If you drive down International Drive you’ve probably seen a construction fence with the Aquatica logo on it and, behind that, colorful water slides rising into the air. Aquatica, when it opens in March 2008, will be a water park designed and operated by its neighbor across the street, SeaWorld.

This park will offer nearly 60 acres of landscaping inspired by the South Sea Islands. It will feature water rides, including 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons, and more than 80,000 square feet of beach area. But, the main attraction is a slide that will plunge riders in clear tubes through a lagoon with black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins.

There are two wave pools, each with a different wave pattern, and two “lazy” rivers in the works. One of these rivers will be your traditional sort of lazy river, but it will have the added bonus of taking riders through some gentle waterfalls, past exotic birds and into an undersea grotto with thousands of colorful fish. The other river isn’t so “lazy” at all as it offers up jets that will propel you through rolling rapids, rushing geysers and racing waters.

Then there’s the traditional side-by-side “racing” water slides, triple-drop raft rides, double inner tubes, and a 6-story family ride. And the little ones will also have their own interactive play areas.

What’s really great is that there will be sandy beaches to lounge on (and I heard rumor that waiters will even come serve you as you relax in the sand), and SeaWorld claims that all of Aquatica has been designed to limit wait times and provide easy access to rides, attractions and restaurants.

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