Discovery Island — Attraction in Mauldin

1st visit ever. I am so disappointed in Greenville Rec for allowing the customer service and level of training they must be OK with to take place here. It would have been better and cleaner to just flush the money down my toilet and let the kids stick their hands in the toilet. I visited Southside Park Discovery Island on 6/12/23 my purchase receipt shows my arrival at 4:20pm. My niece and her 2 kids (3yr old daughter & 9 month son). When arriving we were asked by the teen staff member how old the infant was and the age of my great niece?? Not sure why becuase my niece was then placed up against a measure chart which clearly was not even 45-46 inches tall. But the staff member nodded and said “she is good”. No waiver completed. NOTHING actually explained about the actual options that a 9 month old and 3yr old who didn’t meet height requirements would even have. At this point (4:25pm)I was charged $39. So with that being done I was then told the park closed at 5:30. Still though not informed that there is nothing that neither could really do so we entered. Went to the lazy river where the 3yr old is expected to sit in a tube with little legs hanging over the side or sit in my lap. So she sat in my lap. As we made the first corner it is clear a used maxi pad was being removed from the lazy river??? We exited immediately. We head over to the smaller slides so the 3 yr old can maybe do that. Being her first time she was excited & scared so I went up with her thinking for the first couple times we would be able to slide with her so she could see. No I was told I was too tall. All 4 ft 11in of me. So I quickly pushed her so she could go down. Then told I would have to shimmy my way back down and thru the water to even get back with my 3yr old niece 🤔 so she wanted to go again so back up she goes but she is unsure since this is her first time, employee did not even guide her or acknowledge her (look down)this time for about 45 seconds after hearing me say her name and to slide. She was scared being only 3 so that was that. We were left with 40 mins to sit on the edge of the water for $39. As a courtesy I wish I had been verbally informed of the minimal activities they would have for a 9mnth old and 3 yr old in that remaining 1 hour. 🤷🏻‍♀️ before taking my payment. I plan to reach out and speak to...

This is the most popular waterpark of the three, located not far from Mauldin and Simpsonville. Consequently, it's also the most expensive of the three admissions-wise, but it's not too bad. The line to get in was not terrible, and they have a separate line for those who purchased tickets online. Locker rentals are available here, and are fairly priced at about $6.50, and they also sell towels for about $10, if you forget yours like I did. I deduced that these towels are just ones they bought en mass from the nearest Kohl's, so I'm sure they're being sold for way above retail value, but it's better than having nothing at all (and they're not bad towels in general). I can't attest to the food quality here, but I think they just resell Papa John's, so it's probably not terrible.

This park has an interesting set of attractions. It has two water slides, one that uses inner tubes, and one that doesn't. These two have separate lines that move decently quick, but the tube slide's line tends to back up a bit more. Both these slides are very fun, and are definitely worth the time. There's a 3 ft. pool with pretty warm water, though the part you can swim in is quite small. There's also a pretty good lazy river, if you're just looking to chill out for a bit. Lastly, there's the FlowRider, which is extremely neat. It essentially simulates a wave, allowing you to safely surf using a boogie board. Waivers have to be signed for this attraction, but it's totally worth it. However, last time I was at this park, it was broken, which was a shame. Hopefully, they'll have it fixed in time for next season.

Overall, worth it if you're in the area and looking for something for you and...

One of the worst experiences ever. We were from out of town visiting family. They used to have 1/2 off from 4 to 5:30 when they close. So we arrive expecting to pay about $14 for a family of 5 which is a pretty good deal and worth the amount for just an 1 1/2 hr of play time. We arrive and find that they have done away with this special. Not thrilled about that but kids were excited so we decide we might go ahead. Our group total was 6 adults and 3 kids all under 48 inches. After we decide to go ahead we find that 4 of the adults would not be permitted to enter the park and just watch without paying the full price! They did not come with suits on, were wearing reg clothes, so it's clear they have no intention of getting in the water. We can understand policies but the reason for them not being permitted to enter was a policy about the restrooms and that since they might use them they would have to pay.....ok so then you're not paying for the use of the water park, you're paying to use the restrooms. People go with groups to restaurants and don't order food but aren't charged...just crazy excuse. And to top it off the staff was very matter of fact, with attitudes of like oh well! Nothing apologetic, accommodating or anything. It may be someones cup of tea but in my opinion not worth the money. $12 per adult...actually no it's per person over 48 inches so your tall 6yr old would have to pay an adult charge...just not worth the money for a glorified public pool. It's not a big water park like what you expect. Won't...