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WATER PARKS
Alottawata Water Park (Ottawa area, Canada)
2010 - New Park - (1/20/09) First Calypso has pushed back their opening and now AlottaWata has also pushed back their grand opening until June 2010 as well. This has been confirmed by the AlottaWata website as well.
(3/24/09) According to this news article, the new Alottawata Water Park project is on track for a June 2009 grand opening. Currently workers have already cleared most of the park’s site as Proslide prepares to build “one of the most unique water parks in the world”.
The Beach (Cincinnati, OH)
2009 - Nothing New is planned for this year.
2010 - New Slide or Mini Golf - Rumor - (5/16/09) Looks like The Beach decided to building nothing for the 2009 season, so these projects could come up again for 2010.
(1/19/09) While The Beach may have purchased the old Jet Stream waterslide from Wyandot Lake some time ago, it seems the waterpark has just not been ready to put it up yet. According to our source the park is looking at two options this season as they try to second-guess what the economy will do, and will either build a new mini golf course for the 2009 season, or put up the money to finally install the Jet Stream. They’ll have to choose soon though, since there isn’t much time left.
Calypso Park (Ottawa, Canada)
2010 - New Park - (1/9/09) According to this article (in French) and the rough translation, the planned June 2009 opening of Calypso Park will be delayed until 2010. The surprise is that they are not delaying it due to the economy, since the park is already well over half built at this point, but instead due to the horrible weather conditions the construction crews have had to deal with. The delays have currently pushed any hope of opening the park back to August 2009 which just kind of makes it pointless to staff and open the park for about a month, so they’re going to wait.
(3/11/08) Due to some strange concern about the bilingual nature of the original park name, the Sunnyland name has been dropped in favor of Calypso Park. According to this article there were complaints “about the bilingualism”of the original name… but I’m confused. Is Sunnyland considered to be a bilingual name or not bilingual enough? It sounds like the next Super Mario game to me… a silly name that should work great for a waterpark concept in any language. Meanwhile I’m not sure how Calypso Park is any more of a English / French bilingual choice with a name that evokes a Caribbean flair to it but has Greek origins.
Now how about that Super Mario Sunnyland? It would work great as a Mario themed waterpark though, wouldn’t it? What with all those weird pipes sticking out of the ground they’re always jumping into. Hmmm… someone get Nintendo on the phone.
(1/9/08) Village Vacances Valcartier announced plans yesterday to build the Sunnyland Amusement Resort near Ottawa. The new “water amusement park” should open in June 2009 on a 460 acre site and at a cost of $50 million.
Camelbeach Waterpark (Tannersville, PA)
2009 - Nothing is known at this time.
2010 - (2/21/08) From what we’ve been told this resort wont open until 2010.
(2/20/08) There is also a minor mention on the ski resort side of the website for a Camelback Mountain Resort project on the way that will have an indoor waterpark as well.
CoCo Key Waterpark Resorts (Several Locations)
News - (12/23/08) A new video showing off the opening weekend of the CoCo Key Water Resort in Fitchburg, MA has been posted to YouTube and embedded below.
(11/17/08) The new CoCo Key Waterpark Resort under construction in West Fitchburg hopes to open the waterpark by this December along with a hotel renovation to follow starting in May to turn it into a Courtyard Marriot.
(11/6/08) One of our readers went to see the new CoCo Key Water Resort that just opened in Kansas City. Unlike many other waterpark resorts, the CoCo Key does sell a limited number of “day passes” to the waterpark for $20, depending on the occupancy levels at the attached Sheraton Hotel. The park wasn’t crowded at all, had a friendly staff and they report that the two inner tube slides (Pelican Plunge and Barracuda Blast) were quite good. The Shark Slam bodyslide however was described as being “painful” as they could feel every joint on the slide scrap on your back on the way down. We were also sent a nice collection of photos showing off the new waterpark, so enjoy!
(4/16/08) I don’t thing I’ve mentioned too much about it before, but there is a new small chain of indoor waterpark resorts that has been slowly opening up called CoCo Key Water Resorts. While I can’t say this for certain, it seems most (if not all) of them are pre-existing hotels that have been converted into waterpark resorts. The first four location to open were in: Chicago, Boston, Columbus, and Rockford (IL) in 2006-2007. In the last six months they have opened two new locations in Cincinnati and Omaha and a new Kansas City location is set to open this Spring. Two more locations are set to open by the end of 2008 however in Mount Laurel (NJ) and Waterbury (CT).
