Waterpark Article Review

After submitting my articles to Ezine, I thought it would be fun to check out what other people were writing about on the same topic. Right now I am in a rut and just ready to graduate. Since summer is approaching I chose to focus more on articles about water parks and this one titled “Water Parks for Summer Fun” by Marisol Dayton struck my eye.

In this article Dayton talks about how summer is approaching and how beaches are pools can get old for kids, so when this happens, you should plan a trip to a water park for something new. She then goes on to tell us how much new modern water parks have to offer. Water parks are not like they use to be. Now they are much like amusement parks with all of the high tech slides that they have to offer. The slides now have such innovative designs and can reach high speeds. Some even drop form as high as 120 feet up in the air.

Many water parks now a days often cover multiple acres. Currently the largest water park in the United States is 70 acres. This means that the parks have lots to offer and that kids can go all day without getting the least bit bored. These parks don’t just offer ordinary slides and pools. They also offer lazy rivers that sometimes wrap around the entire park or wave pools that make you feel like you are at the beach. Some of the newer ones even have surf machines that allow you to make an attempt at surfing or kiddie play areas that resemble a huge water fort.

Morey's Piers

Morey’s Piers is located in Wildwood, New Jersey, along the ocean. This park first opened back in 1969 after the Morey Brothers Will and Bill brought two boardwalk lots. These brothers started out with a single attraction, and over the years they were able to expand the Pier a little at a time. They continued to purchase more and more land or additional piers.  Today several different attractions are located on these Piers that they now own.
If you are looking for thrill you can find it at one of the parks three piers. Mariner’s Landing, Surfside, and Adventure Pier are packed with lots of games and rides for those of all ages. One is bound to find some sort of ride that they like here. In Mariner’s landing you can some of the best food and rides that that the park has to offer. The biggest Arcade is also in this part of the park. Surf side Pier is the pier that started it all. Here you can fine roller coasters, rides for the little ones and attractions that the whole family can enjoy. In Adventure Pier you can find lots of adventure just like the name states. Here you can challenge those that you are with to a race on the Grand Prix Raceway or you can take it easy by getting on the Sky Ride that allows you to over look the entire park!
This park also contains two amazing water parks. These parks are called Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club, and Raging Waters Waterpark.

What One Should Wear to an Amusement/Theme Park

If you are planning on going on a trip to a Theme/Amusement park, you want to make sure you dressed properly. You want to be able to have a nice and enjoyable trip that everyone you are with can enjoy. You also do not want to spend extra money if you do not have to. In order to be best prepared you need to pay attention to what people you are with are wearing. To avoid simple mistakes I have provided to steps you need to follow and why it is that you should follow them:

Comfortable Clothing

Though out the day you will be doing different types of movement, so you want avoid wearing stiff clothing. You may even end up getting wet from one of the rides, so you want to avoid wearing dark undergarments under light clothing and anything that you do not want to get wet.

 Comfortable Shoe

Most trips to an amusement park or theme park contain lots and lots of walking. This makes wearing comfortable shoes very important. You want to avoid any type of shoe that may lead to blister and any shoe that you do not want to get dirty. Your best bet is to pick either a comfortable tennis shoe or sandal that you know you can stand wearing for the entire day.

If you follow these two simple rules, you should be able to enjoy your day to the fullest. You will be lucky enough not to have to listen to anyone complain about whatever it is that they are wearing.

Six Flags St. Louis

Six Flags St. Louis is located in Eureka, Missouri and as the name states it is near St. Louis. This park first opened in 1971 and covers roughly One hundred thirty-two acres of land. A fun fact about this particular Six Flags is that it was the 3^rd theme park of the Six Flags chain and was the last park that was built under the Six Flags name.

Surprisingly, I have actually been to this Park.  I went there a few years back with my church youth group.  When I first arrived at this park I was expecting it to be quite similar to Six Flags Great America, but boy was I wrong. All of the roller coasters had different names and the parks were set up completely different. The most similar things were the characters that you saw at various sections throughout the park and the games that they had to off. I kind of liked how different it was though because I was able to enjoy a new experience.

Currently this park contains many rides and attractions divided up into 8 different themed areas. These areas include: Illinois, Studio Backlot, Britannia, DC Comics Plaza, Choteau’s Market, 1904 World’s Fair, Gateway To The West, and Bugs Bunny National Park. Within these areas you can find 8 roller coasters made of both steel and wood, 3 water rides that are sure to get you wet, multiple adult rides, numerous kiddie rides in addition to a whole area dedicated to them, and rides that the whole family can enjoy.

