Sea World Aquatica San Antonio – Review
Yesterday was the first time this summer we visited Sea World Aquatica. When I only had one child, my daughter and I would come all the time. However, I have two kids now and there is no way I can handle both of them by myself. My husband was off yesterday, so we decided to go. We only visit Sea World on weekdays because it is simply too busy on the weekends.
We arrived at Sea World twenty minutes before it opened. They will usually let you in early. However, you won’t be able to venture very far until the park opens. I highly suggest that you get there early if you are going to Aquatica. This is because in order to get into Aquatica, you have to go through another entrance.
Sea World Aquatica Attractions
Sea World Aquatica in San Antonio is a water park that offers a wide range of water rides and attractions that are perfect for families. With a variety of options to choose from, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Lazy River
One of the most popular rides for families is the “Loggerhead Lane” lazy river. This ride is a relaxing journey down a winding river that flows through the park. It’s a great way to take a break from the more intense rides and enjoy some time floating in the sun with the family.
Stingray Falls
My daughter is 47″ tall and my son is almost 36″ tall. My son is too short for any of the rides. The most popular ride is Stingray Falls. Since my son is too short, my husband and daughter went on the ride together while I found some chairs with shade. They managed to ride Stingray Falls three times before the line was too long.
This ride takes riders on a four-person raft through dark tunnels and steep drops before ending in a tranquil lagoon. It’s a fun and exciting ride that kids and adults alike will love.
Kata’s Kookaburra Cove
My son and I headed on over to Kata’s Kookaburra Cove. This area is for really small kids. It has a slide and a waterfall-like mushroom. When my husband and daughter came back, I took my daughter to HooRoo Run. You can ride this one in tandem. It’s now my favorite ride. We then went to the wave pool and the slides at Slippity Dippity.
Walkabout Waters
We then returned and my daughter and husband went to Walkabout Waters. Walkabout Waters is a three-story funhouse. It is full of sprays and dumping buckets.
By the time they returned, we were hungry. We ate at Waterstone Grill. We had two kids’ meals, two burgers with fries, and we even bought a refillable mug. With our platinum discount, it came out to $36.68. If you don’t want to eat at the park, you can leave and return.
Whanau Waters
For families looking for a more thrilling experience, the “Walhalla Wave” is a popular choice. This ride is a high-speed water coaster that sends riders up and down hills and around tight turns. It’s sure to get the adrenaline pumping and provide plenty of laughs for the whole family.
The water seems warmer in these pools and they are pretty relaxing. There are some cabanas in this area, and in my opinion, I think this is the best spot if you are going to rent one. They put lounge chairs right on the water. Plus, it’s more peaceful.
We didn’t spend the whole day at Aquatica because my two-year-old was tired. We left at 2:00 p.m. We’ll go back in a couple of weeks.
Overall, we love going to Aquatica. It is big, clean, and has something for everyone in the family. If you would like to visit, make sure to read my 10 tips for visiting Aquatica in San Antonio.
Best times to visit for shorter wait times
Visiting Sea World Aquatica in San Antonio is a fun family experience, but nobody likes waiting in long lines. To make the most out of your visit, it’s important to know the best times to go to avoid longer wait times.
During peak season, which runs from June to August, the park is bound to be busier with longer wait times. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, try visiting during the off-peak season, which runs from September to May. Weekdays are also less busy than weekends, so if possible, plan your visit for a weekday.
Another great way to avoid crowds and long wait times is to arrive early when the park opens. This way, you can be one of the first in line for your favorite rides and attractions. Lastly, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the park’s Fast Pass option. You can purchase a Fast Pass that allows you priority access to select rides and attractions, reducing your wait times significantly.
Best places to eat in the park
After working up an appetite for all the fun and excitement, you’ll be pleased to know that Sea World Aquatica has a variety of dining options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a refreshing drink, or a full meal, there’s something for everyone.
Waterstone Grill
One of the most popular options is Waterstone Grill, located near the entrance of the park. This quick-service restaurant offers classic theme park food such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders, as well as healthier options like salads and fresh fruit cups.
Mango Market
Another great option for families is Mango Market, which offers a variety of grab-and-go options like sandwiches, wraps, and fruit cups. This is a great choice for families who want to take a break from the rides and enjoy a light lunch or snack.
