While Florida is home to quite a few amusement parks, entertainment centers, and water parks today, not every park that opened remained open over the years. Sure, many visitors know Florida to be the amusement mecca of today, but what about decades ago, where the parks weren’t as polished, but still just as thrilling? A perfect example of a park that once was the center of it all, but eventually closed its turnstiles is Water Mania in Florida.

If you grew up near Central Florida during the 90s, then you likely already know about Water Mania in Kissimmee. Water Mania was in business for almost 20 years, until finally closing the doors in September 2005. While this water park stood abandoned and falling apart for years after it closed, it was once a thriving entertainment park for nearly 500,000 people every year. 

Anyone who visited this park would find tons of thrill-inducing rides throughout. Whether slowly tubing down the lazy river known as Cruisin’ Creek or taking to the inland surfing adventure known as “Wipe Out” this place had it all. Driving up through Kissimmee along U.S. 192, you could practically smell the chlorine from a mile away. 

Water Mania opened after Wet N Wild but before the famed Disney waterpark Typhoon Lagoon. As the second major waterpark in the area, Water Mania quickly gained a cult-like following. But unfortunately, after many years of entertaining and keeping locals cool during summer, the park closed.

Today, the area no longer exists and has been taken over by a mini-golf course, a hotel, and a Golden Corral. But do you remember what Water Mania once was? Need a refresher? Thanks to YouTuber Expedition Theme Park, you’ll be able to learn about the history of the water park, plus see some footage of what it looked like abandoned after it closed.

You can find a bit more information about this abandoned water park thanks to another YouTuber World of Micah:

Did you ever visit Water Mania in Florida? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you have memories that you wish to share about this abandoned water park, then make sure to let us know!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Explore Florida