Coco Key Water Resort: A Family-Friendly Indoor Oasis in Mount Laurel
Discover year-round aquatic fun, family entertainment, and local hospitality at Mount Laurel’s beloved indoor waterpark and hotel.
Coco Key Water Resort: Mount Laurel’s Indoor Waterpark Destination
Coco Key Water Resort at Hotel ML in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, stands out as a popular family getaway, offering a bright, vibrant indoor waterpark experience year-round. Since its opening, Coco Key has attracted visitors with its array of water attractions, convenient amenities, and friendly staff—making it a go-to spot for parents seeking fun for their children and relaxation for themselves. This guide covers all aspects of Coco Key Water Resort, including a comprehensive look at its facilities, guest experiences, practical visit tips, reopening news, and FAQs for planning your visit.
Overview & Location
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 915 Route 73, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 |
| Type | Indoor Waterpark & Hotel |
| Size | 55,000 sq. ft. waterpark, 279 hotel rooms |
| Year-Round? | Yes, weather-proof fun for all seasons |
| On-site Hotel | Hotel ML, with restaurant, bar, and event spaces |
Indoor Waterpark Features
The 55,000-square-foot indoor waterpark is the main attraction, accommodating families with children of all ages. Key features include:
- Multiple water slides suitable for various age groups
- Lazy river for relaxing floating
- Water basketball court for active play
- Adult-only hot tub for quiet relaxation
- Tiny tots area dedicated for young children, kept separate from older kids’ play zones
- Arcade area to extend fun beyond water activities
- Onsite dining options—from family snacks to bar service
- Changing rooms, lockers, and seating
- Attentive lifeguard staff providing a safety-focused environment
Atmosphere & Accessibility
- Comfortably heated environment, ideal for winter escapes
- No smoking policies in waterpark zones
- Seating with regular chairs and tables—lounge chairs are limited or not present
- Parking available with some sustainability initiatives, such as solar panel coverings in the lot
Hotel ML: Amenities & Connection to the Waterpark
Connected directly to the waterpark, Hotel ML provides integrated accommodation for a seamless getaway experience.
- 279 guest rooms, catering to families, groups, and event travelers
- 14,000 square feet of meeting space for birthday parties, school gatherings, and corporate events
- Restaurant and bar accessible for resort guests
- Direct indoor access to Coco Key Water Resort
- Package deals often available for lodging and waterpark admission
Dining and Refreshments
- Breakfast service is well-reviewed for completeness and taste
- Bar drinks, kids’ beverages, and snacks sold around the resort
- Food pricing considered high by some guests; budget accordingly
Guest Experiences: Reviews & Tips
Coco Key Water Resort garners a mix of reviews, commonly praised for its kid-friendly excitement and criticized for areas needing upkeep and improved adult amenities. Here are key insights based on traveler testimonies:
- Convenience: Indoor setting, year-round operation, and ample parking appreciated by visitors.
- Family Appeal: Most enjoyable for children under 12; older kids and adults may find activity options limited.
- Safety: Plenty of lifeguards are present, but guest feedback suggests better crowd management is needed during peak times.
- Cleanliness: Reports are mixed—while some guests note clean facilities, others observed issues such as roaches especially near garbage zones and bathrooms.
- Staff: Described as friendly and attentive, with management responsive to feedback.
- Value: Pricing for food and drinks considered high by several guests ($22 for a specialty drink), while admission prices also draw scrutiny for not matching expectations during partial staffing or limited ride access.
- Accessibility: The resort is ideal for short trips or quick winter escapes, especially for families looking to entertain children indoors.
Common Praise:
- “The staff were very pleasant and hard working, breakfast was complete with no issues.”
- “My son enjoyed the water slides, lazy river, and water basketball court…the area is very warm and the water was too.”
- “Plenty of seating, attentive lifeguards, and separate spaces for toddlers and older kids.”
Common Complaints:
- “Food is pricey and there are no lounge chairs for adults.”
