Adventure Island Water Park Tampa Bay’s Destination For Fun In The Sun

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Summer is almost over for those living in the Tampa Bay area and before school starts you should hit Adventure Island Water Park. This smaller action packed water park begs for kids and adults alike to come out and give their attractions a full day of play. The day before Jason had his surgery we spent the day sliding and swimming with the locals here in Tampa. Here’s what you’ll have to look forward to and remember, my recommendations are only a fraction of the fun!

Adventure Island Water Park Slides – Look Out Below

Get ready to fly down some slippery slides when you spend your last week of freedom at this Tampa Bay water park. Jason and Tim had the chance to ride a few of these numerous times and had huge fun. Rafts need to be carried by hand as the park doesn’t offer mechanical service at many slides.

Aruba Tuba – This is the tube slide where you ride on a double raft with a buddy. Have fun with plenty of dips and spins!

Colossal Curl – Jason actually freaked a bit on this slide because of a specific drop. He had a blast with Tim and they both said they thought they’d flip over in the bowl. Both agreed looks can be deceiving on this wet roller coaster ride.

Riptide – Are you competitive? So many people in my life are including Tim. Riptide is a mat ride where you can race against your closest friends! This slide isn’t just a flat ride though, you also get to do hairpin turns inside a tube! Fun times. P.S. Tim beat Jason

Waves, Rapids And Splashes Oh My

In case you aren’t much of an adventurer there are many other attractions to make the price of a ticket to Adventure Island water park a good value. Many moms find a chair and just chill out in the sun and take a dip in one of the pools here and there. This is considered a fantastic day they told me! Or if you have little kids there are special places just for them as well.

Endless Surf – Waves upon waves will knock you down if you relax in the shallow end of the Endless Surf, Adventure Island’s wave pool. Of course you can swim out into the deep end, but then you’ll only experience a brief surge of water. We learned a long time ago that the shallower you get the more fun you’ll have. If you can bring one of the small chairs into the shallow pool that’s a great way to cool off.

Paradise Lagoon – This is an old fashion watering hole of sorts. A large pool with a a few slides and an area where people can literally just jump in from a high place. It sounds simple and it is, however Jason asked to jump in about 10 times before we had to leave for the day. There are other fun activities in the lagoon as well so keep an eye out.

Splash Attack – Little bitty kids will love to play here. Slides, water toys (think huge water canons) nets to climb and more are offered to all guests for fun. And every so often you’ll get oh so drenched so keep your eyes peeled!

Adventure Island in Tampa Bay was a fabulous pre-surgery treat for Jason. He had to miss out on a lot of activities this summer and enjoying this small but attraction packed water park helped. A few things to remember, Adventure Island does not allow outside food of any kind. Lockers are available in the front of the park for a minimal fee. Shaded seating is available for rental but sells out quickly. I recommend bringing water shoes as the ground does get a bit slick. Also don’t forget your sunscreen but if you do they sell it all over the park! Have fun!

The Kinzie Hotel – A River North Hotel In Beautiful Chicago

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Last week Spencer and I visited my sister in Chicago to see Aladdin in the theater district. While there we stayed in an ultra urban River North hotel. The Kinzie Hotel has windows sweeping nearly floor to ceiling. Located right next you can find the famous Harry Caray’s. It’s also just a five minute walk to the theater district. Or in my case a very inexpensive Uber since my shoes were not comfortable.

Stay In The Comfort Of A River North Hotel – The Kinzie Hotel

I’ll admit the lobby was a bit confusing because it wasn’t the typical large desk greeting. We walked in and there were small office desks set up and we were afraid we’d stepped in to the real estate side. We were checked in quite quickly once a host became available. The entire lobby staff was friendly and helpful. But on top of that they were fun. Jason offered us a lot of suggestions for things to do, places to eat and see and I can’t wait to visit him again. The bell hop gentleman were always laughing and making the lobby feel warm.

Speaking of the lobby, it is quite small but comfortable. Art is the big draw with all different mediums hung throughout the lobby and hotel. If you pay attention you’ll even see a life size horse. I’ve included pictures of my favorite pieces which includes their lighting. If you are in the area you should come in and take a look.

The Kinzie Hotel was another one of the hotels that I deem “too cool for me” but I still loved every second of our one night stay. We kicked back in the King Suite on the 4th floor. The room is more than spacious enough for 3 or 4 people but the pull out sofa may only hold one adult comfortably. The sitting area was a full sized living room with gorgeous windows curving across the walls in both rooms. Although the view is mostly of other buildings it is still mind-blowing when you have never seen a city like this. Spencer thought it was absolutely the coolest thing ever that there was a button on the wall to control the shades.

Motorized Window Shades – Don’t Forget To Use Them

The bathroom offers H2O products which are one of my favorites. I’ve purchased them myself many times. If you really want to relax the shower has two shower heads and strong water pressure. The towels are fluffy soft and there are 2 robes with the King Suite. But don’t forget to put one on before you walk out into those open windows. I wrapped up in a towel and then realized hundreds of eyes could be on me!

