Wet ‘n Wild water park in Orlando has announced a new name for a new water play area currently under construction. The area, which is slated to open in June 2012, will be called Blastaway Beach.

The name recognizes the more than 160 soakers, jets, waterfalls and cannons that will fill the area which also includes a 60-foot high sandcastle, two splash pools and 17 water slides.

Blastaway Beach is designed for families with children of all ages and will offer one entrance/exit, and lush, tropical landscaping. A full acre in size, the area will comprise the largest water playground in Florida, covering 15,000 square feet with 85,000 gallons of water.

With the busy spring and summer season just ahead, Orlando’s major theme parks have been eagerly announcing everything from new rides and attractions to new parades. Now Wet ‘n Wild Water Park is also jumping in feet first, announcing the development of an all new giant water playground set to open this summer.

The park’s first new attraction in four years, the tropical, one-acre water playground is geared to younger children and will include a 60-foot high sand castle, two splash pools, 17 slides and more than 100 soakers, jets, waterfalls and water cannons.  

Wet ‘n Wild is fully loaded with thrill rides and slides for the more adventurous. The tamer water playground is right in step with other central Florida theme parks that cater to the younger crowd.

Recently opened Legoland Florida, a park designed for 2- to 12-year-olds, just announced its own new water park area. Meanwhile SeaWorld Orlando is hosting a “Just for Kids” festival this month.  

For information on the new attraction, visit www.wetnwildorlando.com. Or for discount theme park tickets and discount accommodations at nearby Westgate Resorts properties, go to www.westgatereservations.com