- “Roaches in the waterpark area and some hotel rooms need attention.”
- “Rude patrons and kids occasionally caused safety concerns, not always addressed promptly by staff.”
- “If you want to go tubing, expect to wait a while because people don’t give up their tubes.”
Hours of Operation & Planning Your Visit
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Note: As of 2025, Coco Key Water Resort has experienced closures and is undergoing new ownership and planned reopening. Always check the current official website or call ahead to confirm updated hours and operational status before planning your trip.
Hotel ML & Coco Key Water Park: Reopening Plans & Ownership Change
Recent Developments:
- The Hotel ML and Coco Key Water Park closed during the 2020 pandemic.
- In March 2025, the property was sold at auction for $13 million to a Philadelphia developer, with plans to reopen the hotel first (targeting late summer), then the water park afterwards.
- Details about the exact reopening date for the waterpark remain pending, with updates expected as the new owner completes renovations and staffing.
- New amenities, upgrades, and potentially a restored digital presence for the hotel and waterpark expected in the coming years.
Essential Tips for Your Visit
- Book tickets in advance, especially during weekends or school holidays.
- Keep an eye out for combo packages including hotel deals and waterpark access for best value.
- Arrive early to secure preferred seating and minimize wait times for popular attractions.
- Pack swimwear, towels, and flip-flops; lockers available for personal items.
- Be prepared for high food and drink prices onsite.
- Supervise children closely, especially during busy periods.
- Check current hours and maintenance alerts, as schedules may fluctuate due to renovations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Coco Key Water Resort open to the public?
A: As of mid-2025, Coco Key Water Resort has experienced intermittent closures. Check their website or call ahead for reopening dates and current operational hours.
Q: What age group is Coco Key best suited for?
A: Coco Key is most enjoyable for children ages 2–12, with designated areas for toddlers and safe slides for older kids. Adults can enjoy the hot tub and bar, though entertainment is primarily kid-focused.
Q: Can you stay at the Hotel ML and access the waterpark directly?
A: Yes, the Hotel ML connects directly to Coco Key Water Resort, making bundled packages convenient for family stays, birthday parties, and group events.
Q: What amenities are available onsite?
A: Beyond water attractions, there is an arcade, restaurant, bar, changing rooms, lockers, and plentiful seating. Event spaces accommodate parties and meetings.
Q: Is there free parking available?
A: Yes, parking is free and includes environmental upgrades such as solar panel coverings.
Q: Are the facilities clean and safe?
A: Lifeguards are present and attentive. However, guest reports on cleanliness are mixed; improvements are expected under new ownership.
Q: What should families bring with them?
A: Swimwear, flip-flops, towels (limited towel service may be provided), water-safe bags for valuables, and snacks if dietary preferences warrant; lockers are available for rent.
Nearby Attractions and Local Tips
- Mount Laurel offers other entertainment, dining, and shopping options for longer stays.
- Easy access to many South Jersey highways makes the resort a convenient base for exploring the region.
User Ratings Snapshot
| Source | Overall Rating | Common Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TripAdvisor | 3.1/5 (676 reviews, 2025) | Good for kids, value concerns, mixed cleanliness |
| UltimateWaterpark.com | – | Highlights indoor, heated year-round features |
| Google/Expedia | – | Popular as family vacation spot, call for updates |
Summary: Why Choose Coco Key Water Resort?
- Family-centric fun: Safety-focused indoor waterpark perfect for young children and stress-free supervision
- Flexible stays: Convenient hospitality with direct hotel integration
- All-season: Warm, weather-proof entertainment any time of year
- Improvement underway: Ownership changes promise revitalization, new features, and enhanced cleanliness in the 2025 season
Coco Key Water Resort is set to remain a staple of South Jersey family travel, with new investments likely to address past concerns and amplify what families love most—safe, exciting, and memory-making water adventures just a short drive from major metropolitan centers.
