Ready to get totally soaked, no matter what you are wearing? Head for one of Orlando’s most watery rides to cool off on a hot summer day. If you are visiting Florida in the winter months, these rides will still be in operation, and you may end up drenched; be prepared with an extra set of clothing and shoes if you ride in cool weather.

5. Kali River Rapids (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to more than just feathered and furry creatures – you’ll find plenty of thrilling rides here as well. Brave the park’s river rapids aboard a huge inner-tube boat, if you dare. There are no dry seats aboard this expedition – and some riders will get absolutely soaked. If the dips and turns of the rapids don’t get you thoroughly drenched, the random waterfalls and water cannons will.

Kali River Rapids generally gets riders so totally soaked there is usually not a very long line to ride. The bridge that overlooks this attraction is often packed with people waiting for the sole member of their party who decided to brave the rapids.

4. Dolphin Encounter (Discovery Cove)

Discovery Cove is SeaWorld Orlando’s dolphin-themed mini park, with a daily attendance limit of just 1,000 guests. You won’t see a lot of flashy gimmicks or fancy ride vehicles here, but you are guaranteed a good soaking – and a face to face encounter with the park’s most popular residents as well.

The Dolphin Encounter at Discovery Cove is a totally immersive experience. If you enjoy sitting in Shamu’s Spash Zone, but want to get just a little bit closer, then the Dolphin Encounter is likely a good bet. You’ll need to plan your visit in advance, and wear your swimsuit for a full day, hands-on dolphin encounter.

3. Summit Plummet (Blizzard Beach)

One of the most thrilling water ride experiences in Orlando has no moving parts at all. Are you brave enough to tackle Summit Plummet – the tallest, fastest water slide in Florida? You’ll need to climb to the top of the mountain to give this one a try. Once you reach the peak, you’ll need to lie down and slip over the edge of the very steep, very long drop.

While this attraction doesn’t have a fancy ride vehicle, lots of special effects or much of a story, you are guaranteed to get totally soaked when you ride. Like several of Disney’s more thrilling attractions, you can exit this one if the view from the top is a little too intimidating. Brave enough to take the plunge? Hang on to your bathing suit to make sure it reaches the bottom at the same time you do!

2. Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom)

The charming critters that frolic and play on Splash Mountain make it an inviting place indeed, but be aware that you can get absolutely soaked on this attraction. The final drop includes a plunge into the briar patch – and if the water cannon goes off during your plunge, you stand a pretty good chance of getting soaked.

The heavier your ride vehicle, the more soaked you’ll get when you ride Splash Mountain. Climb aboard with a lot of full sized adults and you’ll likely end up drenched. Disney does turn off the water cannon during cool or rainy weather, but you can still get soaked from head-to-toe.

1. Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges (Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando)

Universal Orlando’s Popeye themed river rapid ride may be the best water ride in Florida – or anywhere else. Packed with story elements, unexpected splash zones and unpredictable ride movements, the Bilge Rat Barges set a high standard for water rides.

You will get soaked on this ride, no matter where you sit. The unexpected changes in speed, constant turning and twirling of the vehicles and random waterfalls and splash zones will hit every member of your boat; there is no safe seat. If you are looking for the longest, fastest, wettest ride in Florida, look no further than Popeye and Bluto’s barges.

Photo credits

• Kali River Rapids Splash Mountain, Summit Plummet – Walt Disney World press office
• Discovery Cove – SeaWorld Orlando press office
• Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges – Universal Orlando Resort press office

Samantha McNesby is a theme park expert based in Orlando, Florida. She currently contributes to Theme Park Tourist, where you can find stacks of useful information such as this full Disneyland Paris guide.