If you grew up in South Jersey or the Philly suburbs, you probably have a specific memory of smelling chlorine before you even stepped out of your car on Route 73. That was the CoCo Key Water Park Mt Laurel experience. For years, it was the go-to "staycation" spot—a tropical, 55,000-square-foot escape from the gray Jersey winters. But if you’ve tried to book a room lately or just driven past that iconic building near Miller’s Ale House, things look a bit different.
Honestly, the story of this place is a bit of a rollercoaster. It’s been through ownership changes, a massive pandemic shutdown, and a $13 million auction. People keep asking: "Is it actually open?" or "Is it still worth the trip?"
Let's get into the reality of where CoCo Key stands today and how to navigate a visit if you’re looking for that indoor splash fix.
What's Actually Going on With Coco Key Water Park Mt Laurel?
The most important thing you need to know is that the resort went through a massive transition. After the 2020 lockdowns, the park didn't just pop back open like everything else. It sat quiet for a while. In 2021, a group called JM Investment US LP bought the property—formerly known as The Hotel ML—for $13 million.
They rebranded. They repainted. They swapped out the old, tired wallpaper for something fresh.
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Currently, the hotel side of things is operating as the Grand Resort Hotel - Mt Laurel. While the "CoCo Key" brand name is mostly associated with their flagship Orlando location now, the Mount Laurel water park remains the centerpiece of this specific property. It’s one of the few places in the region where you can hit a lazy river while it’s snowing outside.
The Good, The Bad, and The Chlorine
Let’s be real. In the past, this place had a reputation for being... well, a bit rough around the edges. There were health code scares years ago involving the lazy river and the jacuzzi. People complained about "band-aid" repairs.
But the new management has been dumping money into the infrastructure. We're talking millions. They didn't just fix the slides; they overhauled the HVAC and the elevators. When you walk in now, it doesn't feel like that "seedy" spot some old Reddit threads might warn you about. It’s cleaner. It’s brighter.
The Attractions: What Can You Actually Do?
You aren't going there for a five-star spa experience. You’re going for the slides. Basically, the layout is designed to keep kids busy enough that parents can actually sit down for ten minutes.
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- Parrot’s Perch: This is the big interactive "treehouse" structure. It’s got water cannons, buckets that dump hundreds of gallons on your head every few minutes, and smaller slides for the younger kids.
- The Big Three: These are the "protruding" slides you see from the highway. Barracuda Blast, Pelican’s Plunge, and Shark Slam. They actually go outside the building in those colorful tubes before looping back in. It’s a trip.
- Coconut Grove Adventure River: It’s a lazy river. It's not fast. It's not daring. It’s just a circle. But it works.
- Dip-In Theater: This is one of those "only at CoCo Key" things. They project movies onto a big screen so you can watch Moana or whatever while floating in the activity pool.
Pro Tip: If you have small children (under 48 inches), check the height requirements before you get their hopes up. Most of the "big" slides require that 48-inch mark.
Survival Guide: How to Not Hate Your Visit
If you show up at noon on a Saturday in February without a plan, you’re going to have a bad time. It gets packed. Loud. Chaotic.
Bring your own towels. Seriously. While they have towel rentals, they are often small and the lines to get them can be a nightmare. Just pack a bag.
The Food Situation. Outside food isn't allowed inside the water park. The "CoCo Cabana Grill" has your standard resort fare—chicken fingers, fries, burgers. It’s fine, but it’s pricey. Honestly? You’re right off Route 73. There are a dozen better food options within a two-minute drive. If you're staying overnight, leave the park, grab some real food in Mt Laurel, and come back.
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The "Day Pass" Hack. You don't have to stay at the hotel to use the park. They sell day passes based on capacity. If you’re a local, this is the way to go. Check the website early in the morning to snag a spot.
Why It Still Matters for NJ Families
In a world of $800-a-night Great Wolf Lodge stays, Coco Key Water Park Mt Laurel fills a specific gap. It’s accessible. It’s right near Philly. It’s a mid-tier option that doesn't require a cross-country flight to get some "summer" vibes in the middle of a Jersey January.
It isn't perfect. The parking lot still feels a little industrial, and sometimes the arcade games eat your quarters. But when the water is a steady 84 degrees and your kids are actually tired for once? It’s worth the price of admission.
Your Next Steps for a Trip
- Verify the Hours: Before you drive down, check the Grand Resort Hotel - Mt Laurel official site or call (856) 234-7300. Hours can shift based on staffing or private events.
- Book a "Stay and Play" Package: If you’re coming from more than an hour away, the package deals (hotel room + 4 water park passes) usually save you about 30% versus buying them separately.
- Pack the Essentials: Waterproof phone case, a change of dry clothes for the lobby, and plenty of quarters for the arcade.
- Check Recent Reviews: Since management is still tweaking the experience under the new brand, looking at TripAdvisor or Booking.com for reviews from the last 30 days is the best way to gauge the current water temperature and cleanliness.