We are heading to Texas this summer and one of our side trips is tentatively spending a night in New Braunfels so we can visit Schlitterbahn. We also have plans to visit Six Flags in Arlington, which is home to Hurricane Harbor.....my 12 year old is convinced that we cannot miss Schlitterbahn, but I would like to hear reviews from anyone who has been to BOTH waterparks. Obviously it saves some time and money by not going to New Braunfels, but if it is really that much superior to Hurricane Harbor, then it is probably worth it.

The two parks are VERY different. The only thing the same is that they both have slides! Hurricane Harbor is your typical water park, and Schlitterbahn is actually made into the Comal River. It's very unique!

That being said, New Braunfels is a 4-hour drive from Dallas, so it will add considerable time to your trip. However, if you can only hit one of the parks, I'd do Schlitterbahn.

Schlitterbahn is so much better than Hurricane Harbor. Many parts of the park are incorporated into the natural surroundings and you are sliding among shade trees. All the walks are covered with astroturf stuff so you don't burn your feet. You can bring in coolers, put towels over them and meet for a picnic, feeling very safe that they have not been disturbed. Families abound and it is a very safe feeling. There are huge hot tubs with swim up bars for the adults to hang out while the kids do their waiting in line. You can buy the kids wristbands with $ so they can get snacks without having to find you. You can tube through the cold water with trees overhead.

HH is still fun but it has a tired corporate feel to it. There is minimal shade and minimal things for adults to do while kids are waiting in line.

I should also add that if you know what specific night you will be at Schlitterbahn, you can make reservations to rent onsite. It is so cool to slide and see families waving to each other, one side cooking out on the grill and the other side splashing around the park. This is not an economical thing to do but the convenience is outstanding. Most hotels around the park are pricy anyway.

Schlitterbahn hands down!

Thanks all. I admit I was secretly hoping for a different answer, but kind of expecting what you have all said so far. It sure is tough trying to fit in all the best stuff, particularly when time and money are limited. However, I guess this is one of those "once in a lifetime" opportunities, since we are very unlikely to visit Texas for a VERY long time.

You won't regret it -- have fun!

Hurricane Harbor is kind trashy to me...can't stand the place.

One possible answer to your qestion... why not try them both? They sound very different... and you may not agree with other posters' opinions as to which is better.

If you are already in the 6 Flags area, then Hurricaine Harbor is infinitely more convenient as a destination than Schlitterbahn...

If you are planning on driving to the south Texas area, then, yes, Schlitterbahn would be on the way. And would be reachable.

Thanks again for all the responses. The idea of visiting BOTH waterparks is not feasible for us due to both time and money restrictions. So, I really want to make an informed choice. It looks as though Schlitterbahn is winning so far. We have been to several waterparks over the years, so if Hurricane Harbour is merely just a little bigger version of what we have already experienced elsewhere (like West Edmonton Mall, Cultas Lake, etc.) then we are probably better off taking the extra time to visit a truly unique park. If we win the lotto between now and July, we may opt to visit both parks.

We did Schlitterbahn while there with DD at a pole vaulting camp. LOVED Schlitterbahn! ;-)

OK, I think this will be my FINAL question about this water park situation! We have agreed to go to Schlitterbahn, and we think it's best to stay at the park. Does anyone have comments about the onsite lodging...there is Resort at the Rapids and Resort at the Baun I believe. Please share any stories (good or bad) about these accomodations. I know they are a little pricey, but as long as they are CLEAN and well appointed, I don't mind spending more for the convienience.

Thanks!

About 5 years ago, I stayed at a cabin in the park (don't know which one), and it was the DIRTIEST/GROSSEST place I've ever seen (dirt, bugs, cobwebs, etc). I assume that it was the cheaper of the two.

I had a friend who had reservations at the same place a few years later, and as soon as they saw it they felt the same way. The went to immediately check out. They were able to get a room at the other cabin location, and they said it was much better.

cynlouhoo -

I posted an old thread about lodging in the park.

All I can tell you regarding lodging is you need to reserve well in advance, whether inside or outside the park. I had a hard time finding a room anywhere a couple of summers ago.

No contest. Schlitterbahn!

Hmmmmm....interesting. I haven't been to Hurricane Harbor but we thought Schlitterbaum was on the tame side. As famous as the place is, I was expecting alot more. My kids were 8 & 10 when we wnet and even they were hoping for more. It was greta to stay out of the heat and get in the water but as far as "thrills" go, it was lacking.

Maybe it's because we're a family of adrenaline junkies? We wakeboard, snowbaord and ride motocross. We thought the water park as Sea World in San Antonio was more fun.

Rather than throwing big $$ away, we just tube down the Guadalupe now. We treat it as a relaxing day rather than looking for big thrills.

If you like sports like wakeboarding, motocross etc... check out the Texas Ski Ranch. They are in New Braunfels, just up the road from Schlitterbahn. They also have a climbing wall and a skatepark. They have a great cable tow system where the kids can wakeboard without a boat. We all took a private wakeboard lesson behind a new Master Craft boat on the private lake, and the coaches were so wonderful with all of us. (make sure you call a couple days ahead for private lessons, the coaching staff is always busy) We didn't have to bring anything, TSR has all the boards, and vests right there for rent. We had a great lunch on the balcony of Coconutz while watching a motocross clinic across the lake. My boys loved it. They rest of the day was spent on the cablelake and relaxing on the beach. My husband fell asleep in one of the comfy hammocks! What a great day!!