This was my third such invite from Eric this year - first, Gatorland.   Then the Universal VIP tour.  I hadn't expected to get to Aquatica anytime soon, so it was very exciting to get the invitation!    And I'm feeling very spoiled. :)

The only thing I had to pay for was parking, which was $10.00 (and any food, etc.)    You can pay more for preferred parking, but I wouldn't feel it's worth it.   My parking spot was only a few minutes walk from the front gate, and it was easy to stop by the car when needed throughout the day.    A small locker would cost $8.00, I left items in my trunk instead.   One caveat - the previous nights storm brought a cold front, so the high was forecast at 63 degrees - so I had both a swimsuit AND a sweater.   The photos are posted in order of when I took them (for the most part).  Oh - and just one aside -  there are many signs saying "no coolers". 

I have never considered myself much of a water park person.  I really enjoyed River Country - but am not really into big slides and such.   However, just being at the front of Aquatica was absolutely wonderful - flowers, waterfalls, etc.    The landscaping is lovely, with the plants and flowers well-matched to their surroundings throughout the park - even when matched alongside furniture.   I was very impressed by this.

The bathroom before you go inside the park - it was clean, but very small (2 stalls, no extra changing room).   There are much larger facilities inside the park.