The Adventure Moms Blog is your online place to get information and advice to help you plan your family's next discovery at Wild Adventures! Get the scoop on upcoming events, special offers, insider tips, age-appropriate rides, must-see shows and all of the adventures the park has waiting for you. The Adventure Moms Blog is for moms just like you - check it out today!
ADVENTURE MOM TIPS
What ride or attraction are you and your family SURE to experience each time you visit the park?
Margot of Valdosta, GA posted on 3/15/2012:
"The Lamps' favorite rides at Wild Adventures...Wow! There are so many fun rides to go on. However, I think we all agree that the Cheetah is our family favorite. It is a huge wooden rollercoaster. The kids run around and get on it as soon as they get off. Myself, Only once.... Ok, maybe twice a day.
As far as water rides we are completely different. Kameron my 15 year old likes the Bonzai Pipelines. It is a single ride that takes you straight down. Ian and I both like Wahee Cyclone. It is a really cool ride. It makes my stomach turn every time I go on it. With all that being said, there are still so many different things to do. You have the shows, the animals, the CORN DOGS...Ok, so I like the corn dogs. Can't go to Wild Adventures and not have a corn dog!"
Lynne of Orange Park, FL posted on 3/14/2012:
"During our summer visits we do not miss is Splash Island – all of it. My son loves the rides and I love to sit with my book and enjoy a “mommy time out”. I strongly recommend renting a space in the Cabana Village. It’s nice to be away from the crowds and gives me the opportunity to enjoy quiet time while my son and his friend are enjoying the park.
During visits outside of summer, we really don’t have a favorite we like most of the rides, although my son could spend the whole time on the go-carts! There is just so much to do at the park that it is always hard to pick a favorite!"
Amy of Tallahassee, FL posted on 3/12/2012:
"Without fail, my family has to ride the Ant Farm Express EVERY TIME we go to Wild Adventures - This ride is just right for my 8 year old and my 9 year old twins. They feel like big kids because they can ride without me sitting right next to them. There is just enough excitement on the ride (without being scary) for it to be enjoyable for the whole family (my husband and myself included!!!)! Everyone in my family enjoys it! Getting five people to agree on anything is almost impossible so for us to all agree on Ant Farm Express you know it must be good!"
Regina of Ray City, GA posted on 3/8/2012:
"That would be the Hangman (Twisted Typhoon), as my son loves that ride. He likes the turns and upside downs. We mostly stay around the area of that ride."
Tanika of Valdosta, GA posted on 3/6/2012:
"Hangman (Twisted Typhoon) is definitely one attraction that we are sure to experience each time we visit the park. During Splash Island season we absolutely love the new water ride attractions, and the Wahee Cyclone is a must!"
Erin of Hahira, GA posted on 3/6/2012:
"No matter the time of year, my five year old loves the Ant Farm Express. It is a family ride so many of us will ride with her, plus it's so close to the entrance we can hit it coming into the park and leaving. During the summer, you can find everyone in our family enjoying Catchawave Bay. It is the perfect spot to cool off for everyone in our family regardless of age!"
Melissa of Plains, GA posted on 3/5/2012:
"Pharaohs Fury is the ride that we always ride as a family. Its suppose to be a ship that swings back and forth. Half of us sits on one end and the other half sits on the other. We yell across at each other as we are going back and forth. We also put a nickle in the middle to see if stays on. Such fun!"
Laveta of Moultrie, GA posted on 3/4/2012:
"The ride we always ride no matter what is Go Bananas!"
Alison of Ray City, GA posted on 3/4/2012:
"We always ride the ant farm roller coaster as soon as we enter the park and its always the last ride we do before heading home. I love this ride as my three year old is tall enough to ride a coaster with the rest of the family."
Cheryl of Pelham, GA posted on 3/3/2012:
"Cheetah!!!"
