Universal Orlando Announces New Water Park, Volcano Bay Opening in 2017!

Tons of news out of Central Florida this week and Universal isn't going to sit back and let everyone else have all the fun. It's been rumored and speculated for a very long time, and finally, Universal Orlando Resort has officially revealed the plans for their first ever water park, Volcano Bay!

This new addition will be located just south of Cabana Bay, and while we're a little light on details, the folks at Universal are promising to redefine the water experience for their guests.

No clue what that means, but the concept art definitely makes a statement, no way around that one! From the looks of it, we have a high speed slide that comes out from somewhere inside the central volcano, a wave pool, a kids area, a few tube slides around the backside of the volcano itself and, if you look closely enough, there's another side inside volcano as well!

According to the announcement, Volcano Bay will feature a little something for everyone throughout it's sprawling tropical theme.

The park will feel as if it is set in picture-perfect tropical islands, formed by a massive volcano – and it will have something for every member of the family. It will feature radically-innovative attractions, peaceful moments of relaxation and an experience that we hope will change the way guests think about water theme parks.

I'm sure that more details will emerge as they've already broken ground on the park and we've got a long way to go until that 2017 opening date.

So, stay tuned right here for more info out of Universal Orlando and their newest addition, Volcano Bay. Also, don't forget to follow along with us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook for all the latest as well!

Kings Dominion to Change Water Works Name in 2015?

Well, it looks like one very keen eyed person has caught wind of a change coming to the Water Works waterpark at Kings Dominion in 2014. Seriously, as Screamscape said on Twitter, once you see this, you can't unsee it!

The change that's coming though isn't a new ride or anything like that, but merely a name change from what can been seen.

Just what are we on about? It appears that Water Works will be changing names to Soak City and there's really no two ways about it once you see it. So, here's a look at the original logo as compared to the one that's currently on one of the main splash images of the Kings Dominion website:

It's fairly clear that the "SO" of Soak City is peaking out from the corner of the logo that's currently on display. Additionally, the breaking wave that is part of the Soak City logo at other Cedar Fair parks is also visible rising above the current Water Works one too.

If you need further convincing, here's a look at what the Kings Island Soak City logo looks like and you can get an idea of what exactly is going on here. Definitely a subtle, yet not very much so hint.

It's pretty obvious that a name change is coming. Whether or not this coincides with anything new for the water park is currently unknown. It would be a nice touch rather than just a straight out renaming, but I'm not holding my breath on that one.

Schlitterbahn Announces Opening Date for Verrückt!

The wait for the world's tallest water slide is finally coming to an end. Schlitterbahn announced just a few minutes ago that Verrückt will be opening this week. How soon? Well, how's Thursday strike ya?!

Yeah, that's only two days from now and in less than 48 hours visitors to Schlitterbahn Kansas City will have the chance to brave the insanity first hand. Really didn't see this one coming, but recent human tests have gone well enough that they can open.

Here's the word from the official Schlitterbahn Twitter account:

On our way to Kansas because..... VERRUCKT IS OPENING THIS THURSDAY! SURPRISE! 🙌🎉🎈
— Schlitterbahn (@Schlitterbahn) July 8, 2014

Let's hope that nothing happens to delay things yet another time (fingers crossed), and that the opening goes off with out a hitch. Can't make it for the opening? Here's a little POV of what the 168'7" beast is like to ride!


For more info about Schlitterbahn Kansas City, head over to their official website for tickets, directions, hours and more!

Schlitterbahn Kansas City Confirms Verrückt Opening Delayed Until Further Notice

Schlitterbahn Kansas City has confirmed that Verrückt will not be opening today as planned. The record breaking water slide has run into complications over the past few days just isn't ready yet. This now marks the 3rd delay for it's opening.

This latest malfunction caused the water park to cancel the media days that had been originally planned for Thursday and Friday. The cited reason, a malfunction with the conveyer system that brings rafts back to the top of the tower.

Whether or not the repair has run into more snags, or an entirely new issue has arisen is unknown at this time. Since the park is, smartly, remaining quiet on when they expect to have Verrückt open to the public, we'll have to wait and see just what the issue was.

One of a kind rides, like Schlitterbahn is known for in all of their parks, always have issues and Verrückt is certainly no exception to this rule. Hopefully they can get things sorted out before too long and guests will be able to take the insane 168'7" plunge first hand.

Until then? This recent POV and the special episode of Extreme Waterparks, airing on The Travel Channel tonight at 8pm EST, will have to suffice, enjoy!

Shlitterbahn's Verrückt Opening to be Delayed Again?

Wanting to ride the world's tallest water slide? Well, it appears that could be on hold for a little bit longer. The folks at Schlitterbahn in Kansas City announced yesterday that they had to cancel the media preview days that were scheduled for today and tomorrow due to a malfunction.

This current delay has to do with an issue regarding the conveyer that brings rafts back to the top of the ride. Nothing safety related, just a breakdown and while it sucks, they do happen.

Originally Verrückt was to be open with the park on May 23rd, but further testing was necessary pushing it back to June 29th. Now, with the recent development even that date may be in jeopardy and is dependent on how fast it can be repaired and tested fully. However, the park's spokeswoman, Winter Prosapio, has stated that “This has put us behind, and we will not skip a single step to make sure this puppy is ready,” she said. “So watch for more information.”

And as of right now, that's all we can do. According to the park, we should have word at some point this afteroon/evening on the status of things. Here's to hoping they can pull it together and get this one open on time! 

h/t to ThrillGeek for uncovering this one via the Kansas City Star