Wet’n’Wild Phoenix is finally in business, with their grand opening for season ticket holders during the Fourth of July weekend. Wet’n’Wild was packed during its first week, and kids of all ages were cooling off from the hot Phoenix weather. My grandkids, aged 12 to 16 were there three out of the first five days, and here’s what they had to say.
Wet’n’Wild Kid’s Review: What Was the Best Ride? Maximum Velocity!
The unanimous answer was the Maximum Velocity dueling coaster! When asked what was so great about the ride, the kids explained that it was like a wet roller coaster with exhilarating drops and turns. The coaster uses a double tube, so the thrill of each ride can be shared with a friend. Riders race two other people in tandem, sliding down steep drops and then shot uphill by jet streams of water through rapid twists and turns. They loved it so much that they said they didn’t even mind the hour and half wait in line!
Wet’n’Wild Kid’s Review: Second Favorite Ride? Mammoth Falls
The second favorite was what the kids referred to as the “yellow slide” or “half pipe” due to a section that is similar to a skateboard pipe, but it’s actually named Mammoth Falls. Four riders raft together down a 57 foot drop (considered a waterfall) which then careens up the wall oposite the falls after the descent, sliding back down to the end of the ride. Per their report, the line moves fast with four riders per turn.
Wet’n’Wild Kid’s Review: The Tornado and Other Cool Stuff
The Tornado also got good reviews. Riders slide down a long, winding dark tunnel and are finally spit out into a funnel shaped bowl which is turned on it side. The centrifugal force of the spinning bowl keep the riders in vertical limbo sliding back and forth up one side of the bowl and back to the other until they stop at the bottom.
They also enjoyed the Raging River, where the force of the water pushes riders up the sides of the slide as they ride through swift gushes of water. They warn everyone to get ready to get soaked on this ride! When they got tired of the lines or the park got too busy, they headed to Wet’n’Wild’s Cactus Cooler Lazy River to kick back on a floating tube and stay cool.
Wet’n’Wild Kid’s Review: Good for Younger Kids?
My grandkids were old enough and tall enough for all the rides, but they commented that some kids were unable to ride, because they did not meet the height requirements (48 inches on some and 42 on others). However, the the Soak’em playground and Boogie Board Beach looked extremely fun for smaller kids, but required an adult at all times. They felt that the park was undoubtedly more fun for the kids who met the height requirements for all the rides, however smaller children just might disagree after spending time on Boogie Board Beach!.
Wet’n’Wild Review: The Park in General
Getting into the park was fairly quick due to the system they have for the season pass holders. Season ticket holders swipe their card and enter. There was a bit of a line at the beginning of the day, but little to no wait after that. They noticed that the park started to fill up around noon and thined out around three. .
The Wet’n’Wild staff and lifeguards got high marks from the kids for courtesy and being helpful.
Wet’n’Wild Kid’s Review: What about Valuables?
The park offer lockers for the day for $5. However, the kids did not find a locker necessary, instead leaving valuables at home. There are plenty of lounge chairs to claim and sit beach bags on or under. They each brought and used a bank cash card (which needs a PIN to use) rather than cash, kept in a pocket or hidden pouch on them. This is a good idea since most banks do not hold the card holder responsible if this type of card is lost or stolen.
They also said there is absolutely no reason to bring a towel, because 95% of the time they were in the water, or in line to get in the water. And when they weren’t, their wet bathing suits felt good in the 110 degree weather!
Wet’n’Wild Kid’s Review: Food and Drinks
The overall kid consensus was that the refreshments at Wet’n’Wild are not cheap! A slice of cheese pizza is $4.00 and pepperoni is $5.00. (They did say the slice is very large and the pizza was yummy, however!). Foot long hotdogs are %6.50 and subs are $9.00!
Drinking fountains are scarce at the park and Wet’n’Wild charges a quarter for a cup of water in the restaurant, but the cup can be refilled for free. They also sell a souvenir cup which can be used for free water and discounts on pop all season. The issue is keeping track of the cup during the day.
We decided that the best idea is to bring your own water bottle or sports bottle to fill with water. (It will be checked at the gate.) The kids told us that during the hottest part of the day several people fainted in line, waiting for the rides, so it is important to make sure to drink plenty of water and spend some time resting in the ample amount of shade Wet’n’Wild provides.
An option for lunch is to leave Wet’n’Wild waterpark and head to McDonald’s, Subway, Taco Bell or Jojos Pizza Parlor which are all about a block away on Happy Valley Road.
Wet’n’Wild Kid’s Review: Final Score?
Wet’n’Wild scored an A+ with the kids. They all had a blast and plan on going back as often as they can this summer. Wet’n’Wild sends out a newsletter that makes it easy to keep up with any specials they are running such as their “Bring a Friend” day , dive-in movies and other specials. Wet’n’Wild lived up to everyone’s expectations and since all the kids in our family have season passes, and the passes have already paid for themselves, it will be like free fun for them the rest of the summer! How can you beat that?
Want to see inside the waterpark? Check out my slideshow: “Slideshow of Wet’n’Wild Waterpark Phoenix”
Related Reading:
“Wet’n’Wild Waterpark, Summer Fun in Arizona”
Wet’nWild Phoenix and Other Arizona Water Parks”
