The Chula Vista resort has an extensively upgraded water park and top notch convention facilities in the best location in the Dells.
Directions: For the easiest route, take Interstate 90/94 to exit 87 at Highway 13. Follow highway 13 through the Dells, over the bridge, and all the way through the bustling downtown. Highway 13 will turn left; follow it and look for the resort's golf course and sign on your left to reach Chula Vista. Short Cut: Start with the previous directions but when you get to the downtown Dells, take the first left at the stoplight onto River Road. Follow the narrow old River Road (and don't miss the big left-hand curve in the road at Meadowbrook Resort). River Road comes out right at the resort.
Lodging: Room choices include the standard hotel rooms, condos, and golf villas. A section of the condos and golf villas are brand new, opening in 2007. Chula Vista has the best location of any waterpark in the dells, so take advantage of it by asking for a room overlooking the 60-foot pines bordering the Wisconsin River. The natural setting, away from the bustle of the strip and major highways, makes this one of the quietest stays for a water park resort.
Waterparks: Everywhere you turn at Chula Vista you will encounter a water activity or other entertainment. The hub of the action is the Lost Rios indoor water park. The complex is set in front of the condos in the parking lot - a tunnel also provides access, handy in the winter months. Inside Lost Rios you'll find a rain forest playground surrounded by slides, tube rides, and an "active" river. The active river is like a lazy river but with a wave feature in one section. The tube rides run from the exciting Jungle Experience (blue) to the more mild but still fun Emergald Express (green) ride. The tube rides are completely covered and run out the side of the building (providing some natural light and keeping them from being pitch dark) before looping back in for the splash down. The body slides are on the level with the water coaster and include a racing mat slide. The Fly'n Mayan water coaster is quite fast and whips around corners but does not have too many steep sections. Medium-sized body slides are found in the rain forest playground area with the requisite squirters and climbing areas. Insider tip: there is no warning bell for the large tipping bucket, so determine when it is about to let loose, watch the red water wheel to its right. When it starts to spin, get ready to get wet!) A mushroom-shaped hot tub, a pool with basketball and floating toys, and a little kids area with dual slides, an extra-wide family slide, and squirters complete the inside fun.
The outdoor Adventure Lagoon area is right next to Lost Rios. Here you will find mini-golf (for an extra fee) and a pool with a variety of slides. Insider tip: The grey slides don't have a height requirement, but the pool they empty into is 4 feet deep, so be prepared to catch your children!
Another indoor water area is the Coyote Mountain indoor waterpark, located on the back side of the main building. There are two pools and three slides here, all suited for grade schoolers or a little younger, plus a baby play area and a large hot tub.
Just down the outdoor path from Coyote Mountain is the new wave pool. The wave pool is not large but it has a unique setting, between the condos and the river, surrounded by towering pines. Watch the pleasure boaters zip past as you ride the waves or grab a drink at the large bar on site.
In front of the condos is sand volleyball, water volleyball, shuffleboard, and a pint-sized lazy river and slide for the littlest ones.
And if this weren't enough, there is hair braiding, tattoos, Building Bears, wagon rides, evening bonfires, Spa Del Sol, chair massages, jet boat rides, the Fab '50s Live show, Coldwater Canyon Golf Course ... and you haven't even left the resort yet. Check the activities schedule for times and days.
Restaurants: The Market Fresh Buffet provides breakfast and dinner. Dinner includes choices for the whole family. Your kids will appreciate the mini corn dogs, pizza, spaghettios, cheesy potato rounds, McCain smiles, and melons and strawberries. You might enjoy the pasta bar, crab legs, ribs, mashed potatoes, and salad and bread bar, among others.
For fine dining, take the elevator up to the Kaminski Brothers Chop House. Or to grab a quick bite to eat, there is a snack bar connected to Lost Rios and breakfast foods in the gift shop on the first floor of the condos.
Overall, Chula Vista is a great choice for a water park vacation in the Dells. It reaches its full potential during the summer months when you can enjoy the outdoor activities too; and its quiet, secluded location will help you unwind and relax during your getaway.
For reservations, call 1-866-567-6890.
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