The best water rides in Orlando
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Somehow, I almost always end up booking my Orlando trip during the heat of summer, even though I know it’s the hottest, most expensive, and most crowded time of the year. After just one day in the heat, I am ready to leave, but I always manage to have a blast nonetheless. Fortunately, there are plenty of air conditioned line queues plus a few great water rides to help you cool down, at least during the hottest part of the day.
Living in Florida for many years, I figured out avoiding the theme parks at all cost during the summer season is the best option. However, with family often visiting during the hottest time of the year, this is not always possible. I have learned to deal with the heat using many tactics including strategically planning water rides during the middle of the afternoon. Universal’s Islands of Adventure is home to some of the best water rides in Orlando, and I tend to spend more time enjoying the rides here this time of year.
Check out my guide to the top water rides that are sure to entertain you & cool you down!
Dudley Do Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Park: Universal’s Islands of Adventure
This cute ride is themed after the cartoon (and later movie) of the same name. The ride is colorful and fun, not to mention super refreshing on a hot summer day. The log flume ride is similar to Splash Mountain, but features several drops, twists, and turns in a rollercoaster like layout. Don’t let the kiddie theme fool you: this is one fun ride and the one I always find myself going on again and again, especially if the line is short enough. On busy days, it can get so stuffy and hot standing in line, which makes the ride even more exhilarating when you finally get that cool down. Prepare to get absolutely drenched while screaming on the dramatic ending 75 foot drop. So much fun and so refreshing on a hot Orlando summer afternoon!
Kali River Rapids
Park: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Taking a safari ride is a must at Disney’s Animal Kingdom no matter when you visit. Unfortunately, summer days can get pretty hot. After walking around and enjoying the safari ride, you will likely be hot. Just like a summer day at the zoo, it can get pretty miserable. This is where Kali River Rapids comes in. This fun circular raft ride features numerous twists, turns, and curves through a jungle like setting in a large 12 person circular raft. It’s like a whitewater rafting adventure, only you can just kick back and enjoy the ride with no work required on your part. The best part about this ride is your whole party can enjoy it together!
Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges
Park: Universal’s Islands of Adventure
This ride is Island’s equivalent of Kali River Rapids. Really similar with only the theme being different. Expect crazy turns, drops, and waterfalls at any moment. You will either get a little wet or totally soaked: one person usually gets the worst of it and it’s a surprise every time. On a hot summer day, you will be hoping that you are the one to get totally soaked. There are lots of splashes, waterfalls, and big drops of water on this one. On a unique note, this ride was one of the originals when Island’s first opened (May 28,1999).
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Park: Universal’s Islands of Adventure
As the name implies, this ride is based on the popular Spielberg movie series of the 90’s. The theme is pretty cool as you travel on a boat through Isla Nublar. You will pass lots of animatronic dinosaurs along the way. The really cool part comes at the end as you embark on a steep 85 foot drop. I have to admit this drop is pretty scary and exhilarating. Best of all, you will get totally soaked, especially in the front row. A nice refreshing cool down on a hot day, as well as a nostalgic time for any fans of the movie. This ride also features a really cool entrance where you walk beneath the famous Jurassic Park sign. For the ride itself and the nostalgia, this is easily one of my favorites.
More ways to stay cool on a hot day!
You will want to stay hydrated in the hot Orlando sun. Drink plenty of water, plan off days in between park days to relax in the pool, visit air conditioned inside attractions, and take a lunch break at an air conditioned restaurant (Mythos at Universal is fabulous). Also be sure to check out my list of things to do in Orlando when it’s hot.
Cool Air Conditioned Queues
Indoor queues: In addition to the water rides listed above, numerous rides feature cool (and air conditioned in some cases) indoor waiting queues. Waiting outside for hours on a hot summer day can be miserable. Do download the Wait Times app to plan your day accordingly. You will want to get on rides featuring uncovered waiting areas early in the morning or later on in the evening.
The Mummy (Universal): Probably the darkest ride at any Orlando park. The entire queue is set inside a spooky very dim cave like interior. On a hot summer afternoon, it’s a real treat to wait in here. The indoor rollercoaster is also set completely in the dark with various creative special effects along the way.
Hogwarts Express (Universal): Beautiful indoor queue modeled after Kings Cross Station. The line is often long, which makes it a great afternoon ride. Buy a chocolate frog before boarding the train via Platform 9 3/4 (unique special effects make it appear as if you are disappearing through the wall). And when you get to Hogsmeade, treat yourself to a cooling butterbeer!
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Beautiful dark wait through the Hogwarts Castle. A nice escape from the heat as well as a real treat for Harry Potter fanatics. The talking portraits, appearances of the cast via holograms, and the newspaper with moving pictures are all pretty spectacular. The ride, although dizzying, is one of Universal’s best!
Any 3D show: Seeing one of these movies will get you out of the heat a bit longer than a quick ride. My favorite is Mickey’s Philar Magic (Magic Kingdom).
Under the Sea: Charming ride based off The Little Mermaid features a refreshing ocean themed queue.
Hall of Presidents: Great half hour show in an air conditioned space. This entertaining show features 45 lifelike animatronics, from George Washington to Joe Biden.
Peter Pan: Nice indoor waiting area through the Darling house leads to a fun dark themed ride based on the movie.
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor: Fun indoor comedy show featuring Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc. Lots of laughs and fun audience interaction.
Space Mountain: Cool futuristic space themed queue cool travels through the dark. This super fast indoor space coaster is one of the best and most iconic rides at Disney!
King Kong: Nice dark queue with cool special effects at Islands.
Men in Black: One of the coolest queues. The AC feels so nice in here after a long day in the sun, with lots of fun props from the movie. Plus, this shooting style ride is pretty awesome!
E.T: One of the classics you have to go on. The wait is mostly inside through a cool redwood forest.
Escape from Gringotts: Cool walk through the Wizarding bank.
Update: I’ll add the Ministry of Magic, Mario Kart, and Frankenstein (all at the newly opened Epic) to this list. These queues are really cool, although the Ministry can have an hours long wait.
The worst queues for the summer season: Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure (Universal), The Simpsons (Universal), The Hulk.
A full list of rides at Universal Studios.
