Although it’s theme parks like Universal Studios Florida, Disney’s Magic Kingdom and SeaWorld that typically get all the buzz, Orlando is also home to its fair share of water parks. From Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World to Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando to Aquatica and Discovery Cove by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, there are plenty of places where folks looking to beat the heat can go to cool off.
But they aren’t the only places in Orlando where people can make a splash. For those looking for a place that brings the thrills and chills without the crazy-big crowds that often come along with them, you may want to make your way over to Margaritaville Resort Orlando in Kissimmee to check out Island H2O Water Park, Central Florida’s only social media-inspired theme park. So, slip into your swimsuit, brush up on your hashtag game (trust us, you’re going to need it) and let’s dive into Island H20 Live!, Orlando’s most modern water park.
Dive Into Fun at Island H20, the Margaritaville Water Park with a Modern Perspective
We know what you’re thinking. Is Island H2O Live! really the most technologically advanced water park in Orlando? But what about those from theme park heavy hitters, like Universal’s Volcano Bay, SeaWorld’s Aquatica or either of the two Walt Disney World water parks? While it’s certainly true that you will find some incredible rides at other Orlando water parks, both in thrills and in theming, none of them lean hard into technology, specifically social media, like Island H20.
If anything, other water parks in Orlando actually go the opposite direction, at least where theming is concerned. After all, what could be more stripped back than a tropical island-like setting, which is the general styling of four out of the five aforementioned Orlando water parks? There, the theming is all about escaping technology for a while, not running—or, in this case, splashing—headlong into it.
From the name to the attractions, the Island H20 Live! Water Park comes at it from an entirely different perspective. (Which, we’ve got to admit, is more than a little bit surprising, considering that this is the Margaritaville water park, after all, and that Margaritaville is all about living life on island time, but we digress.) Not only do many of their water slides incorporate on-ride tech like music (that you can customize yourself through the water park’s app, naturally), flashing lights and video recording, but there are also techy attractions like the Selfie Shack and Be Live! where you can take videos and, of course, selfies and then later share with your family and friends through the Island H20 app.
But wait, there’s more! You can even earn points by going on rides and playing the park’s scavenger hunt called Checkpoint Alley, which you can later exchange for snacks, soda and souvenirs. It’s like the Chuck E. Cheese of water parks! Best of all, you don’t need to carry around your phone all day to capture every social media moment. Just sync the Island H2O Waterpark app to your RFID wristband, and you’re all set to make a splash on social media.
Going to Island H2O Water Park
Orlando, as we already mentioned, is home to a boatload of water parks. Conveniently, they also happen to be dotted in various parts of the city’s most popular tourist areas. So, no matter where you’re staying or which theme parks you’ve been visiting, you’re never too far away from all sorts of splash-tastic fun. If you’ve added Island H20 to your vacation to-do list, here’s everything you need to know when planning your visit.
Island H2O Parking
Located only a 10-minute drive from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and less than 15 minutes from Fun Spot Kissimmee, Island H20 Water Park is situated slightly outside of the typical tourist bubble in the southwestern Orlando suburb of Kissimmee while still being easily accessible. Island H20 parking typically costs $10 per vehicle, including large vans and mini buses (parking for full-size buses carrying 15 or more passengers is free). However, it does come complimentary with certain Island H2O season passes. A limited number of preferred parking spaces are also available for $20.
Island H20 Hours
Unlike other Orlando water parks, which are typically open all year round (one Disney World water park will typically close during fall and winter to match decreased demand and allow for refurbishments), Island H2O Water Park Orlando is only available on a seasonal basis. As a result, it is usually only open from early March, just in time for the spring break crowds, through Thanksgiving weekend. The park does open during December, but only for its Holiday Nights Christmas lights event—no aquatic attractions are available during that time.
Keep in mind that Island H2O hours typically run longer during warmer, busier periods (from 10 AM to 9 PM) and shorter during the cooler, slower months (from 10/10:30 AM to 5/6 PM). So, be sure to check the app or website for the operating hours during your visit. We should also note that weekends tend to see the biggest crowds, so if you have some flexibility in your schedule, try to go during the middle of the week to enjoy shorter lines.
Island H2O Water Park Tickets & Season Passes
Island H2O Water Park tickets only come with two different options: either single-day admission or season passes. At the time of writing, Island H20 tickets cost $59.99 per day plus tax for adults and $49.99 for seniors or children under 48” tall when purchased in advance through the water park’s website. That’s a $5 discount versus what you would pay at the gate. Alternatively, you can also purchase discount Island H2O tickets directly through us at Park Savers, thanks to our authorized ticket partner Undercover Tourist, for only $49.99 per person with tax. That’s a savings of up to $19 each!
