Showboat Atlantic City has opened the largest indoor beachfront waterpark in the world, Island Waterpark. The year-round, beachfront waterpark takes over 120,000 square feet of space along the Atlantic City boardwalk. Showboat’s owner and Tower Investments’ CEO, Bart Blatstein, unveiled the massive waterpark – featuring 11 slides and a 6,500 square foot lazy river – to the public on July 4th. The Asbury Girl chatted with the Vice President of Marketing for Showboat, Josh Allison, for more information on Island Waterpark.
Photo Credit: Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort
Opening Island Waterpark
The idea all started with owner Bart, who initially had purchased the building and had no idea what to do with it. “[Bart] did a lot of research on what the town needs and what the future of Atlantic City holds, and he found out that it was missing a true family-friendly destination,” Josh told The Asbury Girl. “He used to come here with his family when he was little… so, he envisioned this incredible family fun destination, which is now anchored by this 120,000 square foot, not just fun waterpark, but beautiful waterpark. They really built something special.”
From the time Tower Investments broke ground, it took about a year to complete the project and $100 million went into it, AG is told.
Photo credit: Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort
The once “dead portion of the boardwalk” – only Ocean Casino Resort lies to the other side of Showboat – is now “rejuvenated” with new family-friendly entertainment, which is a departure from AC’s gambling-focused hotels.
About the Experience
Josh wants readers to know that Island Waterpark is more than just a waterpark – it’s more about the experience. “Instead of your typical walking into a waterpark and wondering where you’re gonna sit and what’s there to do, you walk in and you’re greeted by this incredible [manmade] waterfall that kind of sets the tone for your island experience… It’s really an experience walking around and seeing the different things,” Josh shared.
Photo credit: Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort
Inside, there are 11 water slides, a 1,000-square-foot surf simulator, 6,500 square foot lazy river, a 300-foot zipline, a 1,000-foot-long zero-gravity coaster offering panoramic views of the waterpark and ocean, and a 30-foot tall Tree House. Throughout the park, there are six bars – including the only swim-up bar in Atlantic City – food vendors, a retail store, an arcade, restrooms, and lockers.
The waterpark features adult-only spots so that the older crowd can enjoy activities separate from the kids. Like the Kids Cove for the little ones, adults can relax in Paradise Adult Island, which is a 10,000-square-foot adults-only space overlooking the ocean. The exclusive area includes complimentary massages, Peloton bikes, and VIP cabanas. At night, the entire waterpark transforms into an adults-only nightlife venue with DJ entertainment.
Photo credit: Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort
Year-Round Fun
Thanks to the glass retractable roof, Island Waterpark allows for summer fun regardless of the weather or time of year. So for 365 days a year, except for when it’s closed for holidays, guests can still enjoy a tropical escape in Atlantic City.
Josh explained: “When it is raining or snowing or even a little breezy, we can close the front of our building, the roof, the windows. But when it’s sunny, we can open the roof and we’re still at 80 degrees as the sun shines in. You get that fresh sunlight that comes in and you can get that real tan from the sun.” He also added that the waterpark’s smell has a “nice fresh atmosphere just like the islands.”
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Plan Your Trip
Showboat’s waterpark opening comes after the world’s largest arcade edition, Lucky Snake, was added to the Showboat Resort last year. Per a Showboat press release: “The more than 100,000 square-foot venue features the 40,000 square-foot Raceway Go Kart Track and more than 600 games, including pinball, virtual reality, bowling, and more.”
Photo credit: Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort
Since Philly native Bart Blatstein took over the former Showboat Hotel in 2016, he began a reimagining of the former casino in phases and there is still more to come. The main arcade is currently undergoing a 10,000-square-foot expansion that will include additional attractions rolling out over the summer. These include disco-themed rollerblading; a state-of-the-art, movie-themed miniature golf course; a 40-foot tall climbing wall; and the largest Zoltar fortune teller in the world.
“This has been a huge success. When we look at our reviews, they are five-star reviews. That’s because the team here built the five-star destination. The staff is having a lot of fun, the guests are having a lot of fun and I think it’s really just gone above and beyond a lot of people’s expectations of what was coming to Atlantic City, Josh said. He also told The Asbury Girl that the hotel is also going through its own renovation so “very fresh, modern, tropical feel rooms” are to come.
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Photo credit: Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort
Summer admission rates start at $89 for daytime general admission. Children under three are admitted for free. Twilight admission, from 4PM-8PM, starts at $69. All-Access VIP admission starts at $119. Members of the military, police, fire, and EMS receive a $10 discount as well as groups of 20-50. Seniors 60 and above get a 10 percent discount.
To celebrate the grand opening, Showboat offers an Island Waterpark Grand Opening Package where guests can save up to 35 percent off on a hotel room, $10 off admission to the waterpark, and exclusive access to the waterpark one hour before it opens to the public. To find out more information and to reserve tickets in advance, visit islandwaterparkac.com.
