Living in Miami, we are a “stone’s throw” away from Orlando: the mecca for family entertainment. Since we are so close, it’s an easy way for my family to travel on a weekend getaway. With the summer months being so HOT, it’s fun to visit a waterpark in order to get the thrills of rides, but stay cool.

Well, Orlando’s water slide world is getting just a little bigger. A brand-new family raft slide has officially splashed down at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark in Orlando. Ray Rush is a fully-loaded water adventure which combines three unique slide elements, never before seen at Aquatica, into one action-packed attraction the entire family can enjoy together.

The nearly 60-foot tall attraction brings family and friends together as they take on three exciting slide elements in rafts that seat up to four riders. First, riders will be launched with powerful water jets designed to propel the rafts into the first of several enclosed tube sections. Next, riders enter a giant translucent sphere, rocking back and forth as waves of water swirl around them. Finally, riders will drop into the attraction’s signature element, an open-air halfpipe that resembles the shape of a manta ray. My heart is racing just thinking about it all!

“The combination of these three unique slide elements seamlessly blended into one attraction creates a ride experience that is both thrilling and family-friendly, it’s the perfect addition to our slide portfolio,” said David Heaton, Aquatica Orlando vice president. “The experience on Ray Rush will be unlike anything offered in Florida. Aquatica will be the first waterpark in the state to combine these three unique elements into one attraction.”

Some things you need to Know:

Ray Rush has a rider height requirement of 42” to appeal to families with children. The new slide is located next to Walkabout Waters on the north side of the park. The Walhalla Wave family raft slide, which was temporarily closed to accommodate the construction of Ray Rush, has also reopened. The ride officially opens to the public with the park on Saturday, May 12 at 9 a.m. Aquatica Orlando, which was recently voted “Best Water Park” by Orlando Sentinel readers, is open daily, year-round. For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit AquaticaOrlando.com.

Best Way to Play:

The best way to experience Aquatica is with an Aquatica Orlando Annual Pass. Aquatica Pass Members enjoy unlimited admission and free parking as well as discounts. Right now, Aquatica Pass Members can be among the first to ride Ray Rush with a free one-time Quick Queue valid through June 12. Online reservation required. Limit one per active Pass Member for one-time use. Based on availability. Limited quantities available.

A little more about Aquatica

From high-speed water slides and exhilarating wave pools, to tranquil beaches, Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark® Orlando, delights all ages and interests. This one-of-a-kind waterpark is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides, featuring 42 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches. Get ready to brave a watery free-fall on Ihu’s Breakaway Falls™ – the steepest and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in Orlando. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, offers exclusive attractions that promise unlimited fun, sending guests on amazing undersea adventures. Aquatica Orlando was recently voted “Best Water Park” by Orlando Sentinel readers in the publication’s annual Best Bets reader’s choice awards in 2017.