More water parks are set to reopen
A great thing about living in Florida is that we can talk about water parks in February with straight faces. This winter has been different because more of these attractions closed for an extended time, yet another fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
But a few are about to stick their proverbial toes in again. In the coming days, Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, Walt Disney World’s Blizzard Beach and Adventure Island, the water park next to Busch Gardens in Tampa, will reopen to the public.
Expect health and safety precautions at each, including temperature screenings and face coverings. It gets trickier as the attractions want visitors to wear the masks in public locations — but not in the water or on slides. In between those watery elements might be considered a gray area. The rules and level of enforcement could vary from spot to spot.
However, these are the same sort of guidelines used at Aquatica for months. SeaWorld’s water park has been open consistently since last summer’s shutdown lifted.
Also expect limited-capacity rules to be in effect, and like the current state of theme parks, not all attractions, stores, restaurants and other features may be available.
Here’s a roundup of new water-park options, in order of reappearance:
Volcano Bay
When: Universal’s water park reopens Saturday. Posted hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through the end of March.
Where it’s been: After reopening with the rest of the resort in June, Volcano Bay shut down again in November with the promise that it would reopen on or around March 4.
What’s there: Among the notable rides are Krakatau Water Coaster, which travels through the landmark volcano visible from Interstate 4, and the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, which dramatically descends from the structure.
What else: To check on capacity status, use Universal’s mobile app or call its capacity hotline, 407-817-8317.
Tickets: Pricing varies by day. A one-day ticket can be as low as $70; admission is as high as $85 in the summer. Universal also sells a selection of combo tickets, including annual passes, that can be used with Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks.
Website: universalorlando.com
Adventure Island
When: The Tampa attraction reopens March 6, hours vary.
Where it’s been: It reopened in mid-June alongside Busch Gardens, and the park extended the season into November. Adventure Island typically takes a break during winter.
What’s there: The park’s latest attraction is Solar Vortex, dubbed “American’s first dual tailspin waterslide.”
What else: Date-specific reservations are required for folks holding annual passes, unexpired day tickets and Fun Cards.
Tickets: Tickets are normally $63 per day, although there are discounts on sales through the end of February. Combo options include admission to Busch Gardens as well as SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica.
Website: adventureisland.com
Blizzard Beach
When: Walt Disney World’s water park near the intersection of Buena Vista Drive and Osceola Parkway reopens March 7. Posted hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through May 15.
Where it’s been: Neither Blizzard Beach nor sister park Typhoon Lagoon returned to operation after Disney’s four-mouth shutdown last year. Both attractions traditionally have had extended shutdowns in winter for maintenance. Disney has not announced a reopening plan for Typhoon Lagoon.
What’s there: There’s a snowy theme, and attractions include Summit Plummet, a free-fall body slide, and Runoff Rapids, a triple-header of inner-tube slides.
What else: Unlike Disney World’s theme parks, Blizzard Beach is not requiring date-specific reservations at this time, although capacity limits will be in place.
Tickets: One-day tickets are posted as $69. According to Disney World’s website, the water park annual passes and the water park “after 2” passes that were active when the attractions closed in March were to be automatically extended. Disney is not selling new annual passes at this time.
Website: Disneyworld.com
Island H2O Live
When: The Kissimmee attraction reopens March 13, hours vary.
Where it’s been: The park’s previous season wrapped up in November.
What’s there: The tech-themed attraction includes a body slide called Live Streaming, an “audio tube slide” named the Downloader and a tube slide known as Reload Rapids, among others.
What else: The park is adjacent to Margaritaville Resort Orlando.
Tickets: A one-day ticket can be purchased online for $54.99. There’s currently a sale on season passes: $69.99.
Website: sunsetwalk.com
What else
Aquatica is now open daily and selling tickets, annual passes and Fun Cards (aquatica.com).
Legoland Florida’s water park is open daily (legolandflorida.com).
Coco Key Water Resort is open daily and offers day passes to non-hotel guests (cocokeyorlando.com).
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