A First Look at Atlantic City’s Island Waterpark at Showboat

Several hundred VIPs, guests and media got a first look at the $100 million Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort on Thursday evening.

The Island Waterpark Preview Party

Showboat Hotel owner Bart Blatstein hosted a party to officially introduce his latest Atlantic City attraction -- the enormous Island Waterpark, the world's largest indoor beachfront waterpark.

A crowd including Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small and South Jersey politicians, outgoing Stocktonton University President Harvey Kesselman, hundreds of curious onlookers, and a staff of shirtless pool boys came together for a fun and over-the-top preview party.

The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was replaced by the cutting of the adjoined hair braids of two mermaid models. That was a first for me.

What's Island Waterpark Have to Offer?

With slides and rides, pools and waterfalls, a lazy river, places to stretch out and relax, concessions and the adults-only area, under a retractable roof for year-round fun, all that's missing at Island Waterpark at this point are the swimmers. And they are only about a week away.

When Does Island Waterpark Open and What Will it Cost?

Friday, June 30 has been set as the opening day, leading into the 4th of July holiday weekend.

According to its website, tickets will range from $69 and up for "twilight admission" from 4-8 pm, $89 and up for daytime general admission, and $119 and up for all-access VIP admission. Kids 3 and under are free.

Here's a photo gallery of Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort Atlantic City.