Well, here we go......
First off, we have been Waller Yogi Park fans for 20+ years. Been out many times camping and in a cabin as we were this year. I am a homebuilder and have always mentioned Waller Yogi Bear Park when I meet new homeowners that have kids and enjoy the outdoors.
This year was not a success. We rented the one of the bigger cabins checking in Thursday 10/24, checked out Monday 10/28, cabin 431. Here are some gripes:
1) Pool not open past 6 (5 on Sunday).
2) No staff walking the pool area to see how all was going (we rented a cabana too). We did see a staff member on Sunday when there were virtually no people there though.
3) Our cooktop was a piece of junk. One burner was missing a cap piece so it didnt work. The others you had to turn just right for it to light and then there was no flame control, either on or off.
4) WAY too many bike riders/scooters after dark. The rules page specify no bikes allowed after dark. Very very few had lights. Who was there to enforce? Did anyone care?
5) No organization at the glow stick train ride. Everyone just bunched up, then it was a run off to who got on the train. No clear line, no direction by staff.
6) no outdoor movie. It was kind of funny, we called on Saturday asking about this and were told that there was a movie that played Friday (we were told it was at 9:00...hmmm, with a 10:00 curfew?). Our cabin was right down from the outdoor theater, nothing played. No movie Saturday night.
7) Used to have announcements made over a loudspeaker. Know this has been gone for years, figure it out, bring it back. It was great to let everyone know verbally what was coming up and where Yogi was going to be sighted.
8) Pizza used to be AWESOME! Think it was handmade, now it is some premade garbage. Guess like everything else, corporation takes over and finds cheapest for profits.
9) Ice Cream at activity center not open Saturday. This we called on. We were told they were not sure if open Sunday (it wasnt) and had no idea who to call or find out.
10) On the sheet everyone is given, how about adding times everything is open....'front desk', pool, food, gift store, activity center, ice cream, etc.
11) Our remote control at the cabana was picked up at 3:30 on Sunday, yeah, we probably were not going to watch TV but really?
12) This is a good one.....Sunday about 3:00, we decided to drive our pickup and park at the pool. There were no golf carts their, very, very few people even there. I was approached at our cabana by a pool staff (incredible they were there), and asked if it was my truck parked there. I responded yes and then was told I had to move it. I was going to but I went to the woman at the eatery and asked for a manager. She said she was pretty much it. I explained the situation and she said not to worry and leave truck. I would LOVE to send you the pictures I took of my truck in the lot. R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S!!!!!!!
13) My sister stayed in a cabin on the lake and rented a golf cart. She had to turn the cart in early as the battery wouldnt take a charge!
14) Icing on the cake......Sunday night as we slept, we heard something scratching at the vents on the floor. Our 3 Grandchildren all heard and we played it down way too early when they woke up. One of the Granddaughters was sleeping in front room, our other 2 were in the mid room and we stayed in the back room. The one staying in the front was saying how loud they were and again, we downplayed it. Our room got so loud, I finally got up and looked at the vent and the darn thing was moving (starting to pop up). Looking at the front room, the vent there was actually popped off! We ended up taking the bar stools, turning them upside down and putting them on all the vents. I do have some video I can share of this too (tried attaching here but dont think it works...can see the animal in the vent).
Bottom line, I look at this Yogi Bear park as a low budget Disney. I expect service, expect things to be operational, expect communications, expect great service. This place fell way short in all aspects. The park looks like it is falling apart. We paid 1500.00 for our 4 days. As packed as the park was, can only imagine the money made on this weekend and all weekends in October. Might be good to open the coffers and spend some money taking care and updating things. Bring back the life of the park that used to be there. I told my wife after this visit, I will no longer recommend Yogi to the people I build for. We already decided to go a much cheaper route next year. We will just dress up the place we are staying in Halloween theme, buy 3 $25.00 bags of candy to give each of our Grandchildren and we will be so far ahead. A real shame because every year, we talk about Halloween at Yogi. We need a break. Hope you fix the problems. This is only some. Like I said, its a far cry from the way it used to be. read more