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!

Waldameer's Water Park Expansion Construction Update

Well, it might be cold and snowy in Western Pennsylvania right now, but the folks at Waldameer are thinking ahead to summer. Construction on their massive wave pool and water park expansion is well under way and thanks to a recent post from the park, we've got some pictures of the project so far.

For those that may have missed the announcement last year, the $10 million dollar expansion will include, in addition to the wave pool;  a new food concession building, a new restroom facility (including family restrooms), more ticket booths, new lockers for the water park and even the purchase of 1,000+ lounge chairs for the wave pool and eating areas. That's a lot going on here for the first part of a multi-year expansion they have in the works.

We really enjoyed our quick visit last year to review the park, and get some awesome time on Ravine Flyer II and The Comet as well as their classic dark attractions too. We'll definitely be making another trip back this summer and can't wait to see how the improvements look first hand and for a proper review of things as

Anyway, let's get on with the photos from the latest WaldaBlog post, might not look like much, but it's getting there and I'm sure soon we'll see even more progress. That said, they are doing quite a lot to the area that was once a parking lot.

Wave Pool Progress!

Canada's Wonderland to add Typhoon and Splash Station to Splash Works in 2015

Canada's Wonderland has announced that they will in fact be expanding their water park, Splash Works, in 2015. A new slide, Typhoon, and an interactive and wet children's play area, Splash Station, will join the other attractions in the 20 acre water park.

Typhoon will feature a pair of mini "Tornado funnels" and hairpin turns as riders slide through it's twisted layout. As of this time, not much is known as to what Splash Station will fully include, but I'm going to bet it'll be similar to other structures at Cedar Fair water parks.

So, just where will these new additions be going? Well, it looks likely that both will be located in the former area that held Wipeout, which closed in 2004. It's highly doubtful that either will go in the space that's being vacated with the removal of SkyRider.

Not only would that be outside of the current water park area, and require lots of other things to happen, but the promotional image clearly gives hints as to where Typhoon will be going in. Definitely looks like the right angle to be the old Wipeout location.

Just what will go in the former SkyRider location is a mystery right now, but all signs point a new coaster of some kind of in 2016. We've got some time on that one, so we'll just have to wait and see what hints or clues the park gives us over the next year.

Curious to see what Typhoon will look like? Look no further, here's a promo image from the park!

Expansion Plans Revealed as Waldameer's 2015 Wave Pool Project Gets One Step Closer

In article from GoErie.com, the details behind the anticipated 2015 expansion of Waldameer Water World's water park are finally out there.

We knew that they were working on the wave pool for next year, but now we have the location and other information surrounding this massive project as well!

The $10 million expansion will include a new food concession building, a new restroom facility (including family restrooms), more ticket booths, new lockers for the water park and even the purchase of 1,000+ lounge chairs for the wave pool and eating areas.

So, where's this all going and what else is planned? Well, as you can see by the image on the left, there's quite a bit of change that's coming. For starters, the parking lot will be expanded to include a former cottage area and mobile home park to the Southeast. This is necessary due to the placement of the wave pool, restrooms and new restaurant.

Also pictured where 8 of the 16 new ticket booths will be located. Part of the plan is for a brand new entrance to the park to be constructed as well. The other 8 will go at the West parking lot entrance.

Additionally, further expansion will be made possible by the laying of new water lines and there's the hint a kids play structure in the park's future as well. Interestingly enough, they also announced that the park will be open 7 days a week in 2015, instead of it's current Tuesday-Sunday operation schedule.

So, while construction hasn't started yet, the process is sure to be approved by the Millcreek supervisors as the Millcreek Planning Commission has recommended the approval for the expansion.

"It's the first step in the process of getting approval to begin our water park expansion, so we're very excited," said Steve Gorman, the park's president, referring to the planning commission recommendation. "We're excited and pleased that they agree with our plan," he said.

Here's to hoping that things go smoothly in the next phase for Waldameer and that construction goes off without a hitch as well! We recently visited Waldameer as part of our Pennsylvania Small Parks Tour in July, if you're curious of what we thought, check out our review of the park here!

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

Cedar Point Re-Open after 'Wet' Weekend.

Cedar Point Re-Opens after 'Wet' Weekend.

