Got a joint ticket; this and the jungle park - 36 Euros and 12 Euros for my 4 year old which also including a free bus to and from each park - a bargain I thought.
We got to the Princess Guaymiena bus stop at 9.30 with the bus due to arrive at 9.50, this in fact didn't arrive until 10.25 despite being the first bus of the day. However, other than standing around for an hour it didn't impact our day overall as the drive there was only 5-10 minutes and the park didn't open until 10 anyway.
On arrival we were absolutely bombarded by people trying to sell us things - slush puppies, popcorn, dolphin experiences, staff putting parrots on your shoulders, taking photos and to be honest it was all a bit too much, especially daunting with young children in a crowded area - it added to the chaos of people excitedly rushing to get to the rides. We felt compelled to stop and listen to the dolphin experiences when the woman practically blocked our path flashing a glossy brochure and I was pleasantly surprised with the price which seemed reasonable; 50 Euros for a 40 minute swim/play session for example. However, this is where it ends....
2 Euros each for a sunbed, 5 Euros if you'd also like the padding, 5 Euros for a locker plus a 2 Euro deposit, 4 Euros for an ice lolly, 6 Euros for a plate of chips, 15 Euros for a pizza! And don't get me started on the dolphins; there's a signposted dolphin 'museum' where you can view the Dolphins in their tank - whilst it's heavily signposted not once does it mention the 5 Euro per person cost to view and it's a real irritation to feel hoodwinked into walking all the way down there! 12 Euros per person to hold a Dolphins nose and have your photo taken, 6 Euros for a drink and the same again for popcorn to enjoy the show with. And what's even more infuriating is the cameramen constantly running frantically around the arena taking unwanted photos of you to flog at the gate on your way out!
I have to say though the dolphin show itself was amazing, a true privilege to watch these magnificent animals, whilst like anyone else I would prefer for them to be in their natural habitat I understand that for the conservation of such animals programmes such as this are necessary. A clearly powerful bond between the Dolphins and trainers which, at times was so emotional to watch. A definite highlight but be sure not to miss it - only a 3.30pm show which people began queuing for at 2.45! My Advise is sit on the first or second row on the left hand side as the Dolphins exit on this side most often.
Having been to Siam Park too this park is definitely more set up for families with young children, there are 2 great play pools with a variety of play equipment and small slides in shallow water. Also an assortment of dedicated slides for children 1.2-1.4 metres which is great, my only gripe with these is that no adults are allowed on so if you have a scaredy cat child like me they might not go on; had my son have seen me go down unharmed he would've gone on.
Went on a couple of the big slides which were good and not too bad queuing time. Wave machine small but adequate, lazy river is total chaos during changeover and not a lifeguard insight, I found myself shouting at people who were pushing and shoving with rubber rings whilst I was trying to load my son safely into his ring! Mostly Spanish I hasten to add.
On the way out again totally bombarded by yet more selling, this time with the various photos you've been forced into having throughout the day, a snip at 8 Euros each!!!!
The pestering, selling and additional expense really is enough to put me off going again, just charging for the sake of it in my opinion. Getting out the wave machine, turned round to grab my towel to turn back and see my son cradling a parrot and having a photo - it's just so fall on.
Top tip is take your own good and drink and prep your children with a budget so you're not pestered for everything and left totally skint!
To end the day we got to the bus stop at 4.15 in anticipation for the 4.30 bus which we saw pull away as we arrived!!!! Instead of waiting until 5pm for the next one we decided to walk back which luckily for us only took 20-25 minutes!
Overall we had a good day but I wouldn't visit again...