Gulf Islands Waterpark Review

A Day of Fun in the Sun at Gulf Islands Water Park

• By: Kari Jordan
• Posted: Aug 6th, 2013
• Blog: Northshore Mama

My hubby and I took our kids (4, 7) to Gulf Islands Water Park this week for one last fling before school starts. This was the kids’ and my 2nd trip, but hubby’s first. We got there just before noon, and being the last Friday before school started (for us, anyway) the park was already packed. But, just like last time, we stumbled upon a lone table with no “claim items” on it. So, we were able to leave our stuff at an umbrella table all day and have a place to sit when we needed it. We had been warned that the tables would be taken early in the day, so, we were thrilled at this turn of events happening to us again!

We hit the “Lazy Pearl River” first. Anyone who finds this “lazy” hasn’t done it with two crazy kids hanging off of their back! My little ones had vests on (you can bring your own as long as they are US Coast Guard approved, or use the park’s free!) and they had just finished two weeks of swimming lessons. But, they still used every bit of energy they could muster to try to SWIM instead of float. That’s about the time we floated into the Wave Pool area and the fun really began! They loved it, but I was exhausted!

Next, we went to the massive kiddie-pool area. There is so much room and so many different things to do in this area! My 4 year old could go up and down the waterslide by himself to his heart’s content! He had a blast!

There were slides for toddlers and then slides that were perfect for just what we did: find a shady spot, sit in the shallow water and watch the little ones run up the waterslide and ride it down….over and over and over! Perfect!

We finally ventured over to the Riptide Racer and my 7 year old asked me to ride it with him. I have to say that I was a bit nervous, but didn’t want him to miss out because my nerves scared him. So, I went with him…..WAY up the stairs….ABOVE THE PINE TREES. We made it down and ended up riding about 4 more times that day. He LOVED it! It was fun, but that 3rd drop is a DOOZEY!

We finally made our way over to the Horn Island Blaster and Camille Cutter (see both slides in distance in pic below. Blaster is green on left, Cutter is red on right). They looked similar from the ground, but as you got closer, you could see that the Cutter was a little milder than the Blaster. So, he decided to try that one. He sat close to me and therefore, all of our weight was on one side of the raft, thus becoming the FRONT. So, we went down the entire slide backward. (The heavier side will flip around to the front! Keep that in mind!!)

This time, I planned to eat in the park because I remembered the amazing smells of the burgers grilling last time.  I ordered one Super Double Cheeseburger combo (comes with chips and drink) and a 5 piece chicken tender (comes with fries and a drink). My husband hasn’t had a soft drink in almost a year, so I also got an extra bottle of water. My total was $23.51.

Now, before you say that’s expensive for two meals, I got the DOUBLE cheeseburger so that hubby and I could split it and have a little more protein, and I added 2 extra tenders for $1.99 so the boys could share that meal.  It was plenty of food for the 4 of us and was less than we pay when we go out to a “cheaper” restaurant. So, I don’t find the prices to be outrageous for a theme park. The Super Double was $.75 more than the regular and the extra tenders were $1.99. Outside the combo, the drink prices were about what you would pay in a restaurant. It is $2.75 for a large fountain drink. But, the cashier pointed out that I could get a 20oz bottle for $2.68 and could get a free cup of ice. So, that gives you more drink for a few cents less.

So, one last day of summer fun and a couple of yummy snacks and we are off to school this Friday.

If you want to enjoy your “one last fling” at Gulf Islands, they currently have their Season Passes marked down to $39.99 (reg. $54.99) and this Tuesday, August 6, 2013, is “Season Pass Holders’ Bring a Friend Free Day”. Regular one day tickets are $29.99, so if you go on Tuesday, buy a Season Pass and your friend, spouse, child…whatever, will get in free. So, Rather than spend $59.98 plus tax for the two of you, you will pay $39.99 AND get a coupon book good on treats in the park.  Also, they are open through Labor Day, so if you DO HAPPEN to go again before then, you will be covered!

If you are the odd man out or won’t make it that day, HERE is a coupon to save $5 off a regular admission. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Excludes Saturdays. Limit 6 per coupon. Must submit coupon at Admissions Office. 

Gulf Islands Water Park is located just this side of Gulfport.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults (anyone over 42″- 1 day pass – $29.99 HERE is a coupon to save $5 off a regular admission. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Excludes Saturdays. Limit 6 per coupon. Must submit coupon at Admissions Office. (Thanks, Blogging, Babies and the Bayou!)

Under 42″ – $21.99

Age 2 and Under are free.

Season Passes are $54.99. $39.99  Season pass holders receive a coupon booklet and may participate in various “bring a friend free” events.  **This Tuesday, August 6, 2013 is bring a friend free day for season pass holders!