On a blistering hot summer Florida day there is nothing that beats a water ride when at Disney World. The Disney parks offer many different water attractions, from a simple boat ride to a full fledged soaking so bad you may need a change of clothes!
Whatever your water adventure yearns for, we’ve got you covered here at Disney With Dave’s Daughters!
Now before we go any further, we need to tell you we’re not covering the Disney water parks. If water slides and a lazy river is your cup of tea, you will definitely want to check out Disney’s typhoon Lagoon water park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. You can find out more about them here.
We are focusing this post on Disney attractions in the four parks where guest float on a boat or another similar type of water vehicle. These attractions are considered water rides because you are on the water for the duration of the ride. You may or may not get wet on these water rides.
If you are planning on riding some of the “guaranteed to get wet” rides you will want to take into consideration what you will be wearing. If you are bringing rain gear, you may want to consider throwing on your poncho before jumping on the ride!
Another idea is to wear your bathing suit under your clothes. Our rain gear guide also gives you the best options for waterproof shoes to wear – nobody likes walking around in squishy sneakers!
Each water ride is listed below. The Soak Factor scale is: 0= dry, 5 = soaked
Magic Kingdom Water Rides
Casey Jr. Splash ’n’ Soak Zone
- Soak factor: 5
- Located: Fantasyland, Storybook Circus area
Ok, we lied on our first attraction. We said they will all have a boat of some type and this one does not. (Sorry, we promise all the rest do have a boat). Casey Jr. is a run around children’s water play area taken from the 1941 movie Dumbo.
If you feel like your children will want to play here, our suggestion is pack a swim suit in your park bag to have them change into. It’s too tempting and they will get wet. Actually it might be too tempting for the adults in your crew too.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Soak Factor: 4 (hit or miss, usually depends upon where you sit)
- Located: Frontierland
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a log flume ride that has been one of the most popular water rides since its early beginnings as Splash Mountain. There are some teaser small drops but the big splash is the final huge drop where most of the water damage occurs.
Some interesting things to consider. When it was Splash Mountain, Disney actually shot water from hidden sprinklers when you would hit the big drop but that is now gone and the amount of soaking happens from the physics of the drop itself.
Where you sit matters! The front rows are by far the wettest. You will probably get soaked. The middle seats is a mix of major wetness and missing the bulk of the spray. The back seats are the driest with minimal wetness to riders.
Jungle Cruise
- Soak Factor: 2
- Located: Adventureland
Jungle Cruise is a boat ride through the jungles of the world. The boat captains are hilarious (depending on your humor style) commentators as you weave your way around the river.
9 times out of 10 you will make it back to port no wetter than when you left but there are a few spots that have the potential of getting you a bit wet, mostly a spray. Kids of all ages will like this Disney classic attraction. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Pirates of the Caribbean
- Soak Factor: 2
- Located: Adventureland
Pirates of the Caribbean is another very popular boat ride taking guests through a dark adventure of when pirates ruled the Caribbean. Though this ride has lots of water involved, most of it stays away from you, however, there is the potential of getting a bit wet from a drop near the beginning of the ride.
If you are sitting near the front of the pirate ship, you will experience the greatest potential of getting a bit wet but nothing that will make you drenched. This is a classic Disney ride that should not be missed!
It’s a Small World
- Soak Factor: 0
- Located: Fantasyland
On It’s a Small World, there is no worry at all of getting wet unless you get so sick of the song near the end of the ride that you jump out of the boat into the water and walk to the exit. (just kidding). This is an iconic ride that is gentle and has no drops or splashes.
Epcot Water Rides
Frozen Ever After
- Soak Factor: 2
- Located: Norway Pavilion
This water ride will take you through the story of Frozen, the Disney hit movie. Although it is fairly tame ride, there are a couple of drops that will give you the possibility of getting wet.
Once again, it depends on where you are seated, with the front row passengers having the biggest chance of getting wet.
This attraction can have very long lines, so be sure to check out our tips for avoiding lines here.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
- Soak Factor: 0
- Located: Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT
Gran Fiesta Tour is a calm, fun easy going ride where there is no chance of getting wet. This ride is perfect for families of all ages – there is no height restriction! This ride is inspired by the movie “The Three Caballeros” which was released in 1944.
Living with the Land
- Soak Factor: 0
- Located: The Land Pavilion
This is an educational slow boat ride that is peaceful and relaxing. You will discover the history of farming and see a huge variety of plants grown in greenhouses. Be sure to keep an eye out for hidden Mickeys!
Animal Kingdom’s Water Rides
Kali River Rapids
- Soak Factor: 5
- Located: Asia section
Kali Rapids is the big kohuna of what it means to get wet on an attraction. You will get wet on this ride. No, you will get soaked! You will be going down a rapids in a circular boat. Even if you are not in the direct vicinity of the drenching, it will still soak you.
If you are going on this attraction and it is the least bit cold out be sure to bring a change of clothes. You do not want to be wandering around the park in a wet outfit.
Na’vi River Journey
- Soak Factor: 0
- Located: Pandora
You don’t have to worry about getting wet on this easy going peaceful boat ride. This is a beautiful night ride that takes you through the Pandora forest. You will enjoy seeing all the bioluminescence and forest creature sounds.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Water Rides
Guess what? Right now there are no water rides in Hollywood Studios!
Overall, Disney is not known for rides that will get you very wet in the four main theme parks. This can be either a pro or a con depending upon your personality and preferences. Disney World water parks are a great option to add to your iternerary if you are looking for more swimming and slides!
At Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach you will find Summit Plummet, a Downhill Double Dipper, and the top of Mount Gushmore. We definitely recommend considering the water parks if you are headed to Disney World in the summer to help escape the Florida heat!