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Showing posts with the label Waterloo

I Ate At Every Restaurant At Lost Island Theme Park. Here Are My Recommendations

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The Thirsty Voyager in Awa at Lost Island, home of cocktails and noodles bowls I love Lost Island, and I also love food. Every time I have visited Lost Island this season (2023) , I have made sure to try new unique food item. We have found the food to be better than at other small themeparks. I made sure to focus on menu items that were invented for the park, or are made scratch in the park. Thus, anything pre-packaged, like pickle bites, Thelma's ice cream sandwiches, and Uncrustables won’t be discussed here. (You can get these, and many other kid favorites, at most dining locations in Lost Island.) It is important to note that I haven’t eaten everything yet. If I try something new before the end of the season that is so good (or bad) that it warrants adding to this post, I will be sure to add a note.  Lost Island Dining Locations and Menus  Eating in Mura Kotaki Treats Let's do dessert first! Mura has only one dining location, in a very convenient location on the way towards...

My First Visit to Lost Island Theme Park in 2023: What's changed?

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During the winter, I wrote down my predictions on what might change at Lost Island Theme Park , as they aim to make a more competitive experience. A lot of my predictions came true, such as character interactions and improved foliage. In this article, I break down some of the biggest changes in 2023.  Background on Lost Island Theme Park Lost Island Theme Park is a project run by the Bertch family, who also own Lost island Waterpark in Waterloo, Iowa. The park opened in 2022, and while offering some great rides and experiences, hasn’t had great crowds yet. The Park is themed around the balance of the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water, as well as the fifth element of spirit. Each element has its own “land” with a unique story related to keeping the balance.  New Rides At Lost Island Theme Park Two new rides have opened up! Honestly, I think these might be my favorite. New Launch Coaster First we have Matugani, a short but very fast launch coaster. This thing gets so...

What to do in Waterloo and Cedar Falls - At Any Budget!

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  Waterloo is my current home-base, and it has far more to do that guests outside the state would assume. We have museums, outdoor recreation, and even an amusement park. Since I am a budget minded traveler, I thought I would make a list of some of my favorites. I will be keeping this list family friendly, but there is also a casino in Waterloo and many bars in the area, if that is your style.  Free or Pay-What-You-Like Farmers markets - Free to look, buy what you need Cedar Falls and Waterloo both have very enjoyable farmers markets with great seasonal selections. I most often go to the river expo location, known as the Waterloo Urban Farmers market , in downtown Waterloo. Historically this location has some great crepes, veggies, baked goods and honey. In Cedar Falls, the most popular locations are Overman park and College hill.  Hiking Hartman Nature Preserve - Free This park is great for adult hikers, and for families with kids! In addition to beautifully maintained ...

Which Lost Island Theme Park Ticket Should you Buy in 2023?

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  Photo from Lost Island's website The answer is - it depends! How often do you plan on going? How long can a fixed number of attractions keep you entertained? Do you also plan on going to the Lost Island Waterpark? Let's break down who should be using a day pass versus who would benefit from a season pass. This is the first year that season passes will be available, and a season pass might be worth serious consideration for some adventurers.   What does a Lost Island Themepark day pass cost? According to the Lost Island Theme Park's website , day passes will be $43.00 - $48.00 for the 2023 season. Exact prices will depend on the date you choose. Passes must be purchased for a specific day online, or day off at the front gate. Don’t forget that the Theme Park charges for parking, unlike the Waterpark.  How much does a Lost Island Themepark season pass cost?  Multiple season passes are available depending on what perks you want. The most basic pass costs $200 pl...