Old Forge’s Enchanted Forest Water Safari sold to Florida company

Innovative Attraction Management of Windermere, Florida, has acquired Water Safari Resort, including Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso’s Cove, Old Forge Camping Resort, and Water’s Edge Inn on March 1. The company said it plans to continue operations and work to enhance the customer experience. (Photo credit: Water Safari Resort)

OLD FORGE, N.Y. — Summertime staple Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge has a new owner. Innovative Attraction Management (IAM), of Windermere, Florida, acquired Water Safari Resort — including Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso’s Cove, Old Forge Camping Resort, and Water’s Edge Inn — in a transaction that closed on March 1, according to […]

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OLD FORGE, N.Y. — Summertime staple Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge has a new owner.

Innovative Attraction Management (IAM), of Windermere, Florida, acquired Water Safari Resort — including Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso’s Cove, Old Forge Camping Resort, and Water’s Edge Inn — in a transaction that closed on March 1, according to a press release from IAM, and previous owners K&K of Old Forge, Inc. and the Noonan family.

“We are thrilled to welcome Water Safari Resort, including Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso’s Cove, Old Forge Camping Resort, and Water’s Edge Inn to the IAM family,” IAM President Mike Friscia said in the release. “This iconic destination in Central New York holds a special place in the hearts of families and adventure-seekers alike.”

IAM CEO Jams Harhi stated the company is “committed to preserving its great legacy developed” by the Noonan family while also enhancing the experience. The release did not expand on what those plans are, nor provide transaction financial details.

IAM said it will honor all previously purchased tickets along with current hotel and campground reservations.

The Florida company’s portfolio of properties includes Cowabunga Bay Water Parkwith locations in Utah and Nevada; Daytona Lagoon Waterpark in Daytona Beach, Florida; Five Islands Water & Amusement Park in Trinidad & Tobago; Island H2O Waterpark in Kissimmee, Florida, Myrtle Waves Water Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and El Dorado Park: The Water Temple in the Dominican Republic.

“We are thrilled to pass the torch on to IAM for the next chapter in Water Safari Resort’s future,” Katie Wojdyla of the Noonan family and K&K said. “Our family is so grateful to have served family fun to guests for the past 46 years. The great team and amazing guests are the backbone of this business, and we look forward to what the future has in store for this iconic resort.”

For more on this story, see the April 1 issue of The Central New York Business Journal.

Traci DeLore