The new Camelback Lodge opened its doors and let the water flow at a media event on Thursday, April 23, introducing its brand new Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, attractions, restaurants and suites to families for the first time prior to its official opening next Friday, May 1, 2015. During the event, tours of the water park, arcade, restaurants and suites were offered.
The 453-suite lodge and 125,000-square-foot indoor water park offer a plethora for families to do during their stay. The lodge offers accommodations that sleep between six and 14, with mini-fridges, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and connecting rooms available. Nightly rates include admission to Aquatopia and families can easily access the park and their rooms, as well as purchase souvenirs, drinks and meals throughout the resort, with their electronic wristband.
The first floor of the Poconos lodge is decorated with a rustic, mountain cabin feel and is open and spacious. The grand lobby is home to two restaurants — Neptune’s and Hemisphere’s — as well as the World Bazaar & Coffee Shoppe, where guests can purchase, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and essentials. Neptune’s offers a unique dining experience with tables next to windows that offer views into Aquatopia. Additionally, the first floor of the lodge features the K2 Climb ropes course; the Ascent, a 25-foot rock climbing wall; Meh Tah’s Mini-Golf; and Lazer Runner indoor laser tag.
On the lower level of the lodge, which can be access via the stairs from the grand lobby or the elevators, are additional snack shops, the arcade, a laser maze, the kids’ spa, a pottery painting room and the entrance to Aquatopia. Hungry Camel and Sweet Discovery offer quick-service bites and frozen yogurt for families. Arcadia is the expansive play area that is home to nearly 100 games that are grouped together by recommended age. The laser maze allows kids to dodge lasers in the dark, while parents and friends watch them on the screen outside the entrance. Polka Dot Pots is the pottery painting room where kids can be creative by decorating and painting their own ceramic figurine. The Oasis Kids’ Spa is set to open in June 2015 and will offer manicures, pedicures, facials and more for young guests. Additional fees may apply for activities.
Aquatopia is accessible via this lower level and families will enter the water park near the Colonial Commons quick-service meal stand. Tables and chairs are offered throughout the water park and the entire layout is fluid. The wave pool is the first area families will see, with the additional six pools, 13 waterslides, lazy river and children’s water play areas behind it.
Kartrite’s Quest is the water playground for kids, and it hosts the 1,000-gallon dump bucket that showers guests when they least expect it. The Penguin Play Bay is for little ones, with shallow water and spray features. Additionally, there is a water ropes obstacle course and basketball hoops for families to enjoy. Also for kids, teens and adults is FlowRider, the surf and body board simulator. Although they were not open during the media event, Aquatopia is also home to Storm Chaser – the longest indoor water coaster in the U.S., according to Camelback’s website – and Venus SlydeTrap, an Aqua-Sphere-Manta slide and the only one of its kind in the world, according to Camelback’s website. These slides should be open when the lodge officially opens in May.
Other perks offered at the water park include more than 120 lifeguards on duty, a swim-up bar for adults, a souvenir stand, towels for all guests (great for families who forget them at home or in their suite!), lockers, changing rooms and cabanas for daily rent.
For more information, sneak-peek photos and video of the grand opening event, visit the Family Vacation Critic blog tomorrow, Saturday, April 25, 2015.
— Written by Hilarey Wojtowicz
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