Yesterday we celebrated our daughter's 7th birthday with a day at this beautiful new resort, and she had an absolute blast! She loved the lazy river, the pools, and even tried her first waterslide. It made for a wonderful family celebration.
Since this was the resort's soft opening (the official opening is August 1, 2026), I'm keeping that in mind with my review and offering feedback that I hope is helpful as they continue to fine-tune operations.
From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome. A special thank you to Justice and Mary in the Welcome Center for sharing great tips on how to make the most of a potentially stormy day. Your advice really helped!
Parking attendants Linda and Richard were incredibly friendly and gave us a ride from the parking lot to the entrance, which was much appreciated. At the end of the day, Nestor gave us a ride back to our car--a wonderful way to end a long day without the extra walk.
Inside the resort, there were plenty of food and beverage options, great music, and activities for families with children of all ages. Most importantly, the pools and lazy river were spotless, and the lifeguards were attentive and encouraging, especially with younger or first-time swimmers. There are also two splash pad areas with nearby cabanas available to rent for families looking for extra convenience.
During the afternoon, lightning moved into the area, and for everyone's safety all guests were asked to exit the pools and seek shelter. We waited about an hour before activities resumed. While no one enjoys weather delays, I was impressed with how hard the staff worked to communicate with guests, find additional seating for families who stayed, and help keep the kids entertained. The restaurants and arcade understandably became very busy during this time, but the team handled a challenging situation as well as they could.
For adults looking for a quieter experience, there are peaceful seating areas, and upgrading to a cabana provides an even more relaxing atmosphere. Even on a busy Sunday there were plenty of chairs available, although I did notice several appeared to be "reserved" for long periods without being used. As attendance grows, this may be something management will want to monitor.
One feature I especially enjoyed was the large stage and big screen overlooking the main pool, where guests could watch the World Cup Final. I can easily imagine this becoming an amazing venue for live music and entertainment in the future--it definitely gives off fun resort vibes similar to Margaritaville.
Food & Drinks
We ordered a large pretzel, chicken wings, tacos, flatbreads, fries, and a burger from Finn's. Everything was fresh, delicious, and arrived quickly thanks to the cabana service staff. We enjoyed both lunch and dinner, and I thought the pricing was very reasonable considering the quality and portion sizes.
The drinks were also excellent, refreshing, well-made, and perfect for a relaxing day by the pool. The Long Island Beacher was my fav!
My only suggestion would be to add another bartender during afternoon and evening peak hours. The team was working incredibly hard, but they were clearly overwhelmed during the busiest times, particularly after the weather delay when everyone returned at once. Alicia, in particular, remained friendly and welcoming despite the rush, and her kindness did not go unnoticed.
One helpful tip for future guests: drinks are served without lids, so if you like to sip slowly and keep your beverages cold, bringing an insulated tumbler is a great idea.
A special thank you to Lori for her outstanding poolside service. Your warm personality and attention to detail made our family feel truly welcomed. You represent the kind of hospitality every resort strives for.
I'd also like to recognize the young lady who was constantly cleaning tables and collecting trays around the pool area on July 19. Unfortunately, I forgot her name, but she worked tirelessly with a smile all day. Clean public spaces make a huge difference, and I hope management recognizes her dedication.
Suggestions for Improvement
* Lockers: I was surprised there were no rental lockers for day guests. Having secure storage for wallets, phones, and other valuables would allow families to fully enjoy the attractions without taking turns watching belongings. This is a feature commonly found at water parks and resorts.
* Towel Service: We brought our own towels, but towel service would be a welcome convenience for both resort guests and day visitors.
Overall, these are minor suggestions for a resort that is still in its soft opening. The staff's hospitality, clean facilities, and genuine commitment to guest experience far outweighed any small areas for improvement.
We'll definitely be back after the official opening. Congratulations to the entire team on a great start, and thank you for helping make our daughter's 7th birthday such a fun and memorable day! read more