Rachael of Abbeville, AL posted on 3/2/2012:
"The one ride that me and my family are sure to experience each visit is..... ANT FARM EXPRESS #1 on the map. It's the first ride my youngest used to see as we walked through the gate (come through the gate, past the restaurant on the right, and it is the first attraction to your right). We can all fit on the ride and enjoy it together! And after all, it is family time. Number 18 - SAFARI TRAIN, is also another ride that we all enjoy. We love the animal channel at home, and it's fun to see the new additions to the park as we ride through and listen to the conducter. The scariest ride I have been on thus far, (drumroll), is the CHEETAH # 20 on the map - and I absolutely kept my eyes closed the whole ride. I was seduced to ride the RATTLER #27 on the map because of the 'movie' aspect, lol, and I screamed and screamed, like I was actually in the movie! - it even has bigger seating available for the heavier set rider. My next trip, I plan to be even braver, (if that's possible) because the last visit the children got on the GERONIMO #33 - and to see them flying through the air with just ropes and a harness, made me think.... what are you waiting for?"
Elizabeth of Homerville, GA posted on 3/2/2012:
"Our family is sure to experience the thrill rides like the Cheetah and the Boomerang each and every time we attend Wild Adventures! We ususally try to ride them more than once!"
Maile of Valdosta, GA posted on 3/1/2012:
"We never miss Swamp Thing. My 7 and 9 year old think its the most fun ride in the entire park. They love all the coasters they are tall enough for-but still Swamp Thing is #1 on their list of what to do when they arrive :)"
Monica of Valdosta, GA posted on 3/1/2012:
"We have 3 things we must always do when we visit the park...so pick one or all. We always have to see the Tiger show, the boys love it!
They always have to ride Ant Farm Express, can't avoid it EVER!
Lastly, no trip is complete with our a visit to the Icee Stand to make their own concoctions."
Nikki of Valdosta, GA posted on 3/1/2012:
"Hakini Rapids and Kona Cliffs are our favorites when it comes to water rides. My husband and I ALWAYS ride the Firecracker and our preschooler won't miss the Frog Hopper or the Bee Bop!"
Maxine of Naylor, GA posted on 3/1/2012
"The ride that our family goes on first thing is the Swamp Thing! We usually hit it on the way in and out of the park! It's fun to see where big alligator and see where he is sleeping!"
What's the most affordable way for families to enjoy all that the park offers?
Laveta of Moultrie, GA posted on 2/16/2012:
"Being a single parent myself, what helps me the most is the ez-pay plan for season tickets. That is how I get ours most of time."
Kenya of Gainesville, FL posted on 2/17/2012:
"I think the most affordable way for families to enjoy all the park has to offer is take advantage of season passes and package deals for food, espcially if they live within a couple hours from the park.
For families that live farther and may not be able to visit more than others, definitely coming through the weekday and not too close to holidays when the park is less crowded, so they will be able to enjoy the whole park. And certainly taking avantage of next day free pass."
Melissa of Plains, GA posted on 2/17/2012:
"My family and I love Wild Adventures. There is something for everyone so we have to plan our trip to match our wallets. Some of the things that we do to have fun and save money are:
1. Plan our trip with friends so that we can not only have fun with friends but also carpool.
2. We usually stop to eat on the way there to get everyone full.
3. We utilize the coupons that are given with season passes. There are usually coupons for food and games.
4. We also sometimes take our RV and when we do this we will go out and cook some food in the RV. The RV also gives us a place to rest and change clothes after swimming. My family will try to make a long weekend at WA if we take the RV. We will usually camp at the KOA campgrounds. This saves a lot on hotels. Plus we all split the cost of the food and gas for the RV.
5. We always buy the WA refillable cups and bring them back on each trip to save on drinks.
6. Lastly we always utilized the discount that is given with a Gold Pass (no parking fee and discounts on stuff in the park).
So to sum it up, use your gold pass, coupons and plan your fun with friends."
Elizabeth of Homerville, GA posted on 2/17/2012:
"The most affordable way to enjoy the park is to have a season pass. With the Gold pass upgrade, the parking is included and just two visits to the park pays for the season pass. We love to pack a picnic or pick up lunch and eat at the picnic tables outside the park before we go in. Also, the purchase of a re-fillable cup allows drink refills for just $0.99 and the vendors in the park give cups of ice water for free."
Jannette of Lakeland, GA posted on 2/19/2012:
We like to go after church but before lunch, or after naps but before dinner. Then we just have nachos or a pretzel for a little snack before heading home to eat a good lunch or dinner after working up a good appetite. We also keep a bag in the car with sun screen, bug spray, hats, sunglasses and sometimes our swim suit so we'll always be prepared. Also a big one is the cups. We use our .99 refill cups all the time. My husband also reminded me we often carpool with friends or plan a play group meetup there.
