REVIEW: Great Escape Splashwater Kingdom is a Great Big Expensive Escape

Yesterday, my family had the good fortune of scoring free passes to Great Escape in Lake George from my brother-in-law who bought season passes.  They had a coupon book that came with the season pass deal to bring a friend per each season pass holder. Had we paid for our family of four, it would have been $215.96 for admission. That does not include the $20 parking fee (the cheapest option available).

I do need to mention that the last time my husband and I were at Great Escape seven years ago, my kids were 5 and 3 years old, and it wasn't owned by Six Flags. It was smaller and, as you can imagine, much less expensive.

We purchased all of our food across the street outside the park yesterday, which ended up being much more reasonable than food or drinks inside. One of Great Escape's rules is that you are not allowed to bring in your own food. I did break down and buy a medium soda which cost me a whopping $4.05. Now, I could have purchased the bottomless soda for a mere $13.99. How much soda can a person drink?! Keep in mind that a case of soda in the store costs about $12 -- A CASE!

And one more thing: if you didn't want to wait at least 30 minutes in line for rides, then you could buy a "Go Fast Pass" for $45 and that would get you at the head of the line on five rides. That's almost the price of admission -- for just five rides!

Obviously people are not daunted by the crowds, waiting in lines, and cost of it all since it was packed yesterday. I was scratching my head in wonder at it all. Then again, I'm not much of a ride person since I get motion sick on the bigger rides. The slow gondola Sky Ride is my speed. So for me, it was all about the kids having fun.

You may wonder if I will be returning to Great Escape and the answer is a resounding "No!"  It wasn't worth it on any level. My kids did not love it; they complained a lot about waiting in lines and not getting to do what they wanted to because of it.

They both agreed that our local county fairs are much better and have more to offer over, and at a much better value for a family of four.