Best pools and water parks in Orlando
Orlando sits inland in Central Florida, so there's no ocean at your doorstep — but the region more than makes up for it with some of the best theme-park water parks and resort pools in the world. Here's where to cool off, and how to add a real beach day if you want one.
Disney's water parks
Blizzard Beach, themed as a melting ski resort, and Typhoon Lagoon, with one of the largest wave pools around, are both full-day water parks with slides for a range of thrill levels, alongside lazy rivers and calmer areas for younger kids.
Universal's Volcano Bay and SeaWorld's Aquatica
Universal's Volcano Bay is built around a central volcano with a mix of high-thrill slides and a relaxed river and beach area. SeaWorld's Aquatica adds marine-life touches alongside its slides and pools, and both are good alternatives if you want a change from Disney.
Resort pools
Many Orlando-area hotels and resorts have elaborate themed pools of their own — some with slides, lazy rivers or swim-up bars — which can be a relaxing, lower-key alternative to a full water-park day, especially useful if you're taking a break between theme-park days.
Adding a real beach day
If you want actual ocean, Orlando is roughly an hour to an hour and a half from the Atlantic coast around Cocoa Beach, and about an hour and a half to two hours from Gulf-coast beaches such as Clearwater. Either makes a good add-on day if your trip has room for it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Orlando near the beach?
Not directly — Orlando is inland. The nearest Atlantic beaches (around Cocoa Beach) are roughly an hour to an hour and a half away, and Gulf beaches like Clearwater are about an hour and a half to two hours away, so a beach day is an easy add-on rather than a walk from your hotel.
Which water park is best for younger kids?
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach both have dedicated calmer areas for younger children, and resort pools are often the easiest low-key option for a relaxed afternoon with little ones.