Sitting in a decent hotel currently, reflecting on the day past, I believe it would be wise to spread a small tip on how to spend/plan your day at Noah’s Ark Waterpark. Being that they are “American’s Largest Waterpark”, one will notice that there are huge lines at all the rides. Talking to a vast range of park go-ers, I have come down with a list of things one should consider doing when attending.
Note: This is at the time of the post.
Get an all day locker. While storing you’re own stuff in the car is cheaper, it’s an inconvenience. On the other hand, the park has three types of lockers: A small $0.50 locker, a larger $1 locker, and the largest, a full sized locker for $4 but is yours for the day. Depending on how many people are in your party the selection may vary. Our party was 4 adults and we spent more money using two $1 lockers during the day rather than get a $4 all-day one. The park’s trick is that you pays every time you access your locker. So every time you need to get money, put in your towel, or anything else, you have to pay another cycle. Our party did this around 6 to 7 during the course of the day.
Use AAA card for a discount. Like many other businesses around the nation, Noah’s Ark offers discounts for being a AAA member. If you are an AAA member, by all means, use it for a discount.
Go during the week. Families and other tend to go on the weekend. It’s easier to plan that way. However, if you can plan during the week, do so; Tuesday or Wednesday are the best. Try to skip the days before or after holidays also.
Go early. Be sure to go as soon as the park opens. The sun won’t be fully out, so you will not get burned. The ride lines are usually very short and the workers are more enjoyable. The workers deal with a lot of park go-ers during the day and it does pay a toll on their attitudes. Be nice to them; you will go far.
Stay late Noah’s Ark tends to stay open until 7, at least. The vast crowd dies down after 4. Families want to go home for dinner, the kids are tired, there is a long drive back, or other things.
Leave for lunch. Like all tourist locations, food costs an arm and a leg. Plus the food is crap for flavor. Either bring a cooler yourself, or leave for lunch. You will save a ton of green and stomachs will be happier also. Our group went back to the hotel and took a short nap. This was because the park is the busiest about lunch time.
Go the the newest rides early in the day. Every year or so, Noah’s Ark tries to introduce a new ride. The new ride is fun, sure, but everyone wants to get their share of it. The lines for these new rides fill up real fast and they get longer during the day. They don’t get shorter as the day dies down either. If you want to ride the new rides on your visit, be sure go on them very early in the day.
If you live more than 1 hour away, get a hotel. Simply don’t try to drive in, actually enjoy your visit, and then leave in one day. As you have read in the previous tips, getting in early and staying late are keys for an enjoyable visit. Also, don’t get an hotel in Wisconsin Dells, being that it’s a tourist town, the rates will be high while the quality is low. On the bright side, there are a few nice cities surrounding Wisconsin Dells which offer lower rates and better quality.
Don’t try to ride EVERYTHING. Not every ride is for everyone. Some enjoy just relaxing in the “Lazy River”, while others want to ride the fastest ride over and over. Everyone has their own taste, go with it. Some rides are for children so they aren’t enjoyable for adult visitors. Also, if you are bringing children, be sure to know there are high regulations for rides. I noticed that being 48 inches tall gets you into most rides.
Come with a friend or a group. The park is not fun alone. Most rides require 2, 3, or 4 people. Come with a group and have a blast.
Leave a Reply