5. Knott's Soak City Water Park Palm Springs

Review of Knott's waterpark
Family went to Knots Berry waterpark in July. Enjoyed some of the rides, but management was rude and the staff were so focused on very strict rules that it took a lot of the fun out of the day. Examples of the rules: the staff at the top of a tube ride won't let you go down until they see a green light go on. Waited 15 minutes for the staff person at the bottom of the ride to hit a button to turn it "green". Asked her about it when at the bottom, and was told something unintelligable. The staff has no walkie talkies, so they have no way to communicate with each other...as a result you can be left in line for a long time if a worker forgets to hit a button. This happened several times. Also, you can't wear water shoes on any ride, which is a hassle. Expect to carry your shoes on every ride or walk on 120 degree concrete barefooted. The manager only had 1/2 of the wave pool open, even though the pool was packed. Asked him to open it so people could swim in the deeper water and was basically told to "like it or leave it." He said that they had to add lifeguards to open the pool up, and he couldn't do it. Wasn't very customer focused. There is no place to escape the heat...even the gift shop isn't air conditioned, so everyone in group was ready to leave by 2pm. Wouldn't go back...the park wasn't focused on it's customers, but seemed more focused on some ridiculous rules, and taking your money (ice cream costs $7). Contrast this to Disney's water parks in Orlando which are top notch and great family fun. Two thumbs down for Knotts.