What You’ll Learn in This Guide

• How to plan your visit, arrive prepared, and choose a convenient home base.
• Which waterpark attractions are best for thrill-seekers and younger splashers.
• Where to refuel throughout the day, from poolside snacks to family dinner options.
• How to keep the fun going with games, entertainment, and activities

Plan Your Visit: Know Before You Go

Surf & Splash Orlando offers exciting adventures for all ages, and a little preparation can help the whole family enjoy a smoother day from start to finish.

Resort Guest Perks & Day Pass Access

Located right at Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites, Surf & Splash Orlando is just steps away for resort guests, with complimentary waterpark admission included with eligible stays. Less time spent getting there means more time to enjoy the day together. Resort guests also have the convenience of returning to their suite for snacks, dry clothes, or a quick break throughout the day.

Visiting from elsewhere? Waterpark day passes give local families and Orlando visitors access to the waterpark attractions, poolside games, and arcade without booking an overnight stay. Select resort activities and Celebration Theater programming are reserved for overnight guests, so check the latest Resort Activity Guide when planning your evening.

Check the Orlando Forecast

Orlando is known for plenty of sunshine, but quick afternoon showers are common, especially in summer. Check the forecast before you leave, review any waterpark updates, and bring a light rain layer or poncho when needed.

What to Pack

Before your visit, pack a day bag with everything your family may need, including:

• Swimsuits
• Sunscreen
• Water-friendly shoes
• Refillable water bottles
• Hats or sunglasses
• A waterproof phone pouch
• Dry clothes for later
• A separate bag for wet swimsuits
• A light rain layer or poncho

Save space in your day bag by leaving bulky beach towels and life jackets behind, as both are available on-site. Forgot something at home? No worries! The Essentials Store carries snacks, drinks, backup swimwear, sunscreen, and other last-minute items to help keep your day running smoothly.

Morning: Arrive Early & Dive Into the Day

Start with a balanced breakfast so everyone has energy for the fun ahead. Lakeside Cafe serves a breakfast buffet with eggs, pastries, fruit, and plenty of coffee. Kids can also enjoy a free meal from the children’s menu with a paying adult, for up to four children per family.

Prefer a relaxed morning in your suite? Resort guests can prepare breakfast using the full kitchen or convenient kitchenette, while the mini-fridge makes it easy to keep drinks and snacks chilled for later.

Once everyone is fueled up, head to the waterpark near opening time to make the most of the morning. Choose a home base where your family can return for sunscreen, snacks, and breaks throughout the day. For added shade and comfort, consider reserving a private cabana that can also serve as a convenient meeting point between adventures.

Make Your First Splash

With breakfast finished and your home base picked out, it’s time to dive into the fun! Surf & Splash offers experiences for all ages, so every family member can find an adventure that feels just right.

For the Thrill-Seekers

Head to the Surf Zone for bigger kids, teens, and adventurous adults. Here, you can race down Duel Drop Racers at the Triple Tide Tower or take a twisty trip through the Surf Spin body slide.

Looking for another way to keep the morning moving? Head to the Splash Zone for poolside fun or cool off together in the zero-entry pool before your next round of slides.

For Younger Splashers

Traveling with younger children? Aqua Cove was made for little feet and growing water confidence. With zero-depth entry, toddler-sized slides, and hands-on water play, kids can explore without jumping straight into the deeper end of the action. The Aqua Kids’ Splash Pad is another easy win, with fountains, overhead sprays, and a mini slide for non-stop play.

Afternoon: Refuel & Keep the Fun Flowing

After plenty of time in the water, plan a lunch break so everyone can recharge.

Burger Theory is a great spot for burgers, salads, and quick bites, while Antonio’s Pizzeria keeps things easy with pizza and pasta. Red Panda & Sombrero’s is a flexible choice for families craving different flavors, with rice bowls, tacos, and burritos available in one convenient stop.

Prefer to stay close to the pool? Splash Bar serves smoothies, refreshing sips, and frozen favorites for kids and adults. Liquid Sunshine also offers drinks and shareable snacks for an easy poolside break. Families who want to keep the day moving can also stop by the Essentials Store for chilled drinks, quick snacks, and easy grab-and-go meals.

Jump Back Into the Action

Once everyone is recharged, it’s time to catch a wave on the FlowRider®, a 40-foot wave simulator that opens at noon. Try it yourself, learn from the pros, or cheer from the sidelines while someone in your family puts their surf skills to the test.