One of my favorite features of this River North hotel was the wallpaper behind the king sized bed in the bedroom which was a giant map of Chicago. Jackie commented on it right away as well, so it is probably popular with all guests. A welcomed treat was the Serta Perfect Sleeper Pillow Top Mattress after a long night. Jackie and I both snore and this incredibly comfortable mattress allowed us to sleep through the night. A small sitting area for chatting is also available which we took advantage of more than once.

Spencer appreciated that there were two televisions in the suite. Or maybe Jackie appreciated it since she dislikes kid’s television shows. The USB ports and electric outlets next to the bed were a big relief for me. The continental breakfast each morning, which is included in your price, is on your own floor. That’s right, each floor has a breakfast table of their own. It held us over until we could move on with our day. Cereals, pastries, fruit and donuts. If it begins to run low don’t hesitate to call downstairs, they’ll replenish until 10am.

Next time you visit Chicago and need a hotel in River North, The Kinzie Hotel is a wonderful choice. I forgot to mention the hotel hosts a happy hour each night between 5-8pm and even offer you a free drink. It’s a great way to get to know other people in the hotel. So stop in, say hi to Jason and consider staying a few nights.

Finding Neverland – Dr. Phillips Center June 6-11th – Purchase Tickets Now

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Have you ever wanted to know the story behind the beloved Peter Pan? Finding Neverland weaves a beautiful tale about J.M. Barrie and the Llewelyn Davies family, the inspiration behind the classic. Finding Neverland is playing at the Dr. Phillips Center June 6th-June 11th and it’s a superb musical for all ages.

I had the pleasure of seeing Finding Neverland on Tuesday night and it was beautiful. The scenery was my favorite from any of the musicals so far, 3 dimensional and with beautiful watercolors. The costumes were period perfect and especially beautiful on Mrs. Barrie. The costumes for the scenes in the actual acting troupe were more than I would have expected with rich fabrics for such a short amount of screen time.

I especially enjoyed Rory Donovan (NOT pictured above) who play the dual role of Charles Frohman and Captain James Hook. He was funny, had a strong voice and knew how to play to the audience. If nothing else you should purchase a ticket to see him live. The children were all an absolute joy and I wish them the best in their careers.

Finally my only real gripe about the show was the lack of songs to remember. While the director did an outstanding job putting together the show, even adding a slightly terrifying Pink Floydesque number that sent some chills down my spine, I can’t remember the song today. Their were dramatic moments in Finding Neverland, especially near the end, but I didn’t find myself singing along which is always a disappointment.

Purchase tickets to Finding Neverland now at the Dr. Phillips Center website. The show is acceptable for all ages though as I mention there is one number that was slightly scary. Nothing ridiculous though so I wouldn’t worry too much about it. I think the humor and the doggy will be the part that kids take away.

Universal’s Volcano Bay Dining – It’s Anything But Basic

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Universal’s water theme park was a great time and now I want to tell you about the Volcano Bay dining. A lot of thought was put into this park and the food is one of the biggest pieces of proof. Numerous restaurants are available to serve you to keep lines and crowds to a minimum and there are even bars if you just want an island beverage. Keep reading but be prepared to get hungry!

I had two favorite meals at Volcano Bay. I’ve had not one or two but three chances to try this delicious fare and the Coconut Curry Chicken and the Island Chicken Salad are the types of meals you crave. I always talk to you about craveable food, where you can’t wait to go back for more and this is what the chef who dreamed up these dishes were thinking. Smart. The creamy coconut taste with just a touch of spice is everything. And if you need to cool down the chicken salad has grapes. Just the way my Grandmother made it and for whatever reason no one else does.

There are the staples such as burgers and chicken nuggets and they are tasty. If you have picky children they will be perfectly happy with the menus. Volcano Bay dining also offers more exciting burgers such as a Quinoa Edamame Burger for vegetarians. There are also numerous salads, Bbq, seafood meals and fantastic pizzas. The list goes on.

Here is a list of the Volcano Bay dining restaurants you’ll find while visiting:

Bambu
The Feasting Frog
Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club
Whakawaiwai Eats

The good news is most meals can be found at each restaurant. Not all, so be sure to check before you go or once you arrive if there is a certain item you must try. Meals cost between $9-17 on the regular some, like burgers, including sides. The prices are most commonly set around $12 and below.

I think the most important things is that the food at Volcano Bay is well made and filled with flavor. While I might not recommend the sushi there were others around me who loved it. Otherwise I heard little complaint about any dish. I do not recommend trying to eat on the beach as any amount of wind turns your yummy food into a sand-wich if you catch my “drift”. Haha. Know that coolers are not allowed at Volcano Bay, so most likely you will be eating while visiting. Also wear shoes when you walk to the restaurants, your feet get exceptionally hot and the restaurants flooring isn’t exactly cool.