However, be aware that no matter where you buy your Island H20 Water Park tickets, single-day admission is non-refundable. The only exception is in the case of inclement weather that either shuts down rides for a continuous period of two hours or three times during the day of your visit. Should that happen, all you need to do is show your ticket stub or other proof of purchase at the front gate, and you’ll be given a Sunshine Ticket to use at a later date during the same operating season.
For Orlando locals or others who plan on heading to Island H2O more than just one day per year, you may also want to consider getting an Island H20 season pass, which comes with unlimited visits and free perks like parking, Bring a Friend tickets, admission to Holiday Nights and a souvenir drink bottle. Currently priced the same as regular single-day Island H2O tickets, these are a great deal, and they can only be purchased directly through the website.
Island H20 Cabanas
Want to upgrade your day at Island H20 Water Park to the 2.0 version? Then, you might want to splurge on a private cabana. Island H2O cabana options run the gamut from standard to suite to ultimate, with prices ranging from $125 to $385. However, the only real differences between them are the comfort of the furniture and the number of complimentary water bottles you get, as each of the cabanas comes with a refrigerator and an in-cabana food and beverage service. Island H20 cabanas can be reserved in advance until midnight the day before your visit or on a walk-up basis, subject to availability.
Island H20 Water Park Orlando Attractions
So, what kind of tech-savvy attractions does Island H2O have to offer? From thrilling slides to kid-friendly aquatic play areas, from refreshing pools to a lazy river, these Island H20 rides are sure to help you make a splash on social media. (Remember, you get points for every attraction you go on that you can cash in for stuff later. So, feel free to ride to your heart’s content!)
Be Live!
As you can probably tell from the name, this tech hut lets you go “live” and record a video about your Island H20 experience with your waterpark-going gang. Then, once you have your phone in hand later, all you need to do is share with your followers via the Island H20 Waterpark app.
Height/Age Limit: None
Thrill Level: None
Attraction Type: Tech
Candy Stripe Cove
This watery playground is for the aspiring adrenaline junkies in your group, offering colorful, pint-sized thrills that are sure to get younger hearts pumping. Think of it as the Goldilocks zone of aquatic attractions for those who are too big for the petite slides of Pelican’s Paradise but not quite tall enough for some of the other attractions—everything here is just right.
Height/Age Limit: At least 36 inches; youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Thrill Level: Mild
Attraction Type: Children’s play area
Chat Creek
We don’t know about you, but one of our favorite attractions at any water park is the lazy river. Stretching 1,300 feet long, Chat Creek is the perfect place to kick back in a tube and soak up some sun while enjoying a little conversation (or even a nap, if that’s more your speed).
Height/Age Limit: Youth under 6 must be closely supervised by someone 16 years of age or older
Thrill Level: Mild
Attraction Type: Lazy river
Drop Down
Put your game face on for this thrilling body slide. Just like the name suggests, Drop Down plunges you in through a trapdoor before zipping you 218 feet to the end. There’s even a camera to record it all so that you can relive the fun (or fear!) again and again.
Height/Age Limit: At least 48 inches; youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Thrill Level: Maximum
Attraction Type: Body slide
Follow Me Falls
Get ready to see the followers roll in after sharing your video from Follow Me Falls. On this water coaster with an on-ride camera, you’ll cruise down a steep drop at the start before being propelled uphill by blasting jets. Once you reach the top, you’ll splash down through an enclosed section and then up a wall, enjoying a feeling of weightlessness until you plummet backward toward the finish.
Height/Age Limit: At least 48 inches; youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Thrill Level: Maximum
Attraction Type: Tube slide
Hashtag Heights
This zero-gravity, multi-person raft ride gives a whole new meaning to the concept of a “Boomerang.” After climbing aboard, you and your crew will zoom down an open section before whizzing up the side of a boomerang, creating a feeling of weightlessness, and then sliding back down to the end. Talk about #rush!
Height/Age Limit: Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Thrill Level: Maximum
Attraction Type: Raft slide
Level Up
Enjoy a little friendly competition at Level Up, a splash-tastic playground where family and friends can challenge each other to a game of pool basketball and other fun. If competition isn’t your thing, you can also cool off under the dumping buckets or challenge yourself to make it across some lily pads without getting wet.
Height/Age Limit: Life vests are required for those under 48” tall; youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Thrill Level: Moderate
Attraction Type: Aquatic play area
Live! Lagoon
If you’re looking to really make some waves, then splash on over to Live! Lagoon. This sprawling 24,000-square-foot wave pool offers oceans of fun, whether you’re riding it out on a one- or two-person tube or bodysurfing the breaks as they roll through.
Height/Age Limit: Life vests are required for those under 48” tall; youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Thrill Level: Moderate
Attraction Type: Wave pool
Live Streaming
Want to be the envy of everyone’s social media feed? Then gather your courage and go on Live Streaming, the only looping water slide on the planet that records it all for the world to see. From the freefall through a trapdoor at the beginning to the 360-degree loop that follows, every heart-pounding second of this 326-foot slide will have your followers smashing the like button.