Cowabunga Bay (Salt Lake City, Utah)
 2009 - New Park - (6/19/09) A brief report and a bunch of photos from the opening of this new compact waterpark experience have been posted to the Cowabunga Bay Construction Blog.
(6/11/09) The all new Cowabunga Bay is all set to open tomorrow. Anyone going and want to send in pictures?
(4/21/09) A new Cowabunga Bay construction update can be seen here. This thing is growing like a week, it wont be long before it’s complete.
(4/13/09) A construction tour report and photos of the new Cowabunga Bay had been posted to the Cowabunga Bay Construction Blog.
(4/8/09) I’ve got a few new construction pictures of the new Cowabunga Bay project under construction in Utah right
now. Enjoy!
(3/15/09) A new set of construction pictures for Cowabunga Bay from late last month have been posted to the Cowabunga Bay Construction Blog. The slide pieces are being put together to form tubes, themed props are having the finishing touches put on and the foundation for the large pump house has been poured.
(2/17/09) I’ve been sent a few new pictures showing off all the new slide parts and pieces put together to build Cowabunga Bay.
(1/13/09) According to the local news the first Cowabunga Bay Water Park will be going into Draper at 12047 S. Factory Outlet Drive. Apparently there is a nearby FEC (Boondocks Family Fun Center) to the site who has already apparently got an Attorney on the case trying to cause the project grief with some disabled parking stall ruling. Can’t we all just get along?
(12/3/08) The new Cowabunga Bay Neighborhood Waterpark opening in Salt Lake City in Summer 2009 is an experiment of a new compact waterpark design concept. The brainchild of the Huish brothers who founded the many Huish Family Fun Centers that used to dot the western states (and have now become Boomers) the idea was to take a waterpark experience and compact it down into a small 2-acre site. Moving away from the all day concept, they expect the average guest to stay about three hours and will pay only $10-15 for the experience, which will feature the world’s largest interactive water fortress, designed by Whitewater West. This monster will stand 70 feet tall, have all the usual water play elements, two giant water buckets and nine water slides. The park will also feature a lazy river, kiddie pool, an activity pool and cabanas rental service when it opens, along with room to expand and add even more slides to the existing mammoth play structure. I’m sure this is only the first time we’ll be hearing from Cowabunga Bay.
Enchanted Forest / Water Safari (New York)
2009 - Silverback - Rumor - (1/29/09) The park’s official website now confirms that The Curse of Silverback (Proslide CannonBowl) will open for the 2009 season, along with a small batch of construction pictures.
(7/21/08) A park guest tell us that a sign has been placed in the Water Safari / Enchanted Forest waterpark showing off a Proslide CannonBowl attraction and the caption “Silverback 2009”.
Frogland USA (Rayne, LA)
2010/2011 - New Park - (1/29/09) In early December the people behind the proposed Frogland USA project confirmed that they had hoped to finalize all of their financing needs for the project during the first quarter of 2009.
(5/8/08) The local news has posted an update on the Frogland project, which has yet to break ground.
(11/13/07) A new waterpark called Frogland USA is set to be built in Rayne, LA. You can read more here.
Geauga Lake’s Wildwater Kingdom (Aurora, OH)
Park News - (9/2/08) Many have wondered just what Cedar Fair may have planned for Geauga Lake’s Wildwater Kingdom now that Geauga Lake is no more. As crazy as it sounds, Cedar Fair does not seem interested in spending any money to expand the waterpark and may have nothing at all planned for the 2009 season. After being built in 2005 and having a few extra things added in 2006, Cedar Fair has been content to let the waterpark stay the course for the past two seasons and may do so again in 2009. This long period of inactivity has led many to draw similar conclusions about the possible fate of the waterpark, since Cedar Fair pretty much did the same thing after buying Geauga Lake itself from Six Flags in 2004. The only money really spent at that time was to transform the former SeaWorld side into Wildwater Kingdom while ignoring the ride’s side of the park, and even the budgets have been cut so that the park has never really become the large scale major waterpark that was talked about. The list of attractions in the park is quite small, with most of the slides being the type that could be easily transported to another park if necessary.