 It isn't often that I report an amusement park has closed in the middle of the summer season, yet this is exactly what happened to Cedar Point.

 While the park has officially re-opened today (Monday) it was closed over the weekend due to a massive water-main break. However, the blame seems to have been pushed around. Cedar Point hinted that it was the City of Sandusky's fault yet the water-main pipe in question was located under the Cedar Point parking lot. Which is on property owned by Cedar Point.. so wouldn't that be the parks responsibility?  As always, the public will likely only get a small faction of the truth.

 There don't seem to be any answers about the matter of responsibility and ownership but I'd suspect that Cedar Point will likely be spending this coming off-season doing some serious infrastructure upgrades. Generally the rule is when one sections of a  water-main breaks, it's simply a matter of time until more sections begin to fail.  Perhaps other parks will take this sudden weekend closure of Cedar Point to heart and pay attention to their own power/water supplies.

**On the Good Side...**
  Cedar Point is offering a Discount Ticket to make up for the closed weekend issue. Giving you $20 off your ticket until this Sunday and one Free Admission to Soak City until September 1st.
  Just visit- Cedar Point Park Update

Schlitterbahn Fort Lauderdale- One Step Closer!

Schlitterbahn Fort Lauderdale Moves One Step Closer!

  Good news today for waterpark fans, it seems Schlitterbahn's newest water park which is slated for Fort Lauderdale, Florida is one step closer to being a reality.

 While a tentative opening date of 2017, Schlitterbahn has finally received the approval to rent the land which is owned by the FAA. With an agreement for nearly $810,00 per year, the park is getting ready to move forward with their plans for the space. Opening construction is set to cost around $50 million and will begin with the waterpark portion of the companies plans for the space along with the partial demolition of the old Fort Lauderdale Stadium, some of which will be used by the park.

 The city and park have until July 15h to sign the agreement with the FAA. After that, Schlitterbahn will need to put together all their financing and plans per the terms of the lease. Once these items are complete, they believe it will take around two years to complete the project.

 Information from- Sun Sentinal

Schlitterbahn Kansas City- Verruckt Dlayed

Verruckt Delayed?

 Schlitterbahn Kansas City has announced that their newest and craziest water slide, Verruckt has been delayed.

 The park had hoped to open the new and mental attraction around Memorial Day Weekend. The park hasn't stated the nature of the delay but many seem to agree it's possible the ride just isn't complete ready yet. The opening has been pushed back to June 5th.. but keep in mind this isn't a solid date either.

 More updates when we find out!

Action Park Lives Again..

 Yes Folks,
I'm not kidding when I say that "Action Park" is returning for 2014.

 Often called "Traction Park" or "Fracture Park" by any who spent time at the long gone water park will tell you, it earned it's name a few dozen times over again each season.

 Currently owned by Mountain Creek Resort, who've been operating parts of the park quietly for years has decided to go back to the original name and re-open with a dose on insanity that makes even me cringe slightly.  The famous slide, seen above, which won "Class-Action Park" high internet fame is being brought back from the dead with a modern re-creation.

Image from WhiteWater

 As if having the name "Action Park" revived wasn't enough an omen, They've also decided to put in an 'Aqua Looper' style slide for 2014.

 Details are currently unknown but the president of Mountain Creek has bragged that the "Zero-G" slide will be the worlds only one. Making us believe this could be a fully vertical loop in a waterslide.  He's also stated that they have "kept the thrills but lost the spills" in regards to the parks deadly history.

 They also state that many original attractions will return to the park but don't name them. June 14th will be the opening day when answers will be revealed.

Schlitterbahn- Virtual Ride on Vurruckt

Virtual Ride on Schlitterbahn's "Vurruckt" is CRAZY 


     

 Schlitterbahn Kansas City recently released this crazy 'virtual ride' on their monster new slide, Vurruckt. Frankly, I think they've lost their minds with this creation but at the same time I'm sure plenty of thrill seekers will line up to jump on this new water ride! 

Grand Texas Theme Park- Opening Date Announced

Image from GrandTX.com

 Grand Texas Theme Park has an Opening Date!


 It's Official, the Grand Texas Theme Park which has been dubbed by some as "The New Astroworld" will beginning opening in Summer of 2015.

