Daredevil Drop at Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe
Daredevil Drop at Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe is a high-thrill water slide in Greensboro, North Carolina, known for its steep 76-foot drop and brave-or-bail moment at the top.
This family water park review shares what the Daredevil Drop is like, what else kids can ride at Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe, and how to plan a splashy summer day without losing your sunscreen, your snacks, or your nerve.
I received tickets to Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Daredevil Drop Emerald Pointe: What to Know Before You Ride
If you searched for Emerald Pointe Daredevil Drop, you are probably wondering one thing: is it really that scary?
In our family’s official field report, the answer is yes. It is the kind of water slide that makes kids puff up with confidence on the walk over, then go very quiet once they see the drop.
Daredevil Drop is one of the high-thrill rides at Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro, North Carolina. The park describes it as a steep water chute with a 76-foot drop and a free-fall feeling before riders glide into the landing area. It is not the lazy-river kind of attraction. It is the stand-at-the-top-and-rethink-your-life-choices kind.
One of my children took it on.
Girl power all the way.
Li’l Man, meanwhile, made the very respectable decision to stay with the Twin Twisters, which are still zippy, still fun, and still a perfectly brave way to enjoy the day without launching yourself down the tallest-looking thing in sight.
No regrets. Not from the rider. Not from the non-rider. Not from this mama watching from below with one hand on the camera and the other silently clutching my imaginary pearls.
Readers Also Make a Day of It With…
Turning a Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe visit into a full summer memory is easier when the before-and-after food is simple. Pack the sunscreen, plan the water park fun, then keep dinner low-stress with something easy once everyone is sun-kissed and worn out.
- Summer Recipes & Party Ideas for cookouts, pool days, and backyard fun
- North Carolina Style Pulled Pork for a Carolina-inspired summer meal
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies for a kid-friendly treat before or after a big day out
Why You’ll Love Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe for a Summer Family Day
Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe is the kind of summer place kids start talking about before you ever get through the gates. Since we moved to North Carolina, my kiddos had Wet’n Wild on the brain. Commercials brought them running. Random conversations somehow ended with “When are we going?” And Memorial Day came with a very important reminder: Wet’n Wild was open.
So we loaded up the pool bag, drove to Greensboro, and gave the kids a day of water slides, wave pools, sunscreen breaks, food court lunches, and the kind of happy tired that only comes after a full day in the water.
This post is especially helpful if you are planning a first visit, wondering whether the Daredevil Drop at Emerald Pointe is too intense, or trying to figure out which rides work for thrill-seekers and which ones are better for younger kids or more cautious riders.
What to Bring to Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe
A good water park day starts before anyone touches the wave pool. Here are the things I was very glad we had, or wished I had grabbed faster while my children were already halfway to the water.
- Sunscreen, and more sunscreen than you think you need
- Towels for everyone
- Comfortable water shoes or sandals
- A change of clothes for the ride home
- A waterproof phone pouch if you plan to take pictures
- A small bag for dry items
- Reusable water bottles if allowed under current park rules
- Patience for the “Wait! We need sunscreen!” speech nobody wants to hear
Always check the current park rules before you go, especially for outside food, drinks, bags, coolers, tickets, parking, and height requirements. Water parks change policies, and nobody wants to learn that at the gate while holding a dripping towel and a disappointed child.
How to Plan Your Day at Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe
The best way to enjoy Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe is to balance big rides with calmer breaks. Start by choosing a home base, like lounge chairs near a family-friendly area, then rotate between slides, wave pool time, food, sunscreen, and lazy-river recovery.
Our day looked something like this:
- Arrive and find a spot for towels and bags.
- Let the kids burn that first burst of excitement in the wave pool.
- Stop for sunscreen before everyone disappears toward the next slide.
- Try a mix of thrill rides and calmer attractions.
- Take a lunch break before the afternoon slump hits.
- Reapply sunscreen.
- Save a few favorite rides for the second half of the day.
- End with something calm, like the lazy river, so everyone leaves happy instead of fried.

Thunder Bay Wave Pool
Through the gate, the kids were met by a one-legged pirate complete with a parrot. I was still trying to get our pool bag together, which is motherhood’s version of an Olympic event.
Once I caught up, they were already off in search of an attraction. That is when they spotted Thunder Bay Wave Pool.
They dashed to the pool as I hollered, “Wait! We need to put on sunscreen!”
They chose not to hear me.
They were too busy bobbing in millions of gallons of water, waiting for the big waves to roll through.

