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Guests are invited to tour the inner workers of one of Discovery Cove’s most important institutions; The Waterworks. The settlement's connection with the water extends far beyond its location; an intricate and elaborate network of machines keeps the water that powers the town flowing. The walkthrough experience allows visitors to explore the Waterworks at their own pace learning more about the history of the town and the technology that keeps it running. Being one of the founding institutions of the settlement means that the building was designed with beautiful architecture fitting of its place at the center of the town.
The journey begins outside of headquarters of the Waterworks; an impressive and grand structure most notable for its massive water powered clock. The area outside of the entrance is a public square surrounded by shops and eateries. Once inside the building we wait to enter the Watervators that will take us down to the equipment rooms below. As we wait we can take in some museum-like exhibits in the hallway informing us on the history of the Waterworks, its founder, and its role in serving the people of Discovery Cove. We enter the Watervators that use a screen illusion to make it appear as though the water level is being lowered to bring us down.
Once we disembark we enter a large room filled with kinetic energy and flowing water. Large tubes, steam, gears all fill the room with noise and motion. In the center of the room is a large shallow pool of water with falls pouring into it from above. We can explore beyond the main room into a series of small corridors and rooms including the engine room, the pump room, and the Waterworks Offices. If we journey a level lower we enter the natural rockwork foundation the Waterworks are built on revealing a series of underground pools and aquifers. Journeying through a series of caverns we find pools, rock formations, and impressive underground waterfalls. Going even further, off the beaten path, we can discover a newer room that seems to house carved artwork from the long lost civilization that was discovered by the town’s residents.
The Waterworks are filled with kinetic energy and moving water and guests can interact with the equipment. Activating fountains, changing flows and directions, activating new machinery will encourage guests of all ages to explore to their heart's content and interact with every element around them. The walkthrough space is meant to sprawl and move vertically throughout the land with the interactive elements within the walkthrough also connecting with water/features in the land further adding to the liveliness of the area. Taking a moment to read the signage in a hallway, reading the papers on a desk, or going deeper into the caverns to find the ruin of the lost civilization rewards those who take their time and take it all in with a plethora of world building information.
Those with keen observation skills may also note the clues found throughout the attraction hinting of a mystery within the Waterworks. It is noted the founder of the institution, William Eric Tephin, vanished mysteriously in the plague in the line for the Watervators. A throwaway line for some but there are clues hidden throughout the facility that can lead guests to secret rooms and passageways to discover what really happened to William. The mystery contains a series of increasingly challenging puzzles and tests that can’t be completed in one visit encouraging guests to visit multiple times.
This walkthrough offers something for everyone; whether you just want to walk among the ornate architecture, you want to get your hands dirty (or in this case wet) with the machinery, or explore the secrets this storied institution has to offer; The Discovery Bay Waterworks is waiting for you…
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