Some believe that Cedar Fair’s intention from the start was to eventually close down Geauga Lake and remove it as competition from Cedar Point, but we’ll never know this for sure. The question remains however… just what does Cedar Fair have planned for Wildwater Kingdom? If the profits are slow, will they close it as well in the next couple of years, or perhaps sell it to another waterpark operator? Right now all anyone can do is watch and wait.
2009 - No New Attractions - (3/12/09) According to the e-mail newsletter from the park the park wont be adding any new attractions this season. Instead they are going to add “Waterfront Plaza” a waterfront patio area with lounge chairs, tables and shade to relax in. They’re also adding a new private rentable Island Oasis Party Cabana area.
???? - Possible Expansion - Rumor - (9/10/08) Today we were sent word and proof that the old Ski Stadium is in the process of being demolished. Once again we were also told that a Mini-Golf course is expected to be installed in the general area where the old 4D Theater used to be. Our sources also tell us that the current Boarders retail store will be transformed into a Subway location by next season. As for the Ski Stadium... the early word is still claiming some kind of multi-lane racer slide may be on the way.
(9/4/08) After just reporting that there may be no plans at all to expand Wildwater Kingdom, another reader claims that work to demolish the old Ski Stadium could begin in the next couple of weeks. If true, this area may be used to actually add something new next season. Unfortunately it seems that the plans for the addition were not solid and it could range from a new Racer slide down to something as off-topic as a Mini-Golf Course. Ummm… Mini-Golf? Are they trying to turn the waterpark into an FEC for year-round use? Maybe they are still planning on selling it.
Glacier Lake Resort / Aquazonia (New York)
Late 2008 - New Indoor Waterpark Resort - Confirmed - (10/11/06) A new indoor waterpark resort is on the way to New York and scheduled to open in Fall 2008 in the Farmington, Ontario County area near the Finger Lakes. You can read more about the resort at Glacier Lake Resort and waterpark information at Aquazonia.
Grand Isle Indoor Water Park Resort (Maryland)
2009 - New Indoor Waterpark Resort - Confirmed - (1/19/07) About.com tells us about a new $200 million indoor waterpark resort on the way to Maryland that will feature a 100,000 square-foot waterpark, a Boomerang halfpipe slide and an uphill water coaster.
 Great Wolf Lodge (Charlotte, NC area)
2009 - Now Open - (5/11/09) I’ve added a new official Screamscape video showing off the newest Great Wolf Lodge resort for your enjoyment. Special thanks to the Great Wolf Lodge for inviting us to come in and experience their incredible new resort.
(5/5/09) After stopping in to stay at the brand new Great Wolf Lodge – Concord just last week, I’ve posted a huge review and over 40 pictures taken inside and outside of the new waterpark resort. Check it out here!
(4/17/09) According to this article, the early business at the new Great Wolf Lodge in Concord (outside Charlotte, NC) has been great, with the resort selling out completely over the holiday weekend.
(3/9/09) From what I’ve read the grand opening of the newest Great Wolf Lodge is set for April 10th. They are already promoting Grand Opening specials, with rates as low as $179 a night (which includes waterpark access for your entire stay) from April 19 through June 19th.
Great Wolf Lodge (Foxwoods Resort Casino, CT)
???? - In Development - (9/21/07) Great Wolf Lodge has entered into a partnership with the huge Foxwoods Resort Casino (Connecticut) to build a new indoor waterpark resort near the Foxwoods site. According to the article, it will be built off the reservation where the casino is, in one of the three neighboring towns: Ledyard, Preston or North Stonington.
Great Wolf Lodge (Lake Lanier, GA near outside Atlanta)
2010 - In Development - (12/18/07) According to the local news, the US Army Corps of Engineers have given their approval to build a proposed Great Wolf Lodge resort and indoor waterpark on Lake Lanier in Cumming, GA. Company officials have said to be in talks with the city for over 18 months about building a 600 room resort. The formal announcement could happen as early as January and construction starting as early as Summer 2008.