Banana Beach Cookout
If you’re looking for something more substantial, then head over to Banana Beach Cookout. This restaurant serves up delicious barbecue favorites like pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket, and ribs.
Kona Ice
Finally, for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth, Kona Ice is a must-visit. This food truck-style vendor offers a variety of shaved ice flavors, perfect for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Parking
Let me backtrack a little for people who have never visited Sea World. When you first get to Sea World, you will have to decide if you want preferred parking or not. Preferred parking costs more than normal parking, but you are much closer to the entrance. Preferred parking costs between $25 and $28 dollars. General parking is $17.
We parked in the preferred parking area because my daughter has a platinum pass. Because my husband and I are teachers, we were given Fun Cards. It is part of their teacher appreciation program. Last year it didn’t include Aquatica, but this year it does. If you are a teacher, registration is usually open in March. You have until the end of May to sign up.
Fun Card
A Fun Card will only get you into the park for free. You still have to pay for parking. Parking costs $17. Since we go to Sea World so often, we decided that somebody needed a season pass. A season pass comes with the added benefit of free parking and 20% off meals and merchandise. A couple of years ago, I was pregnant and I knew I wouldn’t be able to take my daughter to Sea World; my husband would have to take her.
However, he doesn’t go to Sea World as often as I do. In order to make sure that we got free parking, we just got a season pass for my daughter. This way, it didn’t matter who took her to the park. In fact, she can go to the park with anyone and get free parking. Like I said before, I was pregnant at the time, so I figured I would upgrade to the platinum card because it includes preferred parking. Plus, you lock in the price. You get to renew your pass at the price it was purchased.
Tickets
If you don’t buy your tickets online, there are quite a few ticket windows when you get there. Before they scan your tickets, security will go through your backpack. Some food is allowed but straws are absolutely forbidden. If they see a juice box, they will make you throw away the straw. If you have a McDonald’s drink with a straw, you will have to throw away the straw.
Coolers are not allowed either. You can bring in bottles of water (one per person) and snack-sized portions of food. In all honesty, I’m still confused as to what you can and can’t take. They say on the website that you can’t take in sandwiches or large sizes of food, but I have seen people with sandwiches and big bags of Doritos. I guess those people just made it past security.
Once you pass security, an employee will scan your ticket. If you have a season pass, they might take your picture. Now this is where it gets a little annoying. If you are going to Aquatica, you’ll have to head on over there and wait in another entrance line. Except this one is usually slower than the first one. It’s my only real complaint about Aquatica.
10 Tips for Visiting Sea World Aquatica in San Antonio
Get there early. Try to get there twenty minutes early. In order to get to Aquatica, you have to get through two entrances: the Sea World main entrance and the Aquatica entrance. In all honesty, I think the Aquatica entrance takes longer. Plus, if you get there early, you can get a coveted shady spot to place your things and you can ride Stingray Falls.
Ride Stingray Falls first. This attraction is the most popular one. The lines are the shortest right when it opens.
Find lounge chairs in the shade. These are hard to find but definitely worth it. In order to get one, you will have to get there early.
Bring water. I hate having to spend money on water. However, put it in the freezer the night before so it will be nice and cold when you decide to drink it. Remember, coolers are not allowed inside the park.
Bring snacks. Sea World will let you bring in single-serve size snacks. I like to bring in grapes and strawberries.
Bring suntan lotion. Even if it is cloudy, you will still get a sunburn.
Buy a waterproof pouch to put your credit cards, money, and keys. Instead of having to buy a locker, you can just keep your valuables on you. We used to rent a locker, but we never do anymore. In all my years of going to Sea World, I have only had one thing stolen, and that was a white towel.
Wear water shoes. The ground gets extremely hot in the Texas sun, so give your feet a break and protect them.
Look at the map to make sure you see everything. Roa’s Aviary and Loggerhead Lane (lazy river) are a little hidden. Make sure to look at the map so you don’t miss them.
Bring a puddle jumper for your little one. SeaWorld does provide life jackets for guests, however, the life jackets won’t necessarily keep your young children in an upright position. When my daughter was two, she couldn’t keep her head up and the life jacket had a tendency to make her lean forward, and her head would go under. I found that she did better with a puddle jumper. Some people prefer life jackets. Just make sure that you have the equipment necessary to keep your child safe.