Since moving to Orlando we’ve become really big fans of waterparks. They’re a fun way to beat the Florida heat while also getting a little relaxation in as well. The first Orlando waterpark we ever visited together was Aquatica Orlando, so it holds a special place in our hearts. We’ve seen it grow over the years and were really excited to try out its newest ride, Riptide Race.

What is Riptide Race?

Riptide Race is the newest waterslide at Aquatica Orlando. A lot like your typical waterslide, you will start by being next to another rider. Unlike your typical waterslide, however, the person next to you isn’t just another rider — they’re your opponent. That’s right, just like the name suggests, Riptide Race is a racing slide that pits you against your slide neighbor in a race to the finish line.

What Can I Expect?

Riptide Race is structured like a typical raft-based water slide. A pair of riders will sit in a figure 8-style intertube and slide to the bottom of the ride. The ride is designated for two people to share a tube, but if you’re itching to take on your friend one-on-one, you can ride by yourself as well.

Because it’s a racing slide, it is faster than a typical waterslide. It’s not as fast as a chute slide like Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, or a drag racing slide like Taumata Racers, but you’ll experience more speed on Riptide Race than you will on Whanau Way.

The Queue

Tower slides don’t often feature any theming, and Riptide Race is no exception. You’ll get your raft as you enter the queue, climb the stairs, then slide down. Almost your entire wait will be on the stairs and exposed to the sun.

The Ride

Plain and simple, Riptide Race is twisty-turny fun! The best thing this slide does is provide the speed and fun of a racing slide, without being too crazy that it scares away non-thrillseekers. Two of our favorite parts of the slide were when the tunnels opened up and we could look to the other track and see our opponents progress. How can you make sure you’re winning if you can’t see the losers, right?

Even though speed is the name of the game, we never felt that the ride was one giant drop and then it was over. We went fast enough to have fun, but not so fast that we couldn’t appreciate how much fun we were having on the slide.

One thing worth mentioning is this is a designated two (or one) person ride. As a couple, we’re often tackling theme parks and rides as a pair. This isn’t as much of an issue at dry parks, but wet parks tend to be a different story; especially on newer waterslides.

For as much fun as we had at Volcano Bay when we visited, most of their rides were for groups of four or more. We ended up having to wait for another couple to show up, or skip the ride altogether. Even Aquatica Orlando fell into this trap with another newer slide, Ray Rush. It was refreshing to see a brand-new slide that we could ride together.

There are two different colors to choose from, a pink side and a blue side. Both tracks are mirror images of each other, so it doesn’t matter which one you choose. However, we’ve heard rumors that the blue side is faster…

The Verdict on Riptide Race

Unless there’s a gimmick to them like having a near-vertical drop or being a water coaster, most waterslides tend to be the same. You sit in a tube, go down some twists and turns, and end up in a giant pool. Riptide Race takes that tradition and boosts it to the next level. Not only does it feel faster than a typical waterslide, but the added thrill and fun of racing your opponent makes the ride extra special.

It’s a little more intense than your typical waterslide, but nothing crazy. Thrill seekers will love the ride and thrill-averse sliders will be able to have fun on it too. The only member of your family that might want nothing to do with the ride are ones scared of heights. Not so much because of the slide, but the staircase walking to the entrance is tall and open.

If you’re looking for a fun time on a waterslide with an added bit of competition thrown into the mix, you’ll love taking a ride on Riptide Race.