Kalahari Resort (Fredericksburg, VA)
December 2010 - New Resort - In Development - (12/22/08) The new Kalahari Resort planned for Fredericksburg, VA is now listed on the official website as opening in December 2010.
(1/7/08) According to Kalahari, the new Fredericksburg resort will be very different from their previous two resorts. For starters they believe the that the Virginia location will need a significantly larger outdoor waterpark section and are planning a 170,000 square-foot outdoor area compared to the 77,000 square-foot outdoor section at the Sandusky resort.
(11/19/07) Looks like the rumors were right on the money and Kalahari did announce plans to build a $200 million indoor waterpark resort in Fredericksburg, VA. They hope to open the new attraction at the Celebrate Virginia site by December 2009. It will have a 10 story hotel tower, convention center, indoor and outdoor waterpark attractions, a spa and draw an estimated 1 million visitors a year.
Kalahari Resort (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
December 2008 - Indoor Theme Park at the Kalahari - (12/22/08) The Kalahari Resort has opened their new 110,000 square-foot indoor amusement park expansion this month, adding a six-story ferris wheel, a multi-level go-kart track, a carousel, laser tag, ropes course, 24 lane bowling alley, new arcade games, an 18-hole mini golf course, climbing walls and much more.
(7/2/08) Kalahari is adding a new 120,000 square-foot expansion area to the resort that will include a 24 lane bowling alley, zip lines, an 18 hole mini-golf course, bars, laser tag, a carosel and much more. This new area will be called Killimanjaro at Kalahari and will apparently connect the resort to the nearby Damons and Cinema when it opens by the end of the year.
Magic Waters Waterpark (near Rockford, IL)
2009 - Typhoon Terror and other Improvements - (1/16/09) A local reader went by Magic Waters the other day and reports that the new Typhoon Terror slide appears to be nearly fully install, with the crews working on the platform and queue areas mostly.
(12/8/08) Screamscape sources tell us that Magic Waters has decided to use the Typhoon Terror name for the new waterslide and is finalizing this right now before they make the announcement.
(12/1/08) A reader went by Magic Waters the other day and noticed that the new slide pieces have arrived on site for the new “Tornado Alley” slide which has also been confirmed on the park’s website. They claim the final name has not been selected, so we’ll have to wait a bit more to see if the Typhoon Terror name sticks or not. Vertical construction has also begun on site next to the Abyss slides.
(11/12/08) Magic Waters is said to be adding a few new features for next season. In addition to a “state of the art Bathhouse” and a new Cabana area, the park will also add Typhoon Terror, a new Proslide Tornado Alley or Tantrum slide.
(6/26/08) Magic Waters is rumored to be adding a Proslide Tantrum waterslide for the 2009 season, which is essentially a couple of small Tornado funnel slides linked together by an enclosed tube slide. If the rumored location is correct, look for this to appear near the current Abyss slides. The park is also rumored to be looking at a variety of other improvements such as new Cabanas as well as adding a second bathroom / changing room facility.
Mountain Creek Waterpark (NJ)
 2009 - Alpine Pipeline - Confirmed - (12/23/08) I’ve received a scan of what looks like a teaser postcard that confirms the new Alpine Pipeline slide coming to Mountain Creek in 2009.
(12/19/08) According to this posting Mountain Creek will add a new waterslide called Alpine Pipeline this season.
Noah’s Ark (Wisconson Dells)
2009 - Curse of the Crypt - Confirmed - (2/25/09) A news article about the various waterpark sites in the Dells confirms that Curse of the Crypt will be a haunted house makeover to the old Noah’s Incredible Adventure attraction.
(11/27/08) According to the latest rumors the new Curse of the Crypt attraction will replace Noah’s Incredible Adventure. The name of the new attraction has also been confirmed by the park’s website where they describe it as a “haunting new adventure”. More than likely this will be a retheme and refurbishment of the old attraction (A Madhouse ride) instead of a brand new project.
(11/11/08) While I don’t know any details, Screamscape has been informed that Noah’s Ark will be adding something called Curse of the Crypt next season. Anyone know more?
