Waterville USA in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Waterville USA is located on the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shore, Alabama. This attraction is actually a water park and amusement park all in one. The amusement park is open spring through fall each year, while the water park is only open during the summer months. Because this is an outdoor, full feature water park and amusement park, it is closed during inclement weather. Full admission is around $30 as of the 2011 season, but less expensive options are sometimes available.

Rides and Attractions

There are rides and other attractions for every member of the family. Toddlers will enjoy the WaWa World, which has various activities. Older children aren't allowed in this area, which makes it a safe place for the little ones. The lazy river is a nice, long river with a waterfall that your entire family from infants to adults can enjoy together. The wave pool is also fun for everyone; however, if you have young children, stay near the entrance as some of the waves get quite high and may crash on little ones.

For older children, thrill water slides and a surfing area provide hours of additional entertainment. The water slides include some that use inner tubes and others that are body slides. Height requirements vary for each of these slides and big kid attractions. The surfing area isn't included in the general admission price, so your big kid will need some cash if he is going to head there.

The amusement park has mini-golf, an indoor inflatable attraction area, roller coasters and go-carts. The arcade has various games-from games for toddlers to games that adults will enjoy. While most of the amusement park attractions are covered in the price of admission, the arcade and some rides aren't.

Tips for Your Trip

Concessions are available in the park, but they are expensive. You aren't allowed to bring outside food or beverages into the park, but you can get your hand stamped so that you can leave the park and come back in as necessary. If you don't want to pay for snacks and drinks inside of the park, pack a cooler and have snacks and drinks by your vehicle (there aren't any tables or other eating areas outside of the park). The only exception to the no food or beverages rule is for infants-you can bring in formula or baby food as long as they aren't in glass containers.

When you enter the park, there are storage lockers you can rent. This is optional but recommended as you won't be able to keep your towels and other items with you while you are having fun in the park. These lockers are fairly inexpensive (as of the 2011 season, the most expensive is $4.50).

Young children who aren't fully potty trained need swim diapers. Proper swim attire is required for all water attractions. This means no buttons, zippers or metal adornments on bathing suits. No shirts are allowed on body slides. All swim attire must fit properly-no too small suits or suits that don't cover the necessities. Bring socks and sandals or flip flops as these are required for some of the indoor attractions.

Conclusion

Waterville USA is an awesome place for families. I can vividly remember visiting Waterville USA each year when we went as a family to visit my aunt in Mobile. The experience left such an impression on me, we are now scheduling a trip to Waterville USA with our children.