OOTL: SeaWorld San Antonio to Build Aquatica

SeaWorld San Antonio (Texas) recently announced that their existing water park ("Lost Lagoon") would be completely renovated, and it would finally become "Aquatica Texas". Yes, it would be a carbon copy of the very famous water park that was recently built in Orlando. Even though this news doesn't affect the parks in Orlando, we thought it was interesting, because even though the park will share the same name and rides of the Orlando version of the water park, the one in Texas will also have a nice pool where people can swim with rays, just like they do at Discovery Cove! Read more about this new water park:

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Aquatica features thrilling water slides, rivers, lagoons, and more than 80,000 square feet of beach area. Designed in a way that could only be done by SeaWorld, these unique attractions will zoom, float and splash guests through amazing animal habitats and undersea adventures.

Ray Connection

Guests make memorable, powerful connections with wildlife at this interaction program. Wade in the water with the majestic stingray as you touch, feed and learn more about these magnificent animals.

Ray Touch

This above-ground pool offers guests a chance to see and feed several species of stingrays. Despite the name stingray, these animals are as harmless as they are mesmerizing.

Walkabout Waters

This 3-story, interactive, outdoor funhouse provides countless ways to get wet and stay cool. Navigating geysers, sprays, giant dumping buckets and spouts provides plenty of play for both the young and the young-at-heart.

Cutback Cove

Adjacent to the wave pool, this 3,360-square-foot big kids’ tropical activity pool features a corkscrew water slide, inviting waterfalls and plenty of poolside lounge chairs for sunbathers.

Whanau Waters

Surrounded by white, sandy beaches, these inviting pools are the perfect spot to relax. Separate pools for lesure swimmers and families with toddlers gives guests plenty of choices for taking a dip. Nearby hammocks are the perfect place for shade and serenity.

Slippity Dippity

A separate pool for families with toddlers gives guests plenty of choices for taking a dip. Kids enjoy several small slides and water play elements. Nearby hammocks are the perfect place for shade and serenity.

Kata's Kookaburra Cove

Little ones can splash safely in this 3,000-square-foot area where whimsical sea creatures are welcoming play elements for tiny tots to enjoy.

Other Amenities

• Private cabana rentals
• Rental storage lockers
• Showers
• Beach loungers
• Casual dining, markets and shopping
• Changing Rooms
• Complimentary tubes
• Complimentary life vests

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Here you are a video of the announcement:

More info on Aquatica Texas, from the official web site of the new water park:

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RIDES

Stingray Rapids

The park’s signature attraction takes five-seat rafts down twists and turns to an underwater grotto, where you come face-to-fin with stingrays and tropical fish. It’s the only ride of its kind in the world.

Wahalla Wave

A first of its kind in North America, this family raft ride sends guests soaring through watery waves to the top of a zero-gravity wall, giving riders the sense of weightlessness.

HooRoo Run

One of the park's most exhilarating rides, guests choose single or double tubes for their decent down a 48-foot tall ride, which features open and closed slides, water curtains, and lots of twists, turns, and drops.

Tassie's Twisters

Guests ride using double or single tubes and select one of two different slides, both of which send riders spinning inside of a large bowl before their twisting, turning descent.

Kiwi Curl

Thrill-seeking guests experience speed and high wall turns down one of two body slides, each more than 450 feet long.

Whanau Way

Guests ride single tubes down one of two distinct, heart-pounding slides. For the adventurous rider, one of the tubes is pitch dark.

Loggerhead Lane

Hop in a tube, swim, walk or float and enjoy a relaxing time along a winding, 1,200-foot-long water route enhanced by tunnel jets, foam shooters and misters.

Big Surf Shores

The avid body surfer can kick it up at this huge wave pool where guests splash in over 400,000 gallons of water with swells of up to 5 feet. 

FAQ's

What is Aquatica?

It’s an aquatic park with up-close animal experiences, high-speed thrills and relaxing, sandy beaches.

Is Aquatica different from Lost Lagoon?

Simply put, yes. Lost Lagoon was a stereotypical waterpark. But Aquatica truly is a unique experience – a blend of exhilarating water rides and breathtaking animal experiences in a tropical oasis.

What will Aquatica be known for?

Two things: for having the amenities and beachfront resort and for its iconic stingray raft ride – which takes riders through an underwater grotto to see several species of stingrays and tropical fish.

Will there be new rides and features?

We’re adding new rides, pools and animal encounters. One family raft ride is the first of its kind in North America and the other the only raft ride of its kind in the world!

Can I buy a ticket to Aquatica without buying a SeaWorld ticket?

An Aquatica ticket can only be purchased as an upgrade to a SeaWorld ticket. SeaWorld admission will be required in order to purchase a ticket to Aquatica.

How much is a ticket or pass to Aquatica?

The price of an Aquatica ticket or pass is not yet finalized. Please check our website for updates on pricing and pass options.

Is Aquatica in the same location as Lost Lagoon? Is it any bigger?

The new park will take over the land now occupied by Lost Lagoon, and it will be several acres larger.

Are some of the current rides staying?

Most of Aquatica will feature completely new experiences. We are keeping a few of our most popular slides, and we’re adding a couple new ones – both of which have never been created in North America.

When will the new park open?

Aquatica Texas will open in May 2012.

When will Lost Lagoon close?

Lost Lagoon’s final season will end on September 5, 2011.    

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It sounds like a great addition to SeaWorld San Antonio. For more info, please visit http://seaworldparks.com/seaworld-sanantonio/Aquatica