Raging Waters Sacramento (Formerly: Six Flags WaterWorld)
2009 - Nothing to report at this time.
Raging Waters San Dimas (San Dimas, CA)
2009 - Nothing to report at this time.
Raging Waters San Jose (San Jose, CA)
2009 - Nothing to report at this time.
Sahara Sam’s Oasis West Berlin, NJ
2009 - New Indoor Waterpark - (4/14/08) According to this update posted to the forums at GadvUpdates, it looks like the old Sahara Sam’s Oasis indoor waterpark project in New Jersey has solved whatever problems it had before and has finally started construction once again, promising an Early 2009 opening date. The official website has also posted new pictures from the “Ground Breaking Party” held earlier this month.
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels,Texas
Park News - (6/7/09) NewsPlusNotes has posted a three part story covering their visit to the mother of all waterparks, the original Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, Texas. You should also check out the official SchlitterBlog to see new pictures of the new Congo slide.
(5/5/09) Schlitterbahn has posted a new video on their blog showing off some of the animatronic creatures you’ll encounter on your trip through the Congo. Another piece of good news on the blog… they are hard at work making Dragon’s Revenge even “worse” by adding a brand spanking new scene and special effect to the ride that should be finished in time for memorial day weekend.
(2/27/09) Time to check in at the SchlitterBlog again as you can find some new construction pictures for the new mystery attraction, as well as an audio clip to listen to with music created for the new attraction. They’ve also posted a few pictures showing off the soon to reopen Galveston Island park.
(2/20/09) Schlitterbahn has launched their very own Blog this week called the SchlitterBlog of course, where they are also teasing everyone about what new may be coming to the park in 2009.
(12/23/08) Theme Park Review has posted some great pictures from Schlitterbahn’s first ever Christmas event. The park really went all out and froze some of the waterslides to become ice tube slides and added great Christmas lighting to many others to really make the park look wonderful.
(10/17/08) Schlitterbahn has posted a preview of their new Schlitterbahn
Hill Country Christmas event on YouTube. Enjoy the video embedded below.
2009 - Congo River Expedition - (4/1/09) If you didn’t see the promo site yet, the new Congo River Expedition ride is like a lazy river experience taken to the max. You’ll ride though themed areas, past animatronic animals, special effects and more, before you end with a 20 foot plunge finale, dropping you into an indoor dark Diamond Mine on the verge of collapsing. I’ve embedded the trailer for it below.
(3/31/09) The big announcement for the Congo River Expedition is coming tonight, at the midnight hour (in Texas) at this link.
(3/13/09) Schlitterbahn has sent a couple of new images our way showing off some of theming for the Congo River Expedition.
(3/4/09) Schlitterbahn has announced the name of their new attraction this season, Congo River Expedition. You can see the teaser announcement video at the Schlitterblog, though they don’t give away any details about the ride itself yet.
(2/25/09) I think the next hint about what’s coming to Schlitterbahn has been added to the SchlitterBlog under the report called “A Storm in Coming” where they show off a video of lighting effects synced up to a “storm” soundtrack. They claim that this will be just one of many effects built for the “most elaborate attraction in our company’s 30-year history.” They also say that the “storm” will be a major part of the storyline for the new attraction. A little further down they also mention working with the same music company that made the soundtrack for last year’s Dragon’s Revenge on the new soundtrack for this year’s attraction.
(2/19/09) Screamscape has been sent a new teaser graphic from Schlitterbahn promoting the 2009 season. Last year they did something similar as the clues eventually uncovered the new Dragon’s Revenge ride… so perh aps this is a clue as to the theme of this year’s addition.
(1/6/09) A local source tells me that a large structure looks like it is being put together at the old “NBGS back lot” that is said to resemble the waterslide tower purchased from Geauga Lake over the summer. While it’s possible that this could be for a new 2009 Schlitterbahn attraction, it also seems possible that the slide could be in rehab before being sent off to one of the other Schlitterbahn parks as well. Anyone know more?
2009/2010 - Transportainment Link - Rumor - (3/31/08) We’ve heard a rumor claiming that a future project for Schlitterbahn may be to connect the Surfenburg and Blasterhoff sections together with a new “transportainment” river system.
