Wet 'n Wild

Wet 'n Wild earns a spot on our list because it's considered by many to be the first major water park in the United States. It's an institution -- almost as ingrained in the ideal Orlando vacation as Walt Disney World or SeaWorld. The difference is that while those sites make good on their claims for family-time fun; Wet 'n Wild is a bit of a mixed bag. In a city known for its outstanding amusement parks, this senior statesman doesn't quite cut the mustard -- recent travelers tell TripAdvisor that the staff is sometimes unfriendly and the slides and rides are somewhat dated. But if you're traveling on a budget, consider Wet 'n Wild as a compromise. One-day admission costs a little less than $50 per person and annual passes are available for between $52 and $80 per person. Flex combo tickets (which include admission to this park and five or six others in the area) cost anywhere between $244 and $300, depending on package and age. 

Wet 'n Wild opens anywhere between 9:30 and 10 a.m. and closes anywhere between 5 and 9 p.m., depending on season. Visit the water park's website for more information on both hours and rates.