Top 5 Water Rides to Cool You Off at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

Thursday, August 18, 2022 - 06:46

The Orlando heat can be grueling during the summer. Thankfully, the nearby theme parks are stocked with plenty of water rides to help cool visitors down during their stay. During your visit to the Universal Orlando resort, you may find yourself wanting to try one of these attractions, so be sure to check your park map and make your way around to these water-based rides at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure!

5. Fievel's Playland

Fievel's Playland, Universal — Image: Universal

This children's area is perfect for the smallest additions of your family to enjoy cooling off without tackling any of the more thrilling options available in the parks. While this is more of an explorative area than a singular ride, the Playland features a water slide for children and an accompanying adult as well as various interactive splash spots to play around in. This area is located on the Studios side of the park, before Springfield and near ET.

4. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, Universal — Image: Universal

As another kid-friendly addition to this list, One Fish, Two Fish is a simple and relaxing glide around a little pond, but it does feature a small challenge to all riders--follow the instructions of the accompanying music to avoid getting sprinkled by the water fountains around the side! This attraction can be found in the Seuss Landing area in Islands of Adventure.

3. Jurassic Park River Adventure

Jurassic Park River Adventure Boat Sends up spray of Water — Jeremy Thompson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This classic ride is a step up in intensity from the previous entries, but it's still an essential for any park goers in need of a good splash. What starts as a leisure boat ride through Jurassic Park's winding river turns into something from a nightmare when your boat is bumped off course and into the off-limits carnivore containment area--and worst of all, they're escaping! This daring adventure comes to a startling end after a face to face encounter with a massive t-rex and your raft plunges 80 feet to safety, showering all riders with a spray of water. Best of all, this ride is a great option for those wanting to cool off in the intense summer heat without fully drenching your clothes.

2. Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, Universal — Image: Universal

This is the first entry on this list guaranteed to leave you soaked! With raging rapids, spouts of water, and an excessive amount of water guns lined along the route, it's nearly impossible to board this ride without getting a good drench. This ride can be found in the Toon Lagoon area in Islands of Adventure.

1. Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls

Dudley Do Right, Universal — Image: Kayleigh Igou

Another entry from the Toon Lagoon area, Ripsaw Falls is perhaps the best and most intense water ride in the park to get your blood pumping and your clothes drenched! This log flume ride may be a step up in intensity from the barges above, but Ripsaw Falls is still fun for the whole family. Complete with various medium drops throughout and a finale of 75 feet through bubbling rapids, the Falls are an essential for guests hoping for a dousing!

Next time you visit the parks, be sure to try out some of these attractions for yourself. Do you agree with our list, or do you feel like we may have missed an essential? Most importantly, which attraction is the best to cool off during the hot summer months?

Ellie IgouView Profile

Ellie is a contributing feature writer for Theme Park Tourist who loves to tackle abandoned locations, ride history, and theme park mysteries in her articles. Although she lives out of state, she makes frequent trips to the Orlando parks and is particularly fond of the Universal Orlando Resort. Her favorite ride is VelociCoaster and her go-to snack at the resort is a Big Pink doughnut from Springfield!