Wild Waves and Slippery Slides: Cool Off at Orlando's Hottest Water Parks

You close your eyes and place your arms across your chest. Butterflies flitter in your stomach as you feel the water rushing by all around you. You hear 'Go!' and push yourself off, zooming straight down at race-car worthy speeds, navigating the twists and turns. Finally, after an exhilarating ride you splash into the pool. As you climb out, wiping the water from your eyes, you give your family the thumbs up and head over to get in the next waterslide line.

With a yearly average temperature of 80 degrees, almost everyday of the year is perfect water weather in Orlando. And what better way to cool down then by facing off with some of the hottest water in Orlando? From intense slides to hang ten calibre waves to relaxing pools, Orlando’s water parks offer something for every member of the family.

A visit to one of Orlando’s many water parks is a perfect way to beat the heat. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World Resort, Cypress Gardens’ Wacky Water Park, Wet ‘N Wild on International Drive and Silver Springs’ Wild Waters all offer water-soaked fun.

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon where you can body surf in the wave pool, take a white water raft adventure on 'Mayday Falls' and even test your courage by snorkelling with real live sharks.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach is a virtual snowstorm in the middle of Florida. Ski lifts transport guests to the top of the slide 'runs' with some of the tallest 'peaks' in the United States. Test your bravery on 'Summit Plummet' with speeds up to 60 mph or take part in a downhill toboggan race on 'Snow Stormers.'

The "new kid on the block" is Aquatica - Sea World's newest water park which opened in April 2008. Early reviews seem a little mixed. Aquatica is a combination of animal experiences, water rides and slides, high-speed thrills and relaxing sandy beaches and should appeal to all ages.

These water parks are only the tip of the iceberg so to speak. Head on over to International Drive for a wild and wet day at Wet ‘n Wild water park. With some of the most unique slides in town you won’t want to miss this! Usually a storm puts an end to a day at a water park, but not at Wet ‘N Wild where you’re placed right in the middle of one with the park’s newest water slide, 'The Storm'. Speed out of a towering chute where you’ll be spit out into a giant bowl, swished around and dumped out into a tank of water. Or are you afraid of the dark? Wet ‘N Wild let’s you confront your fears with a ride down the 'Black Hole', an enclosed two-person slide with only your inner tube to guide you through the twists and turns.

New twin slides splashed onto the scene at Wacky Water Park at Cypress Gardens in May. The pair, Thunder and Lightning, make up 'Storm Surge' and stand more than two stories in the air. Both are totally enclosed, as one careens out 146 feet and the other ends a dizzying 164-foot ride. Other slides include such wacky runs as 'Pineapple Pipeline' and 'Blue Barracuda Blaster.'

Grab a body board and test your skills at Water Mania as experts and wannabe surfers alike get the chance to 'Wipe Out' in the wave pool. Or ride the 'Anaconda', a family raft ride that sends riders careening down a 400-foot twisting shoot.

Wild Waters, the water park 'where fun runs wild', lets you square off with your friends in a race to the finish with the park’s newest pair of slides, 'Twin Twister.' Hop on the 60-foot flumes and speed through the enclosed twists and turns. Looking for something a little slower? Head over to the 'Cool Kids Cove' where kids get the run of place with interactive, hands-on water games.

Which water slide will you choose? With so many rushing rapids and wild waters to pick from in Orlando you’re sure to find a water park that’s got just the right amount of sun-drenched excitement.

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