After relaxing in the lazy river at J.W. Marriott San Antonio, we knew it was time to brave our next adventure on our Texas Hill Country experience: Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. I had actually never been before either, so like two little kids, my kiddo and I were ready to take it down. However, without my mom, a veteran go-er, there are a few things that I wish I had known just to give us a good lay of how things happen at Schlitterbahn. So I put a few helpful tips together for you just in case you're trying to get a trip in before the end of the summer (they actually are open throughout the month of September, so there's still time!)
1. Know Where You are Going. You’re never gonna pass Schlitterbahn just driving down the road. It’s in a nice little neighborhood in New Braunfels, so unlike our local Hurricane Harbor in Arlington, you aren’t just going to stumble upon it. Thankfully for the GPS in the Toyota Highlander, I was able to find the address and “Nancy” led her right to it from the J.W. Marriott.
2. Map Your Route
Schlitterbahn is actually four different
adventures within the park. The Original
Schlitterbahn: uses spring fed water from the Comal, so river water sources this
section. There are three other areas you can also visit including Surfenburg,
Blastenhoff, and Tubenbach (which includes several no-wait attractions). There’s also a bus that shuttles you around as
well.
While we only were able to visit the original, I’d definitely consider a second visit to check out Tubenbach. I didn’t map out anything for our day at the park and we missed several things that I wish we could have experience including the Christmas Shoppe. So make sure to take a look at the Day Planner online so you can get a lay of the land and figure out what rides you might really want to ride. 3. Bring your water shoes and cheap sunglasses. While I saw plenty of bare feet around the place, summers in Texas are hot and therefore, so is the pavement. Standing in line or running from one ride to another makes it hard to just stand when its 100 degree plus in the Texas summer, especially on little people’s feet. And make thing easy on yourself and wear water shoes and not just flip flops. I’ve done the flip flops and it’s doable, but water shoes are designed to stay on when you’re in the water. (I found ours at Walmart.)
While you are at Wally world, make a $5 investment on shades just in case you lose them on one of the rides then you aren’t so upset that you lost your favorite pair. Sunglasses are a must with several hours in the sun, so protect your eyes just like you do your skin.
I won’t even talk sunscreen. Sunscreen here is a no-brainer and reapply often. 4. Spend the money on a locker and a money bracelet. You can take your own snacks, but make sure to get a locker and a bracelet. The locker allows you to put your essentials away while you’re hanging out in the water. Best of all, you don’t have to keep returning to your locker for snack and drink money when you opt to load up funds on a bracelet. Just flash it for your purchases throughout the day and if you have anything left over, you can have it refunded back to you before you leave. Convenience is right at your wrist!
5. If you have a kid 0-3, make sure to pick up your baby a tube at the Tube
Hut.
There are rafts all over the park to pick up
and take on a ride. However, if you have a little one, 0-3 years old, they
actually have tubes with a net underneath so you don’t have to worry if your
little one is going to fall out. While I’m not saying you should put your newborn
in a tune, understand that you can’t ride any of the rides together in one
tube. So don’t make the mistake like I did to not read the sign, sit in line
for 30 minutes, get to the front of the line and then not get to ride. While
the tubes can be found within the park, you can get the special kids’ tube at
the front of the park, so make sure to get it first before getting too far into
the park.
And don’t fret, they have life jackets for everyone in the case you have a weak swimmer. 6. Be Flexible. What I actually should say is, be ready to flex those buns if the water is low at least at the original section. Basically if the river is low, the water is lower at the park too, so there were some times if I hadn’t picked up my buns, they would be dragging on the slide and standing still. That’s no fun for anyone so just be ready to help things along without getting out of your tube. But flexibility also means just be ready to go with the “flow” and not to try to stretch out the day too long or get to everything. Otherwise, you won’t have fun and enjoy what the day offers without a packed agenda.
And of course, there’s always tomorrow. Or you could make a weekend of it and stay at the Resorts of Schlitterbahn. Spaß haben!
And if you want to get caught up on our road trip adventure in the Toyota Highlander,check out our first adventure in West, How to See Austin in Two Hours with a 5-year old and Experience Hill Country Hospitality at the JW Marriott.