Schlitterbahn Vacation Village Kansas City
2009 - New Park - Under Construction - (6/7/09) New construction pictures from Schlitterbahn Vacation Village have been posted to the SchlitterBlog this week.
(5/29/09) Some great new construction pictures from the new park can be found at Coaster Community this week. As you can see, the park’s slides are going up very quickly.
(5/15/09) A new construction report from the Schlitterbahn Vacation Village project can be seen at CoasterCommunity.
(4/22/09) With the park still opening to open it’s first phase in June, some who have seen the site are still scratching their heads at just how they are going to pull that feat off. The local news takes a look at the park and talks a bit about the park’s future and target opening date.
(4/18/09) Check out this look at the new Schlitterbahn Vacation Village from a new construction tour.
(3/11/09) Schlitterbahn Vacation Village has finally announced not only what attractions will be in the first phase of the park when it opens this year, but also has sent us a first look at the new park map which contains the various ride names as well. According to the description, the park will feature 16 signature attractions and have a total of 24 slides and chutes mixing a mix of classic waterpark attractions with the Schlitterbahn concept of Transportainment. The following complete list of attractions and their descripti
ons below cover what will be open with the park this year.
Bahnzai Pipeline – Climb to the top of a 42-foot-tall tower and take an open-air tube ride down a twisted path of water wrath…BAHN-style.
Black Knight – Plunge in a tube down a dark and warped fully-enclosed coiled slide.
Blitz Falls Tube Chute - Take a fast-flow river ride over to all the action at Torrent Beach and Torrent River.
Comal Express - Clutch onto a mat and ride a downhill channel like a champ! The tight turns and tunnels provide an awesome ride to the splash below.
Der Bahn – Dare to enter a claustrophobically-enclosed black tunnel that curves through turn after turn in the dark.
Henry's Hideout Hot Tub Bar – Unwind in a giant hot tub that incorporates a swim-up refreshment bar and in-water seating that creates the perfect place to take a break from all the action.
Kinderhaven Kids’ Area - Splash and play in an area designed especially for families with smaller children. This shallow water playground includes ten mini-slides and is separated from the rest of the "big kid" activities by being conveniently located in the center of the park surrounded by shaded seating and open-sun lounging areas. Kinderhaven lets both kids and parents have fun together as they explore the Wyandotte Express choo choo train, a friendly frog, a mammoth turtle and a giant fountain.
Kristal Beach – Cool off in the shade along the shore of the Kristal River. This calm beach provides refreshment as riders on the Storm Blaster uphill water coaster fly by overhead.
Kristal River – Relax on an endless, slow-flowing river that provides a restful float on those hot summer days in Kansas.
Loopy Luge - Grab a mat and get ready for the fastest ride this side of the speedway. This open-air slide provides a thrilling ride through turns and short tunnels all the way to the finish line!
Raging River Tube Chute - Ride through an exciting series of rapids and channels.
Storm Blaster – Race uphill on a Master Blaster™ water coaster, another signature Schlitterbahn attraction. Storm Blaster combines the up and down thrills of a roller coaster with the unique experience of being propelled upward by jets of water.
Torrent Beach – Challenge the waves on the best beach in Kansas! Whether guests just want to catch some rays, cool off in the surf, or embark on a journey through the canyon of the Torrent River, Torrent Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy a great day.
Torrent Cove - Relax on an island surrounded by the Torrent River and Torrent Beach.
Torrent River – Float the world’s longest tidal wave river which combines a continuous, endless float with ocean-sized waves creating an ever changing experience. Guests enter this attraction without waiting in line! The Torrent River is a signature attraction that can only be experienced at Schlitterbahn.
Wolfpack - Take a tube and surge through an extra-wide pipeline of wild water. This oversized slide provides an experience that is different every time you ride!
(2/23/09) You can find a new webcam following the construction of the new Schlitterbahn Vacation Village project here.
