If you’re already thinking about spring break—or just craving a warm-weather escape—there’s a new reason to put Orlando on your radar. Aquatica Orlando, frequently ranked among the nation’s best outdoor water parks inUSA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Polls, is rolling out a slate of updates for 2026 aimed at making visits smoother, more comfortable and more fun from the moment guests arrive.
For many families, Aquatica Orlando stands apart from a typical water park because of what it actually offers on the ground. Spanning nearly 60 acres, it combines major water slides with a tropical landscape—and real marine life woven directly into the experience.
Some of the park’s best-known attractions send riders through clear tubes alongside dolphins or past schools of brightly colored fish, while others slow things down with long, scenic raft rides through planted waterways. That balance of big slides, nature-forward attractions and space to spread out is a big reason Aquatica draws more than a million visitors each year—and why many families return again and again.
Related: Mattel’s New Indoor Waterpark Will be 10 Minutes from Disney
Now, Aquatica Orlando is improving arrival flow with the addition of a fourth toll booth, a move designed to reduce backups during peak travel times. Inside the park, guests can expect more shade and cooling throughout high-traffic areas, with new fans, upgraded shade structures and additional umbrellas installed near attractions, dining areas and queues.
The park has also refreshed landscaping, resurfaced walkways and updated guest spaces, giving everything a cleaner, more polished feel heading into the new season.
Related: Legoland Florida is Opening Its First New Coaster in 15 Years This February
Food and drinks are getting an upgrade, too. Several dining locations have been refreshed or expanded, including Papa’s Pizza for quick grab-and-go meals, the Coffee & FunnelCake Shop for classic park treats, and a newly reimagined Ke-re’s Bar with more seating and a livelier atmosphere. To cut down on wait times, Aquatica is expanding mobile ordering, including QR-code ordering with food and drinks delivered directly to cabanas and premium loungers.
Fan-favorite events are also returning in 2026 with new twists. Aloha to Summer kicks off earlier in the year, timed for spring break, while AquaGlow—the park’s nighttime splash party—returns with planned enhancements. ILLUMINATE, Aquatica’s winter event, will also be back with expanded lighting and lantern displays.
Families with younger kids can plan around The Ultimate Playdate (select dates April 6 through August 24), which offers early access to Turi’s Kids Cove in a calmer, morning setting. And on February 14, 2026, the park will host its 16th annual Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Florida, combining a chilly dip with fundraising, costumes, and live entertainment.
Annual Pass Members will see even more perks in 2026, including Pass Member Slide Nights, early weekend entry in May, and additional after-hours experiences. With refreshed spaces, easier logistics, and a full calendar of events, Aquatica Orlando’s updates make a strong case for planning a return visit—or a first one—this year.
Related: SeaWorld’s New 2026 Ride Will Be the World’s First of Its Kind
Source:
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.