YouGoGirl

My family and I are taking a trip to the Orlando and Tampa area in early April. My kids are 6 and 3. My 6 year old is a thrill seeker and loves water slides/rides. Was wondering which water park is better to satisfy both kids. They both look great and we will be visiting both areas so location doesn't matter.
Thanks

Merilee_Tucker

I would avoid Wet "n" Wild on International Drive in Orlando. It usually fills up with local older kids who have a tendency to get a little rowdy.

YouGoGirl

Even on a week day in April?

GoTravel

Depends on what week day in April.

If any schools are out; say the first week because it is the week after Easter then yes.

Also remember there are a lot of home schooled kids in the US. Check the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau to make sure there isn't some sort of school competition there at that time.

Jayne11159

Definitely Adventure Island. If you get there when it opens you'll get on the popular rides without a long wait.

Merilee is correct about Wet and Wild. It can be a zoo and it's not as clean as AI.

Dave_

Have you considered Blizzard Beach (at Disney)? I have only been to Wet 'n' Wild and Blizzard Beach.

Both had some great thrill rides (possibly too much for a 6 year old but you won't know until you get there). I thought Blizzard Beach was more family friendly and would have more appeal for everyone. Wet 'n' Wild seemed to concentrate more on the rides, of which there are some great ones but probably not much for a 3-year old.

I realise you were asking about Adventure Island but I haven't been there and just wanted to mention Blizzard Beach in case you hadn't thought of it. There's another water park at Disney too.

YouGoGirl

Thanks for your input. I absolutely love Disney, but we are just Disneyed out for now...been 5 times in the past 5 years...wanted to do something different! We are going the first week of April so I think we'll head over to Adventure Island after a few days in Orlando. How will the lines be at Universal the first week of April? Planning on staying on site so we can take advantage of Express Pass.

schmerl

If you are referring to the Universal park, it is Islands of Adventure. If you are staying on site you won't have to worry about crowds at all. Just show your room key and go in the Express entrance. It's the best perk ever. Islands of Adventure is NOT a water park. It is a theme park that has three rides that involve water. One is a flume type ride, one is Bilge Barge raft, and one is the Jurassic Park river ride. The Universal website gives descriptions of all their rides. You little one will love Seuss Landing in Islands of Adventure. Go to www.disboards.com for great info.

Tandoori_Girl

I've been to Adventure Island and Blizzard Beach. Adventure Island is soooo much better. It's a blast. Unfortunately they just changed the cooler rule so now you can't bring in your picnic lunch. But they have plenty of concessions. It's a terrific water park. Just a tropical lush fun water experience, you 'll dig it.

Another place to check out in downtown Disney is Disney Quest. It has video games, some really different ones, and a few virtual reality games. Fight imaginary space aliens with your saber-less saber. There is an entire floor that has a food court with enough variety to please everybody. Priced well below park fees.

Downtown Disney also has some nice walking areas, with book stores, music stores, various restaurants.

And hey! Why not take in some beach while you're in the area ? Another 50 minutes from Busch Gardens and you're in Treasure Island enjoying the beach

YouGoGirl

Thanks...
We are staying in Orlando a few days and then heading over to St. Pete Beach to stay at the Don Cesar which everyone seems to love. From there it looks like we'll do a day trip to Adventure Island water park..how far is the ride from St. Pete? I guess we could stop at Adventure Island on our way from Orlando to St. Pete Beach, but we were planning on stopping at the Gatorland Zoo. It looks a little querky, but my six year old son will love it!!

Tandoori_Girl

Orlando/Lake Buena Vista to St. Pete/Don Cesar is an hour 45 minutes in good traffic (read that no traffic). From Busch Gardens to the Don is 50 minutes to an hour, also in good traffic. Either way will work but you'll be going with the traffic if you go from Tampa to St. Pete btwn 5-6:30. If you need a place to eat lunch before Adventure Island, try Mel's Hot Dogs on Busch Blvd. just east of Busch Gardens (which is next to Adventure Island just north of its entrance). The kids will love it and so will your pocket book. Dogs and fries of many varieties, a local favorite.

GoTravel

The weeks before and after Easter are some of the busiest weeks of the year for Orlando.

The week after Easter falls on the first week of April.

Everything in Orlando will be crowded at that time.