Frequently Asked Questions
How long can we stay at the park after the performance times end?
Mondays, the park closes at 6:00 pm. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the park closes at 4:00 pm. Thursdays, the park closes at 8:00 pm, and Fridays, the park closes at 9:00 pm.
The two-a-day festivals are open from 8:00am – 1:30pm or 2:30pm – 8:00 pm
You are welcome to stay until the park closes. Once the park closes, we will have no area to hold your groups while they wait for a bus.
Is my $50 per ensemble fee refundable if we decide to cancel our trip?
No. It is not a deposit, so it is not added to the final bill, nor is it refundable.
I must request my check months before the competition. What if my number of students changes?
If you overpay, we will refund you on the spot on the contest day. Request your check for the maximum number possible – WAY ahead of time. Payment must be complete on the day of the contest, and you will be assigned a time to check out. No personal checks from parents, please. Cash is never an issue.
Do we need waivers for chaperones?
Yes. Everyone attending must have a signed waiver.
Can I get a refund on my unused catered meals and tickets?
Unused tickets – yes!
Catered meals – no. The park cooks the exact amount of food that was ordered, so we can not refund any catered meals. 7 days before your festival, you will receive a form to give us your final catered meal numbers. You are held financially responsible for that number.
Can season passes be used?
No. Participation in the festival is a separate event.
My bus needs to be back by 5 pm. Can I leave the park early?
Certainly! You can come and go from the park with your ensembles as you like!
We wear uniforms when we perform. Will there be a place to change clothes?
Yes, our main restrooms include changing areas. We recommend students dry off and throw on their t-shirts and shorts over their swimsuits. If you prefer to change, you may meet with your group as early as you like. Rest assured, ensembles will NOT be judged on appearance.
What happens if we have inclement weather?
The park is indoors, so the weather will never be a problem.
When will I get detailed information about my competition date and time?
Once we have received and processed your entry, you will receive a confirmation email with your performance date and time soon afterward. If you enter in the spring or summer – you can anticipate having that by Sept. 1.
What grade levels will be attending the competition?
All grade levels. We encourage you to bring your elementary choirs, beginners, 2nd groups, and varsity groups. Everyone can come!
Can parents come to hear our group for free?
For choirs – no. Choirs perform inside the waterpark, and everyone inside the waterpark must have a ticket.
For bands and orchestras – yes. They perform in The Epic facility next door, but there is limited space for audience members.
Can our groups hear other groups?
In some cases, yes – depending on the size. The performance rooms are small, so there is very little room for large audiences.
I initially did not give you catered meal numbers, but I would like to participate. How do I do that?
Send me an email with your catered meal numbers. Don’t forget to include all of your friends/family and chaperones.
When do you need my final count on catered meals?
7 days prior to your festival, you will receive a form to give us your final catered meal numbers. You are held financially responsible for the numbers you submit. Catered meals can not be refunded.
Are lockers available?
Yes. Lockers cost between $8 and $12, depending on the size.
Remind me, what’s in the catered meal?
Choice of hot dog or hamburger/cheeseburger, chips, cookie, and drink. It’s a great deal for $11!
No coolers, right?
Right! No coolers, but you are now allowed to bring your own lunch to the park. No branded food, i.e. McDonalds, QT, etc. Teachers, you must check every lunch bag to ensure there is no glass
Can we bring outside food?
Yes, you are now allowed to bring your own lunch to the park. No branded food, i.e. McDonalds, QT, etc. Teachers, you must check every lunch bag to ensure there is no glass
Should we all eat lunch together as a group?
Catered Meals are served between 11:30 and 1:00. You can eat together or as the students choose.
What is the best way to handle my students in the park?
Most directors assign chaperones to small groups to travel around the park. The chaperones can remind students when to gather for dry-off/warm-up. If you do not assign chaperones to smaller groups, the students must keep up with their performance time.
What should teachers wear for the day?
We recommend that teachers wear shorts. Yes! Even in December! The waterpark is heated to 80+ degrees to provide a comfortable environment for swimmers. Dress for summer (even in the winter)!
Do I need to bring an adjudication sheet to the contest?
No. We will provide those to the judges for you.
Do I need to bring music for the judges?
Yes. Bring one score for the judges. Number each measure for reference.
Where will we dry off and change at the end of our day?
In our large restroom / changing rooms.
Will we receive a rating and trophy?
Yes! In the December, April and May festivals, you can also compete for “Best in Class”, provided there are at least 3 ensembles in your division.
What attractions does Epic Waters have?
Twelve waterslides are featured on the waterpark’s slide tower, and three are ‘first of their kind’ within the waterpark industry. In addition to that, we also have the FLOWRIDER boogie board ride, the swimming hole, and a lazy river! We also have over 50 classic and state-of-the-art games to fill our arcade’s expansive 4,000 sq. ft. room. Guests can keep money and tickets on cards to redeem for prizes that day or on their next visit.