You can also explore any attractions you missed earlier or check the daily activity schedule for something new. Poolside games may take place throughout the late morning and afternoon, with activities such as limbo, hula hoop challenges, relay games, and dance parties.

Choose One Last Splash

Before wrapping up your waterpark time, let everyone choose one final favorite. Race down Duel Drop Racers, take another turn on the FlowRider®, or gather the little ones for one last countdown at the Giant Tipping Bucket. And if “one more slide” turns into three? We understand.

Late-Afternoon to Evening: Wind Down After the Waves

After wrapping up your time in the water, change into dry clothes and gather your belongings. This is also a good time to make sure the goggles, sandals, towels, and water bottles have all found their way back into the bag.

Craving something sweet? Stop by Hershey’s Ice Cream and let everyone choose from 24 hand-dipped flavors. It’s a great way to cool down and hold everyone over until dinner.

Families staying at the resort can also return to their suite for a quick break. A little downtime may feel especially welcome after a full afternoon in the sunshine.

Catch an Activity and Grab Dinner

Once everyone is changed and ready, explore the on-site entertainment options and check the latest Resort Activity Guide to see what catches your family’s interest. Some activities are available exclusively to resort guests, so be sure to review the schedule for details.

Day-pass visitors can keep the fun going in the arcade, while families can also head to the outdoor basketball courts for a friendly game. Resort guests have access to additional scheduled entertainment, which may include a family movie, the Gatorland Show, family karaoke, trivia, or bingo.

Enjoy dinner before or after the fun at Hideaway Grille & Bar, a welcoming option for a sit-down family meal. You can also return to one of the casual dining spots from earlier or bring dinner back to your suite, especially if younger adventurers are getting ready to wind down for the night.

A Full Day of Family Fun at Surf & Splash Orlando

Ready for your family’s best day ever at Surf & Splash Orlando? With attractions for little splashers, thrill-loving teens, and everyone in between, it’s easy to plan a day the whole crew will enjoy. Discover our latest special offers and start planning your Surf & Splash Orlando adventure today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time should I arrive at Surf & Splash Orlando?

Check the latest operating hours before your visit and plan to arrive close to opening time.

What should I bring to Surf & Splash Orlando Water Park?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, water-friendly shoes, refillable water bottles, a change of clothes, and a waterproof phone pouch. A separate bag for wet items and a light rain layer or poncho can also come in handy. Beach towels and life jackets are available on-site.

How can I make the most of one day at an Orlando water park?

Arrive close to opening time with a flexible plan for the day. Choose a convenient home base, prioritize your family’s must-do attractions, and build in time for meals, shade, and hydration. Checking attraction hours and the daily activity schedule in advance can also help you fit in more without feeling rushed.

Is Surf & Splash Orlando suitable for younger children?

Yes. Aqua Cove and the Aqua Kids’ Splash Pad offer zero-depth entry, toddler-sized slides, and interactive water features for younger guests. Families can also enjoy the zero-entry pool and gentler areas in the Splash Zone.

What should I wear to Surf & Splash Orlando?

Wear comfortable swimwear and water-friendly shoes or sandals. Bring sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, or rash guard, along with dry clothing for dinner and evening activities.

Are there places to eat lunch at Surf & Splash Orlando?

Yes. Lunch options include Burger Theory, Antonio’s Pizzeria, and Red Panda & Sombrero’s. Splash Bar and Liquid Sunshine offer poolside drinks and snacks, while the Essentials Store carries chilled drinks and grab-and-go options.

What are the dinner options at Surf & Splash Orlando?

Hideaway Grille & Bar offers a welcoming setting for a sit-down family meal. You can also return to casual dining spots like Burger Theory, Antonio’s Pizzeria, or Red Panda & Sombrero’s.

What happens if it rains during my visit?

Orlando is known for plenty of sunshine, though passing showers can occur, particularly in the summer. Check the forecast before your visit and keep an eye on any waterpark updates.

How often should I take breaks during an Orlando water park day?

Build in a break around lunch and make time for regular hydration, shade, and sunscreen throughout the day. Take additional breaks whenever younger children or other family members need time to recharge.

Can day visitors enjoy activities outside the waterpark?

Yes. Day visitors can access the arcade, outdoor basketball courts, and poolside games. Select resort activities and all Celebration Theater programming, including the Gatorland Show, are reserved exclusively for overnight resort guests.