Summer is finally here and the hottest days are officially upon us. As temperatures continue to soar, park-goers often look to water parks as the ideal way to cool off. Thankfully, a visit to Orlando means you’re more than spoiled for choice when it comes to not only water parks, but their one particular summer staple that offers the perfect opportunity for some rest and relaxation while also keeping you as cool as a Mickey bar.
So, if you’re looking for a way to escape that blistering midday heat, look no further – here’s a look at some of Orlando’s best lazy rivers to cool off in this summer…
1. Castaway Creek (Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon)
Grab a tube and enter the peaceful waters of Castaway Creek as you take in the sights and sounds of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. The beautiful, winding river encircles the entirety of the park, playing into Typhoon Lagoon’s very own unique Disney Legend that tells of a tropical paradise that was torn apart by an intense storm. This theming is implemented in a variety of different ways throughout Castaway Creek’s 2,000ft path, where mist screens and sprouting water features will also keep you cool as you float.
2. Cross Country Creek (Disney’s Blizzard Beach)
Blizzard Beach’s beautiful ski-resort theme will have you feeling the chill before you even enter the water, but you can’t beat the serene currents of Cross Country Creek. Similar to its sister river over in Typhoon Lagoon (although clocking in at a slightly longer 3,000ft) this creek takes you on a relaxing float around Blizzard Beach’s perimeter as you wind through rocky caverns and gentle waterfalls. (Please be aware that Blizzard Beach Water Park is temporarily closed for refurbishment and is expected to re-open soon!)
3. Kopiko Wai Winding River (Universal’s Volcano Bay)
There’s nothing quite like cooling off in Universal’s breathtaking Kopiko Wai river, which offers 360-degree views of nothing but lush greenery mixed in with the colorful sights (and sounds) of Volcano Bay. Forget a room-with-a-view, this is a pool-with-a-view, that winds you in and around the park’s stunning centerpiece, Krakatau Volcano while also passing through beautifully lit grottoes – you’ll wonder how in the world you’re only yards from Orlando’s busy I-4.
4. Loggerhead Lane (SeaWorld’s Aquatica)
Despite being one of Orlando’s more underrated theme parks, Aquatica sure does know a thing or two about putting a twist on an ol’ classic. As you dip into Loggerhead Lane’s crystal clear waters, you’re immediately met with copious amounts of shade – not only from the high trees and rocky theming that surrounds this beautiful river but also as you enter a stunning indoor cave that offers a peek into the habitat of hundreds of tropical fish.
5. Wind-Away River (Discovery Cove)
When you think of Discovery Cove, you think of tranquility, so it’s unsurprising that they do it best when it comes to creating a truly peaceful experience. Think of the Wind-Away river as less of a lazy river and more of a tranquil lagoon, that is largely reminiscent of a rainforest environment in more ways than one. The most unique lazy-river experience you can find in Orlando, with not an inner tube in sight – the perfect excuse to take a day to cool off under the hot Florida sun.
Wait, did you say lazy river? I thought you said crazy river!
6. Volcano Bay’s TeAwa the Fearless River and Aquatica’s Roa’s Rapids
When the memo is cool-off, but definitely not slow-down, Volcano Bay and Aquatica have got you covered with their considerably more thrilling approaches to your standard lazy river. Life vests at the ready as you enter these rivers because just when you think you’ve got the hang of it, another choppy wave is already on its way to send you flying through its currents! Both Volcano Bay and Aquatica’s rapid rivers provide a hilarious experience that combines the concept of a white-water rapids ride with your standard lazy river attraction. One thing is for sure, these two are certainly among the more action-packed ways to cool off.
Which one of Orlando’s many lazy rivers is your favorite? Will you be visiting any this summer?