(2/9/09) Schlitterbahn released a status update for their Vacation Village resort project last week. They report that the site work is nearly complete (90%) and that 100% of the underground stormwater system has been finished. They are on track to open phase 1 of the waterpark in 2009 which will include over a dozen attractions, including the world’s largest tidal wave river, an uphill Master Blaster slide, a hot tub with swim-up bar called Henry’s Hideout, several huge tubing rivers and chutes, giant slides, a children’s interactive play area called Kinderhaven. The resort’s signature Torrent Tidal-Wave river flume is now 70% complete and is more than 1,600 feet long. The waterpark’s design sounds like it was inspired by the many interconnected river system used at Schlitterbahn South Padre Island.
They also mention that two large Ferry boats are on site awaiting refurbishment where they will be retrofitted to use clean natural gas engines. Judging from the photo these appear to be the old Ferry boats from the closed Geauga Lake park in Ohio. It was also mentioned that a large Scheels store will be the anchor for the Riverwalk retail area of the resort, with construction set to start in Spring 2009 and finished by Spring 2011. New retail, lodging and other entertainment options and attractions will be introduced to the resort in phases following the opening through 2011, such as the SkyVenture Indoor Skydiving attraction.
(10/20/08) Coaster Community has posted a new video showing off some aspects of the new Schlitterbahn Vacation Village project. Listen carefully to what the people are saying as they mention off the various other attractions that will be part of the project starting off with 5 Master Blaster slides, conveyors, pool to pool slides, and countless other wonders that will make this project really a marvel to see.
(10/9/08) Coaster Community has posted pictures from a construction tour of Schlitterbahn Vacation Village.
(9/25/08) Schlitterbahn Vacation Village has announced the first of many new attractions in development for the new park. Today they unveiled plans for the massive Torrent Tidal Wave River, a massive river powered by a 25,000 gallon, 20 foot wide tidal wave that races around the 1,620 foot long river, making it the longest attraction of it’s kind in the world. The Torrent River is scheduled to open in Summer 2009 along with the Water Resort.
(8/15/08) Schlitterbahn has announced Michael R. Catcott as the “project executive” for the new Schlitterbahn Vacation Village project. Michael comes from the PGAV Destination Design and Consulting of St. Louis and before that he served as GM of SeaWorld Texas. According to the latest press release the “first elements” of Vacation Village will open in 2009, which will include the first phase of the Water Resort which will include several lodging components and the initial wave of shops and restaurants to be developed along the themed Riverwalk area. “Other parts of the Schlitterbahn Vacation Village will continue to be completed through the summer of 2011.” I’ve been told that details about exactly what will be up and running in 2009 will be released very soon so stay tuned!
(8/4/08) Scroll down towards the bottom of this page at CoasterCommunity and you can see pictures showing off new waterslide pieces now on site at Schlitterbahn Vacation Village. Given the news that Schlitterbahn just bought a three-slide tower at the Geauga Lake auction last month and the matching Green, Blue and White slide colors, I’d say that it matches the slide in this aerial photo. I’m just not sure what this slide tower used to be called. Judging from the odd flat items in the one photo, it also looks like they may have bought some of the floating dock or bridge pieces as well.
(11/19/07) At the IAAPA tradeshow Schlitterbahn Vacation Village announced that they would be building a SkyVenture indoor skydiving simulator in 2009 as part of the $750 million project. Located in the Riverwalk area “enclosed in an enormous clear cylinder, guests soar on wall-to-wall airflow created by multiple overhead fans providing the safest and most realistic freefall simulation imaginable.” Phase One of the Vacation Village project opening in Summer 2009 will include the SkyVenture, several lodging components, shops, restaurants and phase one of the water park resort. Additional phases and projects will be added until the entire project is complete by Summer 2011.
While I think the addition of a SkyVenture is a cool idea, I do worry that the high profile SkyVenture at Universal Studios Citywalk in Hollywood was first said to open back in 2005 and to this date, still has not managed to open.
(8/27/07) Schlitterbahn Vacation Village in Kansas City announced that they would break ground on September 18th. However instead of opening a portion of the waterpark and resort in 2008, they will wait until 2009 to open the entire $750 million 300 acre facility. In addition to having a Schlitterbahn waterpark the project will also include 1,800 guest rooms, 400,000 square-feet of retail space and a ¾ mile manmade river walk. Also beneficial to the project is the fact that gambling was recently approved in Wyandotte county which could lead to a major casino project in the area. You can see some of t he first You can see concept artwork from the proposed Vacation Village at the official site.
