Water Park of America

Reviews 3

AN

Andrea Perzichilli

My kids had a great time because they didnt notice how much of the park was in general neglect. Below are my issues with this park: - The website is a joke and it took over an hour of my time for it not to have an "unexpected error" when I was trying to purchase a ticket the night before. I called the number listed on the site which is actually the hotel lobby number. I was transferred to the water park, no one answered, then the call was sent back to the lobby where the women barked at me because they were busy. I explained to her that I needed help in purchasing a ticket, she transferred me back to the water park and a young man answered. He understood the issue but said not to worry because I could buy a pass when I arrived. I told him I was worried about the passes selling out because of spring break and he said that wouldnt be an issue. I tried early morning the day of and I was able to buy a half day pass, full day passes where sold out. - The phone message says lockers are available for a nominal fee which is $8 for a very small locker that barely had enough room for our change of clothes and shoes. -People who didnt buy lockers just left their shoes and belongings strewn about on the pool deck and chairs. -The changing area in the locker is equivalent to a hallway in size. When we were leaving someone bumped into the metal garbage can attached to the wall and it fell off and came within inches of hitting my child. Though several dirty diapers did fly out and land on our stuff and others around me. We looked for staff but couldnt find anyone, so I used a bunch of paper towels to pick up the diapers and put them back into the garbage. I then propped it back up against the wall. -We got there at opening and we waited for at least 15 minutes in the will call line to get our tickets. - The pool deck floor had a layer of slime that grossed me out. In addition to the floor being slimy, it was muddy because people were wearing street shoes on the pool deck! - I have no what the capacity of this place is but I cant help to think that it was exceeded. There were long waits for the slides (the ones not broken), there were not enough tubes available, and the childrens area and slides were not well patrolled by the lifeguards. There were children running up the slides who were then falling into the people coming down the slides, there were people drinking while standing in the water, there were children in full clothing, not swimsuits. There were little children who clearly were not wearing swim diapers. I was grossed out by the prospect of the actual water quality.

ST

Steve Kummer

Our family of 4 (me, wife and two kids ages 5 and 7) went here on a Groupon. Paid $64 bucks for a half day (11am to 4pm). Were local to the Twin Cities, so we spent part of the day and went home. We tried out all of the different water slides, and theyre pretty fun and fast for an indoor park. The waterpark play area was fun for the tikes as well. We give it 3 stars because we had a lot of good fun for the value of the Groupon, but full price is overpriced. Its a tourist destination since its close to the airport, Mall of America and is attached to a hotel. We came here on a Saturday afternoon in the summer. It wasnt crowded. Body slides and single tube slides maybe had a 5 minute wait. The family slide was more like a consistent 15-20 minute wait. I can imagine that it would be big time crowded in the winter on a weekend or during major school breaks. Environment is pretty comfortable. Place was not too hot or not too cold. Its a bit cold in the café area. All surfaces are abrasive and slip-resistant, but comfortable enough to walk around on barefoot. Changing areas were relatively clean. Bathroom area cleanliness is typical locker room. Couple of pieces of advice: 1) They hire folks that are somewhat challenged (disability, etc.). Not a bad thing, but have some patience. 2) Dry off before going in the café. Its a bit cold in there if youre wet. 3) Get you and your kids into swimwear before you come. The changing areas are a bit confined and not very private. Dont go barefoot into the toilet area -- put some sandals on. 4) All of the main waterslides for the place all launch from one corner of the building from a single stairwell. There are slides from 3 different levels -- at 5, 7 and 10 stories. If you want to get some good sliding in, youre going to be trudging up a lot of steps. Good exercise, but just be prepared for that. 5) Lockers are $7.00. If youre cost conscious, keep your stuff in your vehicle. Dont bring any valuables in with you unless youre going to lock them up. 6) Eat before you come. They dont allow outside food and the café food is expensive. Bring a water bottle, though. There are drinking fountains. 7) Take a walk around the place first to familiarize yourself with all of the amenities. There is really no directional signage, but the place is small enough that a brief walk will get you familiar with the place. Overall, it was an okay experience. But we probably wouldnt come back unless there is another good deal that comes along.

A

A Private User

Its just not that great. First of all it is WAY over priced. After I stood in a ridiculously unorganized line to pay my admission I asked for a locker (which btw is $6 more!!!!) and they said I have to do that IN the water park. So the ginormous sign behind the desk that says "purchase your lockers here" is wrong...nice. Then I was carted into the locker room which is TEENY, skinny little locker room with 100s of people (so it seemed) trying to cram into their lockers, it is awful. I walked through to the water park to find where ti purchase my locker. It was hot, humid and slippery(with winter coat, jeans and boots on). So I decided to change first then go find my locker. So, I changed, met my friend outside the lockers and we had to carry our winter coats, towels, purses, shoes, clothes all the way to the other side of the park to get our over priced lockers. Meanwhile, our stuff is getting wet from splashing kids. Yes, makes sense to have to have someone come all the way to the opposite end of the park to get your locker. So then we walked all the way back with all our gear, opened our TEENY locker and tried shoving all of our stuff in there. Finally, its time to play. We walk up the stairs and start our adventure. We literally got through all the slides in about 20 minutes. Nothing special abut any of these slides, so no need to do them a 2nd time. This is about the time we realized how FRICKEN cold it is in there!! Once you are wet, it is unbearable! Basically, the slides are boring, the lazy river is full of kids pushing their way through, the wave pool is lame, the hot tub is full of kids (there should be an adult only one). It is a shame the owners of Grand Rios had to let that place go, that used to be our winter water park, MUCH better. It was decently priced and it had some interesting slides to keep you interested (hurricane plunge). Alas, I am still in search of my new winter water park...

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