After two rounds of waves, I finally got their attention and out they came. We were going to sunscreen. We were going to be responsible.
At least that was my plan.
Dragon’s Den
On our way to the lounge chairs, the kids took a detour and headed up the ramp for Dragon’s Den.
I waited at the exit so I could snatch them up after their first waterslide of the day. Dragon’s Den drops riders into a dark hole, sends them circling around a bowl, and then gives them one final drop into the unloading area.


Soak Zone and Sunscreen Breaks
We finally made it to the lounge chairs in the Soak Zone.
This area felt calmer, even with the water play going strong and the giant bucket filling overhead. It gave me just enough time to smother the kiddos in sunscreen while they pretended to “dry.”

While they dried, I noticed the lifeguards. There were lifeguards at every ride, and throughout the day I watched them perform drills, check water areas, and communicate with hand signals.

Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror
Sunscreen dry, the kiddos were back in the water and ready for more adventure.
Next came Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror. This ride includes a drop, vertical banks, high spins, and the little extra thrill of darkness.
I took a picture just in case I never saw them again.

They came out giggling and exclaiming, “That was awesome!”
Then they dashed down the path toward the next ride, because apparently fear has a very short memory when water slides are involved.
Double Barrel Blast and The Edge
Double Barrel Blast was exciting because of the two side-by-side water slides. There was enough drop and speed to shoot riders out toward the pool with big smiles and bigger confidence.

I watched from the observation deck as grown men chickened out in front of their sons. I was sure my kiddos were going to be eating crow and regret.
Next thing I knew, they were down, and I had missed the video of the drop.
Food Court Lunch Break
In order to recover from all that bravery, they decided it was lunchtime.
We headed to the Food Court, viewed the specials, checked the menu, and ordered up.






Perfect With a Summer Pool Day Menu
If Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe inspires your own backyard splash day, keep the food simple and summer-friendly. Think pulled pork sandwiches, cold drinks, easy cookies, and snacks that can handle wet hands and hungry kids.
- North Carolina Style Pulled Pork for a casual Carolina-style dinner after a Greensboro day trip
- Summer Recipes & Party Ideas for pool parties, backyard cookouts, and sunny weekend menus
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies for a playful kid-friendly dessert
Runaway Raft Ride, Raging River, and Afternoon Slides
After lunch, we headed back to our lounge chairs for another round of sunscreen.

They wasted no time with the Raging River, a long man-made river that let them keep moving without going straight back to the biggest drops.
They also took on the Runaway Raft Ride, which had our longest wait time of the day. The wait was worth it for a 600-foot slide that gave them another brag-worthy moment.
Then the path led to the moment of truth.
The Daredevil Drop.
Daredevil Drop at Emerald Pointe: Our Family’s Verdict
Would the kiddos be daring enough to take it on?
One of my children did the Daredevil Drop.
It was girl power all the way.
The Daredevil Drop is not the ride I would use as a warm-up. It is better for confident riders who enjoy steep slides, fast drops, and that stomach-floating feeling that comes with a big descent.
For kids who are not ready, there is no shame in choosing something else. Li’l Man stayed with the Twin Twisters, two zippy slides that still delivered plenty of fun without the full Daredevil Drop drama.
That is one of the things I liked about Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe. The day did not have to be all thrill rides or all kiddie areas. Everyone could find their own level of brave.
Best Rides for Different Ages and Comfort Levels
Every family has a mix of thrill-seekers, cautious observers, and children who swear they are ready until they see the stairs. Here is how I would think about the park after our visit.
For Thrill Seekers
- Daredevil Drop
- The Edge
- Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror
- Double Barrel Blast
- Dragon’s Den
For Kids Who Want Fun Without the Biggest Drop
- Twin Twisters
- Runaway Raft Ride
- Raging River
- Thunder Bay Wave Pool
- Soak Zone
For Younger Kids and Families
- Splash Island
- Soak Zone
- Shipwreck Cove
- Lazy River
- Wave pool time with close supervision
Lazy River Recovery
After the Daredevil Drop decision, everyone needed a breather. The kids took a break on the Lazee River, where they could float, relax, and enjoy the scenery.


I took advantage of the refrigerated water fountains.
I am telling you, it is the small things.

