Orlando’s Coco Key on International Drive: How to Plan a Relaxed Water Park Day
You’ve seen it from I-4 countless times. Towering above the traffic of the attractions is a cluster of colorful water slides piquing the curiosity of passersby. I finally took the plunge and planned a water park day at CoCo Key Water Resort in Orlando. In the middle of the hustle and bustle of International Drive, this classic roadside resort offers water park day passes that make it possible for families to have a water park day that doesn’t leave your family frazzled.
After a lovely hosted media experience, I am sharing exactly what to expect at CoCo Key Water Resort, and how to secure day passes. It’s no surprise that it made our list of best places to go swimming with kids in Orlando!
What to Expect at Coco Key Water Resort
CoCo Key features three connected water play areas, each gated and fenced for safety. This layout helps parents keep track of kids more easily while still allowing them to move between areas.
Key highlights include:
- Minnows area – a shallow splash zone ideal for younger kids
- Middle pool area – a smaller pool with seating and nearby tables
- Main water park section – includes larger slides and the signature bucket dump
Because each section is fenced in, families often find it easier to relax compared to larger parks where kids can quickly wander far.
Lifeguards are on duty, and towels are included, which led me to take a deep breath, unclench my jaw, and drop my shoulders for the first time in a long time. Can you relate?
Water Slides and Attractions
For kids who love slides, CoCo Key offers several options. Personally, I had hoped my son would be up for exploring each area that CoCo Key offers. In the end, he stuck with the minnow area as opposed to the colorful, splashy Parrot Perch. In the end, hanging at the minnow area proved the perfect way to allow him to play while I put my feet up for a while.
Eventually, he headed to the middle pool with my husband for more active splashing. The Cyclone Slide splashes down into this pool, but with a minimum height requirement of 48″ inches, it is more enticing for late elementary school age kids and older.
I relaxed on the side right next to the tropical waterfall, taking a moment to look around and appreciate the fun enjoyed by everyone.
Best of all, the minnow area and middle pool are under a full canopy, reducing the heat and exposure to the sun. And when the afternoon showers loomed overhead, the fun didn’t have to stop!
Water Slides
- Boomerango – A double-tube slide with steep drops and a large splashdown at the end. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall.
- Surfer’s Splash – A tube slide that can be ridden solo or with a partner.
- Over The Falls – A fast vertical drop slide open to riders 40 inches and taller, the tallest slide in the park.
- Cyclone Slide – A yellow enclosed spiral slide that splashes down into the pool below. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall.
- Parrot’s Perch – A multi-slide play structure with four smaller slides and water cannons that younger kids tend to enjoy.
One fun perk: Atop the waterslide tower, riders get cool views of Orlando before sliding down.
Keep in mind that some slides have height requirements (the larger slides require riders to be at least 48 inches tall), and some attractions may close as lifeguards are rotated from one slide to another on lower capacity days.
Seating and Relaxation Areas
Unlike some water parks that rely heavily on lounge chairs, CoCo Key has many patio-style tables and chairs throughout the Minnows and middle pool areas. At first, I was surprised, and then I appreciated that it makes it easier for parents to sit comfortably, grab a snack, or even get a bit of work done while kids play nearby.
Lounge chairs are mainly located in the larger outdoor water park section. You can even rent a reasonably priced cabana for dedicated space with comfortable seating and lounge chairs.
Food, Drinks, and Extras
CoCo Key offers food and beverages on site, including:
- Specialty drinks for adults
- Soft drinks and smoothies
- Kid-friendly snacks and meals
We grabbed a kids’ meal and shared a massive plate of Chicken Nachos from the bar, the perfect midday meal to refuel. We began in the lounge area, then, as my son’s energy returned, we decided to take our food back to our table in the minnow area. What a treat to be able to nibble on our nachos while our son played in the water, right where we could see him.
Later in the afternoon, I visited the market, just steps from the minnow area, and appreciated the variety of bottled drinks and grab-and-go snacks for an afternoon pick-me-up.
There is also an arcade on site, which can be a hit with kids, but also something to decide if you’ll budget for, and communicate your plan with your kids.
Locker Rooms and Amenities
Families will find the basics covered for a comfortable visit.
Amenities include:
- Showers and restrooms
- Towels included for guests
- Lifeguards on duty
I appreciated the shower area available in the restrooms. It made for an easy space to change into dry clothes once our day was done. It’s touches like these that make a fun day easier on us, parents.
Day Pass Pricing
CoCo Key offers water park day passes, which allow you to play all day without staying overnight at the hotel.
Typical pricing:
- Weekday play pass: about $40
- Weekend play pass: about $55
For many families, weekday visits provide the best value and tend to feel more relaxed. And great news, children less than 36 inches tall are free!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Self-parking is an additional $15.
CoCo Key is Perfect for a Lowkey Day
While Coco Key isn’t trying to compete with Orlando’s massive water parks, that’s actually part of its charm. I have visited every water park in Orlando, as well as many of the area resorts with water parks. CoCo Key feels nostalgic, old school, and easy.
For parents who want a fun day of water play without the chaos of a huge park, CoCo Key is a great fit.
CoCo Key Resort and Water Park
Address: 7400 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 351-2626