Tanika of Valdosta, GA posted on 2/20/2012:
The most affordable way for families to enjoy all that Wild Adventures has to offer is to purchase a Gold Season Pass- hands down. The Gold Season Pass is all inclusive, with the exception of food, although you still get a discount at the register, go-karts, and mini golf. The Gold Season Pass has always been the best value for our family of six. I highly recommend this option.
Cheryl of Pelham, GA posted on 2/20/2012:
"Two words- Season Passes!(Gold Pass)
These save on parking, discounts for food and souviners. Plus free go-carts and putt-putt. You basically go twice and you have paid for them."
Margot of Valdosta, GA posted on 2/21/2012:
"There are quite a few ways to make Wild Adventures affordable. First and foremost, purchase a season pass. If you live within 50 miles of Wild Adventures you should have a season pass. You attend twice in the year and you have gotten your money's worth. You know you will come to Wild Adventures at least twice. Shoot, I go to Wild Adventures easily twice in one month. I would definitely plan on coming on a day when there is a concert. It is like a two for one. You get to enjoy the park and see a concert in the evening. Can't beat that. My Family and I also enjoy the buffet they offer on concert nights. It is an all you can eat buffet for approx $10.00. Let me tell you, My Boys can put some food away.
So with all that said, Purchase your season passes. April 14th is the first concert of the season. So you already have your first day at Wild Adventures. Plan on eating at the buffet.
By the time you leave, the kids will be exhausted, happy and full. Hope to see you all there."
Rachael of Abbeville, AL posted on 2/22/2012:
"The way that I make my vacation affordable is to research the surrounding motels/hotels. The key to motel/hotel searches is to make sure the continental breakfast is included. Also, make sure that they have a mini fridge, that is, if you have children with insatiable appetites.
Once you get to the park, you have to purchase the season passes.
For the driver of the family, you have to purchase the gold pass that includes free parking. And if you are not sold on the passes, one ticket is $45, so if there is a slight possibility that you might return, your visit is paid for. The passes are also a great buy because they reward you with a 10% discount on your purchases.
This past season, I was delighted to discover that the cabana purchase included a ten dollar certificate to be used in the park, whether towards a pizza, or a Wild Adventures bag, a bright orange one like me! :)
If you do not buy any other food products in the park, I am a Starbucks junkie myself, and they have one!!!! - you must buy the Wild Adventures Theme Park souvenir cup - normally it's only $0.99 to refill. A Steal! a great bargain!
I could go on and on! If you can splurge on your vacation, that's nice. But you can streamline your spending and still exceed yours and your family's expectations by keeping your vacation affordable, thereby, allowing you to return frequently!!!"
Heather of Moultrie, GA posted on 2/22/2012:
"The most affordable way for families to enjoy all that the park offers is with the season pass. We are only about an hour away, but with our season passes we can be at the park when it opens and play until lunch. We often have lunch there at the park, we enjoy all the wonderful places to eat within the park, and then we decide if we want to play for a few more hours or head home. When the water park is open, my son loves to bring a friend or two and spend most of the day in the water park. Wild Adventure is a safe park so we have no problem at all letting him and his friends do their thing while my husband and I enjoy other parts of the park or just spending time walking around. As a family, I believe just the spending time together is important but spending time with a teenager is much more fun when he is having a good time too. Wild Adventures has been wonderful for my family. We have been coming regularly since my son was 4 and he is now 13. This park is pleasing to all ages and offers so much at every visit. I feel we are very lucky to have a park of this quality so close by and so affordable."
Lynne of Orange Park, FL posted on 2/26/2012:
"My family has become quite adept at making our visits to Wild Adventures affordable. First, we ALWAYS ALWAYS purchase a season pass. It’s the best value around. For a small price you can enjoy a water park, a theme park, an animal park, and concerts. Where else will you find all of those fun adventures in one place.
Second, we always purchase the refill souvenir cup. This is another great value especially the cost of refills. Lastly, we eat a good breakfast and plan our visit to the park shortly after the gates open. We spend most of the morning and early afternoon enjoying all the park has to offer – take a break for a dinner at our favorite restaurant Dockside; then we are refreshed and ready to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in the park. Our visit would not be complete without a late evening snack of funnel cake – yum yum."
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