Splash Island and Shipwreck Cove
We took a peek at Splash Island, a kid-themed area with miniature attractions and family-friendly water play.

Then we were back in action, on the hunt for the next great moment.
We found it in Shipwreck Cove, complete with a sunken ship that the kiddos enjoyed jumping from before swimming in the pool.

Expert Tips for Visiting Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe With Kids
- Arrive ready for water. Kids will spot the first attraction before you finish organizing the bag.
- Choose a home base. Lounge chairs make it easier to regroup, reapply sunscreen, and find each other.
- Do sunscreen before the first ride if you can. I tried. The wave pool won. Learn from me.
- Mix thrill rides with calmer attractions. The lazy river and wave pool help balance the big slides.
- Check height and weight rules before promising a ride. This is especially important for high-thrill attractions like Daredevil Drop.
- Take lunch before everyone is starving. Hungry kids and long slide lines are not a magical combination.
- Let each child choose their own brave. One kid’s Daredevil Drop may be another kid’s Twin Twisters, and both count as a great day.
Troubleshooting a Water Park Day
What if my child is scared of Daredevil Drop?
Let them skip it. Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe has plenty of other slides and water areas. A great water park day does not require every child to ride the biggest attraction.
What if the lines are long?
Use long waits as a cue to rotate. Try a calmer area, take a snack or lunch break, reapply sunscreen, or head to the lazy river before coming back later.
What if younger kids cannot ride the big slides?
Plan time in family-friendly areas like Splash Island, Soak Zone, and calmer pools. Older kids can still take turns riding bigger attractions while younger children enjoy areas built for them.
What if everyone gets tired halfway through the day?
That is normal. Water parks wear people out. Build in breaks, drink water, sit in the shade when possible, and do not underestimate the power of a lazy river reset.
Related Posts for Summer Family Fun
Before you head to the water park, plan the rest of your summer day with easy food and family-friendly ideas from Mommy’s Memorandum.
FAQs About Daredevil Drop and Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe
How tall is Daredevil Drop at Emerald Pointe?
Daredevil Drop at Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe is known for its 76-foot drop. It is one of the park’s high-thrill attractions and is best for riders who enjoy steep, fast water slides.
Where is Daredevil Drop located?
Daredevil Drop is located inside Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro, North Carolina. It is part of the park’s collection of thrill rides and water slides.
Is Daredevil Drop at Emerald Pointe scary?
Yes, Daredevil Drop is meant to be scary in a fun, high-thrill way. The steep drop and free-fall feeling make it better for confident riders, teens, and adults who enjoy intense water slides.
What can kids ride instead of Daredevil Drop?
Kids who are not ready for Daredevil Drop can try other attractions such as Twin Twisters, Dragon’s Den, Runaway Raft Ride, Soak Zone, the wave pool, or the lazy river, depending on their height, comfort level, and current park rules.
Is Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe good for families?
Yes. Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe has a mix of thrill rides, wave pool fun, lazy river floating, food options, and kid-friendly play areas, making it a good summer destination for families with different ages and bravery levels.
What should I bring to Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe?
Bring sunscreen, towels, comfortable water shoes or sandals, a change of clothes, a waterproof phone pouch, and any items allowed under the park’s current rules. Check the official park policies before visiting.
Does Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe have food?
Yes, the park has food options available. During our visit, we stopped at the Food Court for burgers, chicken fingers, and a kid-friendly peanut butter and jelly meal.
Final Thoughts on Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe
Our day at Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe was exactly what a summer water park day should be: wet hair, big laughs, brave moments, sunscreen negotiations, and kids who came home with stories.
There were daring rides like Daredevil Drop and The Edge, calmer moments on the lazy river, kid-friendly areas like Splash Island, and enough variety that everyone could find their version of fun.
Me?
I enjoyed watching my children have the kind of summer day that turns into family memory. I kicked my feet up, listened to the music on the loudspeaker, and kept waiting for a flash mob that never came.
The park was clean, the staff we encountered was friendly and alert, and the rides did not have excessively long lines during our visit.
If you are near the Carolinas and looking for a splash-filled summer day, Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe is worth adding to your family fun list. And if someone in your group is brave enough for Daredevil Drop, have the camera ready.


Next Recipe to Try
After a full day of water slides, keep dinner easy and Carolina-inspired with North Carolina Style Pulled Pork. It is the kind of summer meal that tastes right after a day of sunshine, wet towels, and kids who suddenly have very big appetites.