Height/Age Limit: At least 48 inches; youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Thrill Level: Maximum
Attraction Type: Body slide
Pelican’s Paradise
For those visiting with tiny tots, Pelican’s Paradise is the place to be. With kid-friendly slides at two different height requirements, as well as fun features like waterfalls, jets and plenty of places for exploring, little ones here are bound to have a blast.
Height/Age Limit: At least 36 or 40 inches, depending on the slide; youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Thrill Level: Mild
Attraction Type: Children’s play area
Private Domain
This one is for the grownups who are looking for a little quiet time away from the kids. Open only to adults ages 21 and up, Private Domain is a serene pool away from the hustle and bustle, offering tons of lounge chairs to sit back and relax.
Height/Age Limit: At least 21 years old
Thrill Level: None
Attraction Type: Quiet pool
Profile Plunge
Gather the gang for this multi-person raft ride that whisks you through sharp turns, up walls and down unexpected drops for a thrilling 587 feet. A customizable soundtrack keeps you jamming (though you might need to thumb-wrestle someone to play DJ), while a feeling of weightlessness is sure to give you an adrenaline rush.
Height/Age Limit: At least 42 inches; youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Thrill Level: Maximum
Attraction Type: Raft slide
Reload Rapids
It’s always a party on Reload Rapids. With tight corners and unexpected turns sprinkled throughout this 314-foot-long, two-person enclosed tube slide, all set to your personalized soundtrack and light show, this easy-going attraction will leave you grooving all ride long.
Height/Age Limit: At least 48 inches; youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Thrill Level: Moderate
Attraction Type: Tube slide
Reply Racers
Put the pedal to the metal—or, in this case, the mat to the plastic—on this high-speed slide. With six matching slides lined up next to one another and a steep drop to help you pick up speed, this competitive mat slide is an excellent attraction to challenge your crew for bragging rights.
Height/Age Limit: At least 42 inches; youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Thrill Level: Moderate
Attraction Type: Mat slide
Selfie Shack
Strike a pose and snap a selfie or a group pic with your family or friends at this social media stop. Afterward, revisit your memories on the app before sharing them to the ‘gram.
Height/Age Limit: None
Thrill Level: None
Attraction Type: Tech
The Downloader
Get ready to jam out to the playlist of your choosing during this 284-foot, two-person tube slide, complete with a matching light show. Pick out your favorite genre in the Island H2O app and then hold on tight as you cruise down, into a bowl, around and around, and then down again.
Height/Age Limit: At least 48 inches; youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Thrill Level: Moderate
Attraction Type: Tube slide
Island H2O Water Park Orlando Dining & Shopping Locations
No matter if you’re looking for something tasty to power you through the rest of your day or a place to grab a memento of your day, you’ll find it at one of the restaurants or retail outlets at Island H20 Orlando.
Island H20 Restaurants
Becoming a social media sensation can cause quite an appetite (and we aren’t just talking about likes). Take a break from creating content for your followers with a tasty meal or refreshing cocktail from one of the various restaurants at Island H2O Orlando. Once you’ve found something to satisfy your craving, take it over to Virtual Village to bask in some shade while you enjoy it. Here’s everywhere you can enjoy a bite to eat at the Margaritaville water park.
- Apps & Eats – Appetizer classics like coconut shrimp, mozzarella sticks, fried pickles and French fries, as well as the iconic turkey leg
- Megabytes – Theme-park standbys like burgers, pizza, sandwiches, chicken strips and salads, as well as snacks like fries and soft pretzels
- Pelican Hut – Sweet treats like cotton candy, Dippin’ Dots, frozen lemonade and ICEEs
- Refresh & Recharge – Fried sweets like churros, funnel cakes and mini donuts, as well as lemonade
- Surfin’ Snacks – Amusement park snacks like soft pretzels, popcorn, nachos, churros, donut holes and the quintessential turkey leg
- Tag Shack – Walk-up bar serving everything from boozy frozen concoctions and mixed drinks to beer, soda and smoothies
Island H2O Shops
No matter if you forgot your towel at home, you need a pair of flip flops or you’re searching for a souvenir to remind you of your day, chances are good that you’ll find what you’re looking for at Island Outfitters. This is also the place to go if you don’t remember to bring sunscreen. Seriously, resist the urge to go without any or else there’s a good chance that you’ll look like a lobster in all your social media videos. That Central Florida sun is no joke, ya’ll.
Well, friends, that brings our guide to Margaritaville’s Island H2O. Have you ever been to this social media-inspired water park? Is it on your vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how you can save some money and score a discount with our Island H2O Water Park tickets.
