florida weather.
I don’t know about you, but I think it’s time to ramp up our water ride action. Get ready for some T.rex-treme fun on Jurassic Park River Adventure! From the moment you step onto the raft to the final splashdown, this ride is sure to leave you soaked, thrilled, and ready for more.
PRO TIP: To beat the crowds and make the most of your adventure, try and fit this ride into your morning or evening.
Our next stop: Toon Lagoon, home to two top-tier water rides, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges (try saying those names five times fast!). No matter which one you choose to ride first, both are sure to get you soaked!
Board your log for a rip-roaring adventure on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, where you become a Volunteer Mountie on a quest to rescue Nell Fenwick from the dastardly villain Snidely Whiplash. On my last visit to the lagoon, I visited my friend who works at the ride, and she shared one of her favorite insider secrets: pay close attention as you approach the end of the ride, because every log that plummets down the 75-foot Final Drop sets off a unique combination of audio and visual effects at the TNT Shack, perfect for riding over and over again!
The watery fun doesn’t stop there! As I explore the comic-lined streets, I love stopping by all of the cute photo spots so I can capture the evidence that you really do get SOAKED on the Toon Lagoon attractions. Keeping an eye out for Popeye and Olive Oyl roaming the land to maybe snap a few pics with the power couple, it’s time to head over to our next destination, the water ride that doesn’t hold back: Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. As you make your way through the queue, be sure to keep an eye out for all kinds of fun hidden details and heed the signs that warn you to “be prepared”… you WILL get soaked, as seen with these before and after shots of me and some other Universal interns.
As you board your barge to take on the rapids, you can feel the anticipation in the air. Suddenly, you’re hurtling down the river, twisting and turning through caves and under waterfalls. No one is spared from the crashing waves splashing us from all directions. By the time you disembarked, it will probably look like you had been swimming in the lagoon instead of sailing through it. This is definitely one that you’ll want to wear sandals and easy-drying clothes for. But if you do find yourself wanting to dry off quicker, family dryer machines are located near the exit of the attraction.
Even once you’ve been on all of the water rides, there’s still more aquatic fun to discover. One of my favorite hidden gems to beat the heat on a day in Islands of Adventure is a trek through Camp Jurassic. Explore the prehistoric playground, traveling through dark caves and scaling dinosaur capture nets. Keep an eye out for water-shooting geysers and surprise sprays from Dilophosaurus water-blasters. One of my favorite Universal memories is the all-out water fight my friends and I had in Camp Jurassic on a late summer night! We were drenched to the bone but we didn’t mind at all as we let loose and felt like kids at heart.
Click here to listen to our Guide to Water Rides at Universal Island of Adventure episode on the Discover Universal Podcast!
VOLCANO BAY
Of course, any ride at our water theme park is perfect for beating the heat, but these highlights can’t be missed!
The Krakatau Aqua Coaster is the crown jewel of the volcano, with promising twists, turns, and LOTS of water. Rightfully so, this is one of the most popular rides at Volcano Bay, so be sure to reserve your place in the Virtual Line with your complimentary TapuTapu band as soon as you arrive at the park. Then, I love to relax in the Kopiko Wai Winding River or brave the waves at Waturi Beach while I wait.
While I love the relaxing vibes that Volcano Bay brings, one of my personal must-dos is a voyage (or two… or three) through the churning rapids of TeAwa The Fearless River. Imagine a lazy river, but up the thrill factor about 100 notches. I love weightlessly floating through the heart of the volcano, bobbing along on the choppy waves with the help of the required life vest. Tucked away in Rainforest Village, you won’t be able to miss the laughter and cries of excitement from the other intrepid voyagers gliding down the river.
And of course, Volcano Bay has no shortage of spiraling and spinning water slide adventures! Whether you want to feel like you’re surfing sea turtles and whales on Honu of the Honu ika Moana, or seeking the heart pounding thrills of the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, the vast variety of slides will have you screaming and laughing in delight! If you’re looking for a little competition to spice up your day, check out the Punga Racers, where you can race your friends through winding tunnels. And of course, you can’t miss taking a plunge on Ohno and Ohyah, which drop you up to six feet above the refreshing pool below. With over 21 different slides and attractions, you can choose your ultimate water ride adventure at Volcano Bay, making it perfect for both thrill-seekers and families of all ages.
UNIVERSAL’S CABANA BAY BEACH RESORT
The fun doesn’t have to dry up when you leave the theme parks! A relaxing outing to The Lazy River Courtyard, featuring a sparkling swimming pool, a waterslide, winding lazy river, and sandy beach, is a must-do for guests staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort. While Cabana Bay is the only Universal resort hotel with a lazy river, you’ll find resort-style pools at all the UOR hotels, perfect for beating the heat whether you’re taking a quick dip before hitting the parks or relaxing after a long day of adventure.
So grab your sunscreen and sandals — we’ll leave the choice to bring a poncho up to you — and set sail on your water ride adventure!
What’s your favorite way to beat the heat at Universal Orlando Resort? Tell us in the comments below or social media.