are we there yet ?
OWA PARKS AND RESORT
FOLEY , ALABAMA
8may / june 2023
By Linda Holloway Photography by Larry Holloway
We recently tagged along with our son , Lance Holloway , and two of the most adorable children on the planet … Collins , age 3 , and Landon , age 7 . Can you tell we are grandparents ? It does not seem possible our oldest grandson is now at the University of Alabama . Multi-generational vacations benefit every age group . Sadly , the treasured childhood years fly by . So , pack your bags and get ready to answer this question more than once … “ Are We There Yet ?”
The beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores , Alabama , were our first stop . Here , plastic shovels and buckets were used to make roads and tunnels . Plus , chasing waves , finding seashells , and kite-flying were everyday occurrences . There is more ! Our magical destination — OWA Parks and Resort in nearby Foley , Alabama , did not disappoint .
New Multi-Million Addition to Tropic Falls :
The name OWA means “ big water ” and it comes from the Muskogee Creek language . It is owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians , which are descendants of the original Creek Nation . OWA is located on the Foley Beach Express — minutes from the beach . OWA ’ s centerpiece is Tropic Falls , with 23 theme-park rides , an indoor water park with the newest additions — Big Water Bay , a 30,000 square foot outdoor wave pool , and Coastal Curl , surf simulator . Nestled at the top of the wave pool , is a performance stage area--slated to host live performances and the show the latest water themed movies .
Entering Tropic Falls , we noticed the pedestrian road and sidewalks were immaculate , and I was very impressed with the way the entire park was maintained . We decided to do the theme park one day and the water park the next , but energetic families may choose to do both the same day . It turned out to be a great decision for us because it rained on day two . No worries , the kids played in the water park for hours while the rain pelted the roof above .
The rides range from kid-friendly to hair-raising . Landon and Lance went straight to the ride , Crazy Mouse , which gives riders a 360-degree view as the mice scurry up and down the tracks . We were all brave and enjoyed a trip through the Mystic Mansion , a frightfully fun , interactive ride inside a themed “ mansion .” While it was at first a bit scary for Collins , she soon started aiming at the “ scary ” targets . It was my favorite ride of the day .
The youngest kids will enjoy rides including Flying Aces , Gully Washer , Happy Haulers , Wacky Waters , and Zip Zap Race . Collins barely met the 36-inch requirement for the Swingin ’ Fun and surprised us with her bravery . Lance , Landon , and Collins enjoyed the loveable ride , Tea Time , where they were spun around in decorative “ tea cups .” Older kids and adults will enjoy the numerous thrill rides including the