 The Theme Park is set to open first but no announcements have been made yet as to which parts of the park will be open or if it will be opened in phases. However, an interesting rumor from another blog, The Montgomery County Police Reporter, has posted that the park plans to have one of the "Top 10 largest Wooden Roller Coasters in the Nation". As of this moment I can't find any details of the ride nor who may be building this mystery coaster.

 The same blog has posted that soil tests are fully underway right now and the heavy equipment will begin to arrive in January of 2014, giving the park a very short timeline to work with- only a year and a half.  They also have a timeline of projected opening dates for the many projects which will be engulfed by the 630 acre site.

Big River Water Park- April 2015
Hospitality Village- April 2015
Destination Fields- May 2015
Theme Park- Summer 2015
Event Center- October 2015
Baseball Stadium- 2016 Season

 We have contacted Grand Texas Theme Park to inquire about their media and news releases, more information as we have it!

Schlitterbahn Pondering a New Park.. In Fort Lauderdale, Florida!

Concept Art from Screamscape

 Well, it appears some BIG NEWS has surfaced today regarding Schlitterbahn and even more interestingly- Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

 Schlitterbahn is attempting to strike a deal with the City of Fort Lauderdale in order to place a water park on 64 acres of land. The land, owned by the FAA, was intended for aviation use as it's located next to the executive airport but the city appears able to rent this land for a fair market value.  A deal that has been three years in the making is now expected to get a green light very soon- provided the FAA agrees to the land use deal. The Sun-Sentinel reports this could be approved as early as some point in December and then the local approval process has to begin. So this could be a possible nice future project to bring people back to the Fort Lauderdale area. 

Concept Art from Screamscape

The location would be on the land currently used by the Fort Launderdale Baseball Stadium and right beside the Lockhart Stadium. Concept art shows that that Lockhart Stadium would remain and likely be enhanced with the possible new Schlitterbahn park sitting directly next door.

 From the concept art (which was located at Screamscape), the park may well include the stadium into it's plans. Which slides and attractions running beside it as well as under and even possibly through it!  Construction is proposed to be around $110 million and includes not only the park and it's attractions but also a 'tree-house' themed hotel which would line the other side of the resort, opposite the stadium.

 This area hasn't seen a proper water park since Six Flags Atlantis, which was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Resulting damage plus property value of the land prove the park to never re-open after.  Schlitterbahn has plans for the storms which occasionally target the state of Florida, planning all structures to be proof against the required 155 MPH wind forces (the same most buildings are built to withstand).

We'll be watching this proposed now project closely. For now, we'll wait and see if the FAA approves land use. More details coming when possible!

Schlitterbahn Kansas City HAS Gone Insane!

Verrückt - KC 2014 from Schlitterbahn Waterparks on Vimeo    

 It's Offical- Schlitterbahn in Kansas City has completely gone off the deep end of the wave pool. 

 

 This new teaser video for Verruckt  (meaning 'Insane' in German) will be the worlds Tallest, Fastest and Steepest Water Slide. Towering a massive 17 stories above the ground,  Verruckt will be a four person in-line raft ride that will be a claimed 10% taller then the current record holding slide- Kilimanjaro in Brazil. 

 Along with the lunatics, they've built their new slide to have an extra dose of crazy- a give story tall 'bunny hill' will be included in the ride.  All designed by Jeff Henry, the crazy person who gave us the up-hill water coaster and the inland surfacing attraction. 

 When the park opens an official 'measuring' event will take place in Spring 2014 to get the slides finished dimensions. Until then, Schlitterbahn seems to be keeping this one pretty quiet!

My Opinion? Allow me to quote the internet-

Aquatica's New Slide- Ihu's Breakaway Falls

 After weeks of teasing the public, Aquatica has finally released more information on the their water slide- Ihu's Breakaway Falls.

 From previous teasers and leaked plans, we knew this new attraction to be 105 feet tall but that was all they gave us for over a month. Finally we've got some more details on exactly what kind of attraction we're looking at.

 A Drop Slide. These are famous for loading you into a small compartment and randomly dropping you into a steep, plunging speed slide. Ihu's Breakaway Falls is going to be the tallest in Orlando as well as the only multi-drop slide in the area. From the promo-teasers the park has released, it appears to have a total of 3 platforms. At this time it's unknown if that's 3 slide per platform or if it's three total slides.

