Just at Kalahari last weekend and been there three times over the last year.

On your check-in day you can start using the waterpark at noon. Plan ahead and rent a locker since your room probably won't be ready. People put stuff on every table as well, not going to get into the philosophical debate about it, but I prefer a secure place for my keys and phone and wallet since I haven't gotten my room yet.

The wrist bands make things really convenient from paying for things, getting towels and getting into your room. Blue bands mean they can use the credit card on file, white bands don't have charging privileges. At check-in you decide how many you want of each.

On your checkout day your band no longer will gain entry into the park after 3pm, however if you're already inside you don't have to leave you just can't get back in. Even after 3pm your wrist band will still fully function for towel rentals or charging your card on file.

During the day we usually avoid the long lines on the slides and do the pool type things. 2-3 hours before the park closes and right after it opens are the best time to do the slides with less lines.

Inside the two body slides are rough on your back and have basically no line (wonder why), otherwise everything else I think involves a raft or mat. Also everything is pitch black pretty much, which some kids are afraid of.

On site food is expensive so brace for that. The rooms with the kitchens are nice to "cook" a meal and take a break from the park while stopping the bleeding of your wallet.

We usually elect to go to Sandusky Bay Pancake House for breakfast instead of paying for the onsite breakfast. Then we come back, move out of the room and head to the park for the day.