OWA is a brand new family fun amusement park, shopping, restaurants and family fun activities that opened July 2017 in Foley, Alabama. Recently, our family visited OWA while visiting the Gulf Shores area. OWA (Oh-Wah) means Big Water, inspired by the Muscogee Creek term for “water.” On some of the rides, you can actually see the Gulf of Mexico!
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Downtown OWA allows great access to shopping and dining close to the park without having to drive anywhere. Open daily at 11 AM, it is always free to enter. A 14-acre lake with a 1.5-acre island is in the center of Downtown OWA with a newly built amphitheater nearby for future concerts. Lights at the fountain are synced to the music at night. Be sure to check the website for a list of several shows and events that happen throughout the year including GLOWA, special holiday celebrations, and concerts. My kids' favorite area of Downtown OWA was an indoor arcade.
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Upon researching the park before our visit, their page describes OWA as "your Southern Destination Reinvented. A 14-acre amusement park and unique shopping and dining experiences surround a pristine lakeside venue." It did not disappoint. The park has something for everyone to enjoy with 21 rides and a 9500 sq ft splash pad. Live music and performances throughout the park and Downtown will entertain everyone in your group. This summer, street performers from New York, the Skippers, perform daily except Monday. My husband and daughter rode Rolling Thunder three times!
Crazy Mouse was my son's favorite and I like the Southern Express. There are several activities for the younger kids as you walk around the park. During the time we visited, there was a craft table for kids to make inch worm bookmarks. Employees were all friendly, answering questions and reviewing the safety rules before your ride.
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My husband and our thirteen-year-old daughter named the Rolling Thunder their favorite. In fact, they rode it three times! Keith reported "the initial drop was different, did not jerk your body, and had a great thrill factor. It was a good coaster compared to all others I have ridden." My daughter said it "wasn't as scary as imagined and a lot of fun." Rolling Thunder serves as the divider of the thrill rides and family rides of the park. At first glance, the family rides may seem like "kiddie rides" since the minimum height requirement is for younger children, however, adults are able to ride alongside kids and make long-lasting memories. One of my favorite rides, The Southern Express, is located on the family side.
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Covered resting areas with misting fans were much appreciated on the hot day we visited. The gift shop came in handy when my husband realized we forgot the sunscreen back at the condo. When it becomes time to eat, you can eat in the park, or exit to Downtown OWA and re-enter the park. There is a large arcade that happens to be connected to Groovy Goat restaurant.
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As we were leaving the park, my husband and I both were impressed by how clean the park area was. Our family loved that the park was not overcrowded and we could ride several rides multiple times with very little wait. In my husband's opinion, OWA had a great mix of state fair type attractions with thrill rides and he appreciated hassle-free short lines and no buying tickets for each. My kids loved all the rides! My daughter also liked The Wave, which was a "shorter ride but felt longer because of the movements." My son also loved playing all the midway games especially after winning a prize.
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OWA is still expanding and more stores and restaurants are expected to open like Paula Deen's Family Kitchen. Future plans include Watersports Rentals in Downtown OWA like paddle boats. Plan your day at OWA easily on their website.
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Tips: Wear sunscreen. Parking is free. Immediately to your right as you enter the park are a limited number of lockers, wheelchairs, and strollers available to rent. Measure your kid at home and again at the park to check height requirements before promising your child a ride. If you have younger kids, I would begin the day on the right side of the park where all the family rides are. Ticket prices are for everyone even non-riders.
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My family and I were guests of OWA and admission was provided. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.
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