 This slide is named after the parks colorful gecko mascot, who searched for thrills, hills and chills inside the water park.

 No formal opening date has been announced aside from "Coming in 2014".  This will be the parks first new addition since 2010 when they added in 'Omaka Rocka'.

Water Country USA- 2014 Project Revealed

 Well the 2014 project for Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Virginia has been reviled, finally.

 A massive new waterslide will grace the park for next season. The well leaked plans for the ProSlide have been going around the internet for a few weeks now, as always the awesome folks at BGW Fans are on the ball again!  A more devoted bunch of theme park stalkers than myself (shocking, I know), these people always hit the money.

  The ride will have the clover shaped tubes and will feature two major elements- The "wave" and The "funnel" with an over ride length of 552 feet and said to give you a 'weightless experience'.

The park states the following about the ride:
True to its name, this mega-slide promises to deliver an action-packed adventure.  Thanks to a unique combination of high-adrenaline elements, there’s nothing like Colossal Curl in North America. The ride starts with a funnel feature, which will swish and swirl guests before whisking them through the ride’s enclosed colorful tubes on their way to a wave element that hurtles them high above the park.

Canada's Wonderland- New Waterslide Arrives?

Image from the great people of CWMania

 Today over on CWMania I spotted this. Now, it's not hard to deduct that this is.. A Waterslide!

 The interesting part of this is- Canada's Wonderland wasn't slated for a new waterslide this year. Not a peep about even improving their Splash Works water park. When someone reported spotting these, it caught my interest!

 So I went digging to find out what this was all about. Also by browsing around on CWMania (seriously, those folks know!) and discovered many people believe this is the 'Slide that Never Opened' at the failed Soak City in Ontario, Canada. Another rumor I've heard for a few months now says that Splash Works may be in for a 2015 overhaul and this used slide could be part of that.

Image from CWMania

 It's really rather a smart idea on the part of Canada's Wonderland. These things cost upwards of $100,000 each to build. With many Water Parks disappearing and other just removing slides they can't either maintain or want removed for something new- this is a great way to add to you park without busting your budget.  Remember- Something.. Anything new will get people through the door!

Image from RadarContact on Flickr

 This is an image of what may suspect this mystery slide might be. The 'Built but Never Opened' also called 'Tospy Turvy'.  The downside is no one can seem to 'find' the red, orange and yellow sections of the slide. Perhaps they are being stored inside or elsewhere.

 Frankly, I can't tell you. Either way, it still appears the Canada's Wonderland will receive from for of new waterslide in the near future!

Universal Orlando is just Speeding Up and Building a Waterpark?

 Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed that they have no intention of slowing down their building spree at their Orlando and Hollywood properties. The Orlando resort has every intention of making their parks and resorts direct competition to Disney World, who is just down the highway. With opening the Wizarding World of Harry Potter they've proven they can be a full destination resort, not simply an add on to the family vacation.


 Today the Orlando Sentinel published an article stating that the Universal Studios Brand will be spending $500 million a year on their theme parks and that this will be a baseline amount. Already this year they've opened Despicable Me the Ride, The Character Parade, A new laser light nighttime show, The Simpsons retail-theme area and Transformers for the 2013 season. We already know that the newest expansion of Wizarding World themed after Diagon Alley will open in 2014, this makes me wonder what other projects will be coming to the parks next year and in the coming years?


That $500 million baseline? That means it can possibly go up with the need to spend more! The same piece has stated that Universal Orlando could have as many as ten thousand hotel rooms, fill them and keep them profitable. This comes on the heels of the resort nearly doubling their hotel rooms in 2014 with the opening of the Cabana Bay Hotel.


 Needless to say Universal Studios Orlando had many problems when they opened in June of 1990. Remember that old joke "Nothing worked"? Well for Universal Orlando it was true, I was there myself as a kid and remember 5 hour lines for one attraction because 3 others simply didn't work right those first years of operation.  Back in those days many suspected that Universal Studios Orlando may close down due to the problems or at the least they could never pose a threat to Walt Disney World. All that began to change with the addition of Islands of Adventure in 1999.

 We haven't seen anything yet and Universal has just confirmed it for us. More is coming and they have no intention of slowing down, they're just now getting to cruising speed.