3. I observed quite a few
guests that were bare foot throughout the park. I t was nice to see
that if I had brought or bought some flip flops, the park was kind
enough to supply these PVC tubes to store them in
while enjoying the ride. You should not have to worry about drowning
if you are a weak swimmer because they had ample lifeguards on duty
keenly watching over everyone in the water. It was a bit of an
overcast morning but the nice cool breeze that accompanied it was
quite pleasing. I did my usual site overview, using their map, to
plot my strategy for the most efficient route to take to avoid back
tracking. Efficiency is my thing as I typically start to the left and
travel clockwise.
From a brief site
observation, and their site map, I could tell that what that lady
told us over a decade ago had come to fruition. They have added many
more water rides, and trees since then. So much so that I could not
see the entire park as I was able to before; during my inaugural
visit. As I began to walk my planned route I noticed that the park
map was a bit challenging to read -- especially when navigating from
one ride to the next. They do have directional signs throughout the
park but I did not find them very useful either.
There were relatively moderate to long lines at each of the water rides with the most popular
ones having the longest. It did not take me long to abandon my plans
to partake in some of the rides as the park was heavily populated with
mostly school-aged children and some parents/chaperones. Well,
I was not either of the two so in an effort to save face, I decided
to assume the spectator role to avoid being labeled just plain old weird.
The first water ride/experience that I came upon was called
Thunder
Bay Wave Pool which required a lot of patience since it
took about 15 minutes for each mini tidal wave to formulate.
Finding a restroom was also a challenge at first because the signs
point you to upstairs but you have to go around the back of the
building to get up there.
I did manage to make it
over to a very nice pit stop that included sort of an indoor
cabana-style restaurant that served pizza, soft drinks, and yes
– beer. I was quite surprised to see the sign that read
“No alcoholic beverages beyond this point.” It
was indeed nice to see that they had the grownups in mind too;
especially those that had to chase – or keep up with –
their young ones as the scampered from one ride to the next.
They also included an
electrical socket for me to recharge my mobile phone while engaging
in one of my favorite spectator sports – people watching. I
always try and guess a little bit of something about the people that
I watch like, where are the from, what do they do for a
living, and what were they thinking when they left the house looking
like that? Smile! Everyone that I watched appeared to be having a
great time at the park; grow ups included.
I had high hopes of sampling their turkey legs but was not
willing to fork over $10 for what appeared to be the
same ones that I could by at
the grocery store for less than $5 for two of them.
I expected them to be of the King Henry VIII
variety. You know the kind that could be used as a lethal weapon if
necessary? I just had to pick at the young woman staffing that booth
by asking if people were buying those way over-priced
turkey legs.
She hesitated before saying yes; not realizing that I
had been watching her for nearly 30 minutes and none had
sold. I guess she thought that I was an undercover boss? As with most
theme parks, the food is rather pricey at Emerald
Pointe, and don’t even think about bringing your own
because it is simply not allowed. Remember, this is a
business folks. If you plan to dine while in the park it is best to
purchase that option with your admission ticket. I think it’s
something like $7 extra -- which seems like a lot at
first until you browse the meal prices throughout the park. I also
did not like the fact that there were very few games on site as I am
an avid gamer who prefers games that require some type of
skill set like shooting, and my favorite “Wack A
Mole” game. On the flip side, it was nice to find out that
those neat inner tubes I saw a lot of folks carrying around were
actually provided by the water park for free. Well, free as in the
price is probably included in your admission as nothing in this life
is really free.
All in all it was a pretty fun sort of half day at Wet N Wild
Emerald Pointe in Greensboro, NC; even
though I did not partake in any of the water rides -- due to a shear
fear of making a public fool of myself. Next time I will perhaps
rent-a-kid for the day and have just as much fun as all those that I
observed. I left the water park at about 1:20 PM;
just 30 minutes shy of my 3-hour projected limit.
There were folks still streaming in and the small parking lot was
nearly full. I decided to stop at a convenience store with a deli
– just outside the water park -- and order some chow at a much
more reasonable price. I also had the choice of K & W
Cafeteria, Arby’s, or a
Burger King Restaurant before hitting the road back
home. By the way, if you need to go south on I-85
Business, do not go right as the signage suggests because
that takes you to the regular I-85.
The 2023 season began on Saturday May 20, and will end Monday September 4. Park hours are listed here. Season pass Blackout dates are posted on the park's Calendar and Hours via their website as well as ticket pricing.
Debuting in 2023 is the Bermuda Triangle which invites guests to ride down three fully immersive and colorful slides to vivid lights and dynamic sounds. The park is filled with family-friendly activities, kid-friendly attractions, as well as slides for all thrill seekers. Of all of the fun things to do in North Carolina, Wet' n Wild boasts being the Carolinas' Favorite Waterpark with over 40 exciting rides and attractions and something for everyone!
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