Must-Do Summer Fun in Orlando

by Dani Meyering, Editor of OrlandoParenting.com

How great is it to have Orlando just down the road from Tampa? This summer, we have more options than ever for must-do fun in Orlando: Exciting fireworks are back at Walt Disney World; the world’s first surf coaster opens at SeaWorld Orlando; and Orlando’s water parks are ready to make a splash.

New additions at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando will open Pipeline, which the park calls a ‘firstof-its-kind surf coaster.’ Passengers will rush 110 feet up and around as if they are actually standing and surfing tall waves, thanks to a new style of seats. Top speeds will hit 60 miles per hour.

Aquatica Orlando Water Park will also have a new kids area soon with watering palms, tipping buckets, spraying jets, water bobbles and more. Plus, your kids can grab a tube and glide into fun on the ALLNEW Tamariki Twirl, a kid-sized wave slide designed just for them at Turi’s Kid Cove. The more daring little ones will love Roa’s Rapids—a lazy river that isn’t lazy at all and actually moves rather swiftly.

What’s NEW and MORE Summer Fun at Walt Disney World

For some cool family-friendly after-hours fun, celebrate the return of H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, which will run on select nights through Sept. 2. From 8-11 p.m., you and the kids can experience surprise character experiences, high energy dance parties, complimentary ice-cream, popcorn and select beverages, glow-themed bites and sips, and of course, tons of glow lighting effects around the park.

Disney also recently added another exciting character meetand-greet: Moana at Discovery Island Character Landing at Animal Kingdom. Mirabel meet-and-greets debut this fall, which is why it’s a great time to buy a Disney Annual Pass now that they’re available again!

In case you missed it, Magic Kingdom’s beloved “Happily Ever

After” fireworks are back with added magic, and a temporary fireworks show, “EPCOT Forever,” dazzles Disney fans at EPCOT while a new nighttime spectacular is being crafted to debut in late 2023.

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NEW Additions at Gatorland

The Gatorland you know and love for its hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, Screamin’ Gator Zipline, Gator Jumparoo Show and Alligator Breeding Marsh now has new adventures and animals to enjoy this summer!

The new Croc Rock three-in-one adventure features rock climbing, a swing bridge and zipline all in one. There are also new water features at Gator Gully Splash Park where guests can cool off and new animals to meet, including the recently debuted Capybara Encounter. Learn more at gatorland.com.

Keep Your Cool at Orlando’s Best Water Parks

Each Orlando water park has a dedicated kids’ area. Universal’s Volcano Bay’s massive, multilevel kids’ areas, Tot Tiki Reef and Runamukka Reef, boast splash features and water spray guns everywhere. Water slides of varying height and speed make it possible for school-age kids to branch out and have a little thrill.

Most kids will have fun in any of the water parks in Orlando, but some features are better for specific age groups:

Youngest children and toddlers: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Older toddlers/ young kids: Aquatica Orlando

Tweens, teens and adults: Universal’s Volcano Bay

Budget-friendly: Island H2O LIVE

Summer is a time for adventure. Find it on the towering waterslides, exciting playgrounds, and rushing rivers of our thrilling water attractions.

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