Majestic Caverns — Attraction in Sylacauga

I remember visiting Desoto Caverns when I was younger with a church group. I don't remember much but I do remember we had a blast. Now that I'm a father, I thought it would be great to take my 5 year old son. After an 1.5 hour drive ($50 for gas) and hotel stay ($100), we arrived to a near empty parking lot on Saturday around noon. That was great in my mind figuring we wouldn't have to fight the crowd. From a distance it looked promising. We walked in and payed for our admission; this included two adults and one child ($100 ). The admission was for 3 cave tours and 5 attractions to do. We were notified that our cave tour was due to begin in about 45 minutes. This was no worries since we could have fun doing the attractions . . . as so we thought. Walking around you could quickly tell that the maintenance was not maintained well. When you found an attraction that you wanted to do you had to search for an employee to unlock the door/gate. With a upset child wanting to have fun and tugging at your waist, you are now walking around in circles just trying to find someone to help (to the parents...frustration starts to set in). When we finally found someone he was really nice and assisted us without issue. The first attraction we started with was Gem Stone Dig. It was a really simple task; you dig in the sand for polished rocks and put them in a small plastic bag they provide to you. There is no time limit but you stop when the bag is full. To an adult not a lot of fun, but to a 5 year old he was having a blast and that is what it's all about :-). When we entered the sand area was covered with leaves and sticks. Yet again frustrated. We filled his little bag with rocks and he was so happy...but my frustration continued. The next attraction we did was a wooden maze. Yet again the maze area was covered with pine straw, leaves, and sticks (LEAF BLOWER!). Long story short we ended up convincing my son that the emergency exit was the end and we won. At this point I'm beyond frustrated and decided it was time to eat. Walking up to the gift shop and food area we were presented with a sign that said CLOSED. My son wasn't hungry at the time but dad was...again no worries because dad can survive. I made all attempts to keep my hopes high for the cave tour and laser light show. Ten minutes before the show started we sat and waited. Then I heard "Dad...I'm thirsty". I thought no worries there little buddy cause Dad has some $1 bills, there is a change machine, and a drink machine 10 feet from us. Slap me on the back of the head cause I should have known, the change machine was out of order (now my blood is starting to boil). Our tour guide was right on time and super friendly. As soon as you walk in the cave my son started getting excited from the colorful lights that light up the walk way down into the cave. Walking into the main area of the cave it is like WOW........i'm not sure how long your WOW might last but mine lasted for about 1 minutes and 32 seconds. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable of the layout and history. Kudos to him! Now during the first 10 minutes or so of the walking tour my son was interested but as most parents know the younger ones tend to get bored. He sure was. Then the laser light show started. Four to five minutes later it was over. I'm use to my saying "no dad can we please stay". I didn't hear that this time. Walking out of the park entrance I still had 10 prepaid attractions we had not used. I found a family in the parking lot and gave them the attractions I hadn't used and left. Overall, I won't say it was a waste of money but I do feel the money could have been used better else where - total family trip spent about $300. If you are reading this review don't let this be the final deciding factor not to go. I would highly suggest you call the park and get more info. If this is a family owned park then the owners should invest more money into the park. If this is a State park well that can explain everything since Alabama is broke. God...

The cave itself is beautiful, absolutely breathtaking(10/10)! I've been to Anna Ruby Falls, Cathedral Caverns and Agia Sofia (Greece) but this experience was below my expectations in regard to details.

The cave has so much potential but several areas were poorly lit while entering.Several formations were completely skipped or could be highlighted better.

The tour guide appeared to be enthusiastic.He also went above and beyond to provide assistance to a guest that had mobility issues,highly commendable!The script for the tour is quite underwhelming and takes away any enthusiasm. No idea why we were required to sit at the beginning and end of the tour other than to extend the duration of the experience. The light show should be overhauled.Its completely unrelated ,has multiple biblical references and grade school animations.I literally stopped recording 30 seconds into watching it.

I traveled solo and was "asked" if I wanted a photo after watching the ENTIRE group have an opportunity to take one.The photo is $10 so inexpensive but lacked quality. The site is in front of two poorly lit formations versus the Cathedral area.The print is literally on regular film paper,no border stating the name of the cavern itself.Several families declined to purchase. I honestly had better photos with the selfies but still purchased mine as I usually purchase event photos.I would easily pay $20 for a more scenic area and high gloss prints.

I was able to take amazing photos without a flash.I usually walk at the end of the group to get better shots.The lighting and views are definitely better towards the end of the tour.The area was much dimmer when we first entered

The surrounding grounds appeared to be well kept.The activities seemed appropriate for ages 2-7 max.However it's perfect for a short stroll with good weather,lovely picnic area.

The gift shop employees are your first impression and a terrible one.I informed the employee that "I" had a reservation online and was then asked if I knew "the name" it was purchased under versus my name.The selections are dated.I love to travel and magnets are always an easy grab.Yet ,I had to ask two employees where they were located.The magnets are extremely bland,nothing to highlight the experience (add a drawing of the cave,Cathedral area etc).The employees seemed annoyed with the slightest questions regarding rest rooms,the cave,items,etc.If you want less questions,add signs!

Overall, a great solo trip but an underwhelming experience compared to other locations. Highly recommended for at least one visit as the cave is...

Arrived at 9:40 with grandkids (5 & 3), most all outside attractions seemed deserted (ie little boats were ok, little electric ride next to it wasn't charged up, no one at foam fall's or water balloons, almost seemed deserted) , when a business opens everything should be ready, up and running (I didn't see the train start until around noon), the grandkids really wanted to ride on the train but like so many other attractions it just seem deserted until we were leaving.

Facilities were a little rough, rotted wood in various places, (picnic tables, steps here and there, step into gazebo/panel of floor falling thru under gazebo seat etc..), on hot day fan in gazebo off. (No fans in employee areas that i saw , bet they roast on a day like today).

Gift shop , several chairs in eating area wobbly , no napkins in the 1 holder (for 4 tables ). I know the napkin thing seems petty, but with 2 grandkids and having to go stand in line behind a lot of other people at the register just to ask for napkins while trying to keep a eye on the grsndkids, then it becomes not so petty, especially after walking around the park in 90+ degree temp with the 5 & 3 year old and most attractions they wanted to play seemed deserted.

I only took a few photos after I started seeing several things. I didn't go in the cave, my son and his wife went there.

This review may seem harsh, but my years of running businesses, when we open the doors every aspect of customer operations was ready, I did notice when we left around 1, more employees seem to be in more areas, but in the middle of summer, a lot of people come early (when the business opens) in the morning to get ahead of the heat. To have most attractions not ready kinda sucked for 2 young grandkids.

I will add that everyone who was working was very friendly, helpful and courteous during any interaction with them, which is great and hard to find these days.

I'm not doing this review to be harsh, critical, mean or anything like that , if people don't give true reviews of things, people at the top that...