Get yourself over to Volcano Bay and let me know your favorite thing to munch on! I love to chat about food, just not cook it myself. 😉

Universal’s Volcano Bay – Perfect End Of The School Year Celebration

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Volcano Bay is open to the public now at Universal Orlando Resort! If ever you were looking for a way to celebrate the end of school in Orlando this new water theme park would be a perfect choice. There is so much to experience including wild water slides, a wave pool that has a few tricks up its sleeve, two lazy rivers both offering different levels of thrills and more.

Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park

I was on site this past Thursday when Maori entertainers opened the brand new water park. Volcano Bay will offer guests four different areas in which to play. Each has something marvelous you’ll not want to miss. Below are an example of one of two things per village I really enjoyed (or saw others enjoying) while I was there.

The Volcano

Ko’okiri Body Plunge. Heck no I didn’t even attempt this. Quite honestly I didn’t want to look at it. This is the terrifying “straight down slide” each water park offers. Ko’okiri starts near the top of The Volcano and ends at the wave pool. It’s clear so people can see you fall if they can catch you quickly enough.

Krakatau Aqua Coaster. You certainly get wet on this ride but you are inside a hard canoe type thing which holds 4 people that is more like a ride vehicle than tubes. I found this ride to be scary for me, but others weren’t as bothered. It’s a roller coaster on a water slide so there are drops and you go around and around. But I think kids could even handle it.

River Village

Kopiko Wai Winding River. Although I didn’t take the time to do the “lazy river” I wanted to let everyone know there is one. I swear it smells like the ocean but when I mentioned this, no one knew what I was talking about. Apparently it has some places that spray you with water along the way and even a fancy cavern you’ll want to check out.

Tot Tiki Reef and Runamukka Reef. These are the kid’s areas. Although they were shut down while I was visiting they looked to be the most fun children’s water park play place I’ve seen in Orlando. Other water parks have the same design, one big climbing adventure which is awesome. But Volcano Bay has spread it out and allowed for more slides as well. These are two separate areas so your littlest children won’t be trampled by the bigger kids.

Honi Ika Moana. Dear Baby Jesus, please don’t let the scary raft ride take my friends. This is what I was praying while everyone but me jumped on for a ride of exhilaration and terror. This is a group ride where at the end you are literally gravity thrown up to the top of this bowl/funnel thing and then just hang there until you somehow safely come back down. Why is this fun? I’m not sure but they all loved it and my husband and kids can’t wait to visit for this purpose.

Wave Village

Waturi Beach. The wave pool. This is where I spent 85% of my time during the event. Although I still give Typhoon Lagoon the best wave pool in Central Florida award, this comes in a strong second. What I enjoyed is that each wave series is different than the last. However none of them were as wowing as I wanted them to be and I felt like it took quite a while to get to the next. I’m incredibly picky about my wave pools though since I choose to spend well over half my time visiting them during a water park experience.

Rainforest Village

Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides. Remember when I told you the previous family raft ride seemed terrifying? Apparently this is actually the terrifying raft slide. I didn’t ride it and I didn’t talk to anyone who did, but I know my readers have families and want to know what you can do together. Have fun. This raft carries six people, goes up on its own (all do btw) so you don’t have to carry anything, and spins you and drops you galore.

Taniwha Tubes. These are the “basic water slide” rides that even people like me can enjoy. I mean I get sick or scared by everything. You start out inside the tube and it opens up at times for some surprises and then turns into a tube again. It’s a bit high in the air though. Wow, I’m seriously showing you what a scaredy cat I am aren’t I!

So that was my rundown of a fraction of the Volcano Bay attractions. I can’t begin to tell you about everything. Although I chose to tell you about slides I didn’t enjoy myself and not tell you about slides I did, I felt I gave you a good representation of the park.

Volcano Bay’s TapuTapu Wearable

Another neat bit of information is that included with each admission is the TapuTapu wearable which is more like a huge men’s watch so beware of big tan lines. It’s worth it though because it grants you the ability to play for the day with little to NO ATTRACTION LINES! It’s kind of like a Fast Pass in that you schedule your time to ride in for the day and come back later. What you do is walk up to the TapuTapu machine and “tap” your device and it will tell you when to come back. It does the waiting so you don’t have to. There are also supposed to be interactive enjoyments throughout the park, totems that sing to you and such, but I didn’t experience this. I’m sure it is delightful though, the entire park is delightful. It also allows you to connect your credit card so you don’t have to carry anything for the day.

Universal Orlando is excited about their new water theme park. Volcano Bay opens news doors for them and they are opening those doors for us. I love water parks, they are my favorite and this one is fresh and ready to be seized. I’m going to come back and tell you about their delicious food and add-ons later this week. For now I say Volcano Bay is the perfect end of the school year celebration for your children. Let me know what you think, which slides or attractions were your favorite and even share some pictures if you are willing!