Aquatica - sun umbrellas etc

[Andrea-A]

Hi Everyone

Sorry if Im putting this post in the wrong place, but I'm new here.

Going to Orlando at Whitsun and can't wait.

Went for the first time in 2007 and had an amazing time (I love rollercoaster and have to admit to being a big kid at heart). They were still building Aquatica when we were then, so we are looking forward to being able to visit this time.

I've heared lots of stories about there not being much shade and having to pay a lot to hire sun umbrellas etc. Is this true?

I have very pale skin and burn easily. Whilst I always ensure I use lots of high factor lotion a sun umbrella is an essential part of my day (unless I'm in one of the disney/universal parks).

You all seem a very friendly bunch on this forum and I wondered if you could provide some advice. A friend mentioned that you could hire cabanas, but I don't know if it would be worth it if umbrellas etc are available.

Grateful for any feedback you can give

Thanks

[spencem]

Hello and welcome. I've not been to Aquatica myself, but I don't think you have to pay for the umbrellas. It might be that there are not that many of them to go around if it is busy.

Someone with first hand knowledge will be along in a moment...

[Catlady]

Hiya Andrea A, we went to Aquatica in 2008. Like you we have to have an umbrella to shade under...hubby would turn lobster red very easy whereas I have very sensitive skin and patches of vitiligo so can't spend all day out in the sun. I would recommend getting there early for a start and then you will find umbrellas all over the place plus try to choose a non busy day as well.



Just to show you what it looks like.

Obviously cabanas are for hire but I have a feeling they are quite expensive!

http://commerce.4adventure.com/estor...o/cabanas.aspx

Prices from $99-$224.....

[Andtiggercametoo]

Hi Andrea...welcome to the forum. We went to Florida just before Christmas & visited Aquatica...the kids loved it, its is fab & there are plenty of sunbeds, but it was quiet when we were there I couldn't say for a busy day. One thing I will suggest is to buy the re-fill cup when you arrive at a drinks station. The drinks are quite expensive but if you buy a souvenir cup for $9.99 (I think) you can re-fill it as many times as you like dure in the day, as a family of 5 it was priceless, really recommend it. Also the lockers are quite small & expensive so don't take more than your going to need, we really struggled to get out stuff into even 2 large lockers. They also have a restaurant where you can eat as much as you like from the buffet for a set price, fab idea, shame it wasn't open on the day we visited!! Anyway....what are your plans for Orlando...where are you staying etc.?

[Susan Veness]

Catlady is spot on when she recommends getting there early. There are plenty of loungers and umbrellas, but they do go fast so you'll want to arrive as close to opening (before, if you can) as possible. Or, arrive much later in the day. By 10am in summer season the umbrellas will all be taken.

You can hire a cabana, but it is rather expensive.

[ELAINE]

We went several times last August and not only did you need to get there early to get an umbrella, (which we managed each time we visited) but the park was closed on at least 2 of the days that we were there.. don't know if whitsun is as busy as mid-summer but i would definately aim to get there as early as possible.
You can buy an all you can eat dining plan thing so that you can go to the buffet all day which we did buy in advance on line but it doesn't open until lunchtime so don't plan on being able to use it for breakfast if you do go for it ( but once open you can take drinks out of the restuarant and into the park)

[Andrea-A]

Thanks to everyone for your advice. I think we will make an early start and aim to get there when it opens.

I can't wait to go to Orlando and reading this forum has made me even more excited!!!!!!!!!!!


Hi AndTiggerCameToo - You asked what our plans were for our holiday.

We are not doing Disney on this occasion, but still have a fun packed fortnight planned.

We are staying at Hyatt Place Orlando (I Drive). We are not hiring a car, but shouldn't find that a problem as we stayed 'car free' in 2007.

We (Me, husband and 11year old son) plan to visit;

Kennedy Space Centre (transport included)
Busch Gardens (Busch Express)
Aquatica (I Trolley)
Seaworld (I Trolley)
Island of Adventure
Universal Studios
Downtown Disney
Discovery Cove (Surprise Birthday treat for our son who is 11 a few weeks before we go)

Also booked 1 night at Hard Rock Hotel. Although a bit expensive thought it would be worth it as express passes are included.

To keep husband happy adding a couple of relaxing days and a few 'decide at the time days'.

Thanks for your feedback



May 2007 - Wyndham Orlando Resort
May 2010 - Hyatt Place Orlando (Can't wait to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

[Susan Veness]

Your son is going to love Discovery Cove as his birthday present! It's such an incredible park. Great choice!

[Catlady]

You may like to do a bit of shopping while you are there..... This can be fitted around the other days of course.

[Andtiggercametoo]

Wow...Discovery Cove, we went this year as a surprise for my 3 ( 14,12 &10) & it was FAB...amazing..hoping to get my trip report for DC done today/tomorrow so you'll be able to read all about it & see the pics xx
Sounds like your going to have a brill time, we love Kennedy space centre & with the kids been a bit older they preferred IOA & Universal this time round as a pose to Disney, you'll have a great time.