SeaWorld's Aquatica

Fast facts: On 59 acres off International Drive across from SeaWorld, the park contains 12 rides, with 36 slides and an 80,000-square-foot beach. It is themed to the South Pacific and sports animal mascots from Australia and New Zealand, such as the kiwi and kookaburra.

What to bring: A change of clothes (there are lockers and showers), sunscreen, towels and a camera. If you forget anything, the stores will have what you need. Family-friendliness: There are people of all ages, shapes, sizes, races and nationalities. Don't be shy about showing your body; everybody does.

Must do: Walhalla Wave, a twisty slide with enclosed, pitch-dark segments, and the Taumata Racer, with its eight lanes of mat racing, look daunting, but you won't regret trying them.

Be sure to try Roa's Rapids, a fast-paced lazy river with geysers and speed zones. Wear one of the life vests provided; it makes it all the more fun to float to your heart's content. And don't forget Walkabout Waters, a "rain" fortress with slides, ladders and huge dumping water buckets. Be prepared to be doused by strangers from high above.

Food and drink: There are plenty of options. Mango Market has fast food (pizza, wraps, fruit, etc.) that you can put in a shopping basket and take to the "beach" for a picnic. Waterstone Grill is a sit-down restaurant, and Banana Beach Cookout is an all-you-care-to-eat grill. An all-day pass lets you eat there again and again. There also are "grab n' go" stations.