Where to Go, What to Know

Post travel writer Scott Vogel recently visited Orlando's newest tourist attraction, SeaWorld's Aquatica water park. His reporter's notebook:

GETTING THERE

Multiple carriers offer flights from the Washington area to Orlando. Round-trip fares are usually about $200 including taxes and fees, but can often be found for about $170.

GETTING AROUND

No matter what anyone tells you, a car is essential in Orlando. Consider using an aggregator such as Hotwire ( http://www.hotwire.com). I got a fare of $16.99 a day for a subcompact through the company; the car was available at Payless Car Rental. Aquatica is within shouting distance of SeaWorld and its other Busch Entertainment attraction, Discovery Cove, and not far from the chain restaurants and mayhem of International Drive.

WHERE TO STAY

The good news is that your hotel will be among the most economical parts of your Orlando vacation. Those interested in avoiding high-priced theme park food (like me) should consider a property whose rooms contain kitchenettes. The Extended Stay Deluxe Lake Buena Vista (8100 Palm Pkwy., 800-804-3724, http://www.extendedstayhotels.com) offered rooms for just $40 a night (again through Hotwire) and saved me a bundle. The bad news was that the hotel had no nonsmoking rooms, and my son and I smelled like ashtrays each morning. Another option is the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld (6677 Sea Harbor Dr., 800-468-3571, http://www.marriott.com), which is across the street from SeaWorld. There, rooms start at about $179 a night.

WHERE TO EAT

As theme parks go, Aquatica's dining options stand out. The Banana Beach Cookout is an all-you-can-eat buffet that features hamburgers, barbecued chicken and more, as well as such kid-friendly dishes as macaroni and cheese. Adults can buy an all-day pass for $19.95, while children 3 to 9 pay $9.95. One-meal passes are also available (adults $12.95, children $7.95). There are also smaller eateries and kiosks selling snacks throughout the park.

PARK INFORMATION

Aquatica is across the street from SeaWorld on International Drive. It intends to be open year-round, but daily hours will vary. (Through May, the park will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.) For more information on hours and to buy tickets, visit http://www.aquaticabyseaworld.com or call 888-800-5447. Tickets are $38.95, $32.95 for children 3 to 9. Parking is $10. Discounts on tickets combining visits with other SeaWorld attractions are available.

FLYING TIME 2 hours 15 minutes from Dulles COST $464.95 Airfare: $259 Hotel: $97 Rental car: $70 Aquatica: $38.95 FLYING TIME 2 hours 15 minutes from Dulles