Located in Gulf Shores, Alabama approximately one quarter mile from the Gulf of Mexico, Waterville USA is a 20-acre water amusement park facility, offering water rides, go-karts, miniature golf, and other family amusement attractions.
Waterville USA was opened in 1986, designed as a family waterpark facility for the Gulf Shores, Alabama resort community, located approximately one quarter mile from the beach shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
History
Throughout its operation, Waterville USA has added a number of water and land family attractions, including a go-karting track, a miniature golf course, an escape house, and a number of water slides and pool areas. Several of the park’s attractions have been replaced due to hurricane and weather damage, including damage caused by 2004’s Hurricane Ivan, which passed directly over the Gulf Shores area. The park was partially closed during the 2005 and 2006 seasons due to storm surge and wind damage to a number of the park’s attractions and was fully reopened for the 2007 season.
Permanent Attractions
Today, Waterville USA encompasses more than 20 acres of water and land attractions and is managed by park president Joseph Warrington. As one of the leading water parks on the Gulf Coast, the park offers dual daily admission to its waterpark and land amusement areas. All park areas are fully compliant with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and feature raised drain gates to prevent visitor injuries.
The park’s waterpark area is its original attraction area, though all original slides and attractions have been replaced or renovated throughout its operation history. Major water slides include the high-speed single-drop Screamin’ Demon, the triple-drop Triple Dog Dare, the open-air Gold Rush, and the enclosed high-speed Jet Stream. Additionally, a Rainbow Falls slide area offers three small body slides, and a Dune Racer offers six lanes for mat racing. The FlowRider area offers bodyboarding and surfing style experiences, and the Crystal Waters Lazy River provides gentle relaxation as it meanders past a variety of tropical landscaping. The North Shore Wave Pool provides three-foot waves in a large wave pool area, and two children’s play areas, Wa Wa World and the Shrimp Boat Village climbing play structure, offer safe play experiences for younger visitors.
Land amusements include Cannonball Run, a wooden roller coaster designed by Custom Coasters International featuring top speeds of 50 miles per hour. Go-kart racing is offered at the Waterville 500 track, the fastest go-kart track in the Gulf Shores area, and two unique miniature golf courses offer 36 holes at Waterville Mini Golf. The Trampoline Thing offers safe bungee trampoline experiences, and the House of Bounce provides play opportunities within an inflatable jumper structure. At the Escape House Waterville, teams of two to eight visitors work together to figure out clues and obstacles to escape from a locked room area within 60 minutes. Other family attractions include the Starcade game arcade, offering ticket redemption for a variety of prizes, and the Fun Depot children’s ride area.
A number of food stations offer standard American fare, including the Surf Side Grill, located next to the water park’s wave pool, which serves hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, nachos, and fries. Barbecue sandwiches are offered at the Gold Rush Cafe, and refillable park souvenir mugs may be purchased at Woody’s Cafe. A concession stand within the Starcade offers snacks such as ice cream, popcorn, and candy. Bottled beverages, candy, and souvenirs are also offered at the Flip Flops Gift Shop, located near the waterpark entrance.
Visitors under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the park’s amusement areas. Free life jackets are offered at several sites throughout the park, although any personal flotation devices brought to the park must be approved by park staff. Outside food and drink, alcoholic beverages, glass jars, spray sunscreen, personal rafts, and beach chairs and umbrellas are not permitted within the park. Diving is also prohibited within waterpark attractions.
Ongoing Programs and Events
In addition to joint waterpark and amusement park rates, a special rate is available for visitors only visiting the park’s land amusement area. Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more with advance reservations, and discounted group meals are available for an additional fee. Visitors may rent cabanas within the park’s Cabana Cove area, including use of beach recliners and table seating for up to six people. A variety of birthday party packages are offered for children, including a Super Soaker party and a Fun Pass party offering unlimited access to park attractions. The park may also be rented for private special events, including family reunions, corporate retreats, and scouting events.
906 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, Phone: 251-948-2106, website, Map