What Adults Should Bring to a Waterpark

Below is a list of what adults should make sure they have when heading out to a waterpark.

Appropriate swimwear

It is VERY important that adults bring actual swimwear to wear in the water park. Nobody wants to see someone walking around in a bra and underwear or boxers. There is a reason they is a separate line of swimwear so utilize it! Also make sure it fits appropriately.  Most people don’t want to be able to see anything hanging/popping out! This is a family park and one has to remember that there are kids walking around.

Sandals

Make sure that you bring either sandals or water shoes to wear in and out of the park. Tennis shoes can be a pain because most areas you go to contain water, so there is a good chance that your feet are going to get wet! You don’t want wet feet that are stuck in tennis shoes. This is both uncomfortable and smelly!

Clothes to change into

It is nice to have a dry set of clothes to change into when you leave the park. That way if you decide to stop anywhere before reaching your final destination for the night you don’t have to worry about what you are wearing.

Towels

Make sure you have towels for everyone in the family. At some point everyone will want to dry off. They are also nice for lying down in the beach chairs to reserve your spots. This way, your family will have a place to come back to throughout the day if they want to take a break.  This also makes it easier to find people though out the day.

What Children Should Have with Them at a Waterpark

What to wear to the water park. Below I have compiled a list of different items you should make sure to bring with you for a child if you plan on going to a water park.

Swim Diaper - You can purchase swim diapers here
Swim Diapers are better than a reagular diaper while at the pool. All children that are still in diapers should be in swim diapers.  I know there are chemicals in the pool, but that should not make a difference.  Putting the appropriate diaper on your child is just the right thing to do.  No one wants to have to worry about floaters while they are in the water.

Life Jacket - You can Purchase a life jacket here If the child or children you are with either can’t swim or are at a low swim level you should make sure that you take the proper safety precautions. This includes a life jacket or any other floating device.

Sandals / Water Shoes
Kids tend to not pay attention to where they are walking. To keep them from getting into anything that you might find gross, it is a good idea to bring along either sandals or water shoes for them.  You don’t want to bring regular shoes that you have to wear socks with, these may get uncomfortable if they get wet and start to smell.  In the water park, the concrete is also hot if it is not blocked by the sun or wet. Some kids might have a lower pain tolerance; therefore they will not be able to handle it. If you don’t want to have to worry about carrying your kid or kids around with you when they are not in the water it is a good idea to make sure that they have something on their feet. 

Swimwear
Kids need to wear the appropriate swimwear when at the park. Many parks will not let children even enter the park if they are in regular clothes.  It is ok if you let them were a clean t-shirt if you fear that they may get burnt, but other than that you should stick to clothes that were meant to be worn in water.

Dry set of clothes to change into
It is nice to bring a dry set of clothes to change into after you are done for the day, especially if you are going to be spending a longer amount of time in your car. After a long day outside, kids will most likely wear themselves out and be tired when they get to the car. You want to make sure they are as comfortable as possible to keep the crankiness to a minimum.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizardling World of Harry Potter can be found in Orlando, Florida at Universal Parks and Resorts. This park was recently opened on June 18, 2010. If you love Harry Potter or are even somewhat interested, I am sure you are just as eager to go to this park if you have not been there already.  

Within the park you can find an amazing replica of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  For a moment, you can feel like one of the students of the school or part of the movie. This area features Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which allows you to tour the castle and its surrounding grounds.  Guests can also interact with characters and different props from the Harry Potter series. Once one boards the magic bench they are taken around the castle where they are able to see a Quidditch Match, encounter the Whomping Willow, and a horde of dementors.  Another replica to the actual story that the park made was the creation of Hogsmeade. This area includes some of the same restaurants and shops that you see in the movie including: Dervish and Ganges, Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Zonko’s Joke Shop, The Three Broomsticks and The Hog’s Head.  You can also enjoy one of the many attractions. The Dragon Challenge is a pair of dueling roller coasters that is full of excitement. It reaches high speeds and makes all sorts of twists and turns. The Flight of the Hippogriff is a friendly roller coaster that the whole family can enjoy. Here you can enjoy a smoother ride. Over all this park seems very exciting and I can wait for the day that I am able to visit it!