Splash Universe (Dundee, Michigan and Shipshewana, Indiana)
2009 - New Park - (9/4/07) A new 50,000 square-foot Splash Universe indoor waterpark resort with 160 suites will open next to the Cabela’s store in northwest Indiana (Hammond?) in 2009.
Splash Universe (Hammond, IN)
Spring 2009 - New Indoor Waterpark Resort - Under Construction – Built next to the new Cabela’s store in northwest Indiana.
Splash Valley (near Chattanooga, TN)
???? - New Park - Project Is Dead - (5/12/09) Remember Splash Valley, the waterpark that was supposed to go up quickly and then didn’t? According to the local news one the men behind that project is now wanted by the police for writing bad checks, one in particular was for $34,000 alone. As for the waterpark itself… the remaining developers said they were looking at a new site in Georgia, but officials there say that things never got beyond the informal stages.
Splish Splash (Long Island, NY)
2009 - Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror - (12/23/08) Jump down to Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe to see the new teaser artwork for the Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror which is also being installed there.
(12/19/08) Screamscape was sent a  construction picture of the new Proslide Tantrum slide under construction at Splish Splash.
(12/9/08) While Splish Splash has yet to make the official announcement about their new 2009 attraction, it has been added (name and all) to the park’s cartoon like park map on the website. It will be a Proslide Tantrum slide done up in Purple and Black named Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror.
(8/14/08) According to a few people the new tornado looking slide pictures in the teaser image is actually one of the new Tornado Alley concepts, also known as a Tantrum Tornado, which is basically the merger of a Proslide Dark Mammoth slide (dark multi-person raft slide) mixed with at least two mini Tornado elements along the way. There is a link to some video footage of one of these in action here if you click on the Tantrum video link.
(8/13/08) A new teaser banner has gone up at Splish Splash to promote the new 2009 attraction. From the look of things this is a Tornado style slide, but with the dome shaped cap at the end which is a different look from what we’ve seen done before. It makes me wonder if we’ll see the dome used for some kind of special effects.
Venture River (Eddyville, KY)
20 09 - Funbi (Proslide Mammoth) - Confirmed - (4/3/09) The Venture River waterpark has announced Funbi, a new “triple dip plunge” waterslide that appears as if it will use large clover-leaf style 4-passenger rafts.
(1/2/09) The yet to be named new slide at Venture River is now up (green and blue) as you can see in this photo sent in by a reader. It looks to be a fairly simple slide, just straight down a series of dips. From what I’ve been told, it will use a four-passenger cloverleaf style tube.
(3/26/08) Venture River is said to be working on a plan to add a Proslide Mammoth family raft slide to the park in 2009.
Water World (Denver, Colorado)
2009 - Nothing is known at this point in time.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix (Phoenix, AZ)
2009 - New Park Relaunch - (5/18/09) It looks like Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix jumped the gun with th e claim of having the first racing/dueling water coaster slides. Our friends at Schlitterbahn were quick to point out that the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island park has had a pair of racing/dueling Master Blaster slides since it opened back in 2006 and send in this photo of their own version in Texas.
(5/16/09) According to this report at About Theme Parks, Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix will feature a unique new waterpark concept when it opens this summer, the world’s first dueling water coasters. They call it Maximum Velocity and the attraction is actually two side-by-side Master Blaster style coaster slides that are powered up the hills by powerful water jets and allow gravity and the flow of water the bring them back down again through the rest.
(5/2/09) One of our local Arizona readers went by the new Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix a
nd snapped up a bunch of construction shots of the newly expanded waterpark. From what I’ve been told, the old park was quite small and was nothing special, so this looks to be a huge improvement. Plus it’s always nice to see the Wet ‘n’ Wild name come back, though with an extra ‘.
(4/28/09) Rebuilt, Expanded and Renamed, the former Phoenix Waterworld Safari waterpark will now be known as Wet ‘n Wild Phoenix. You can see more about all the new slides and $30 million in improvements made tat will be ready when the park opens. The new website isn’t quite ready yet, but it will be launched soon at phoenixwetnwild.com. I do have a few names of some of the new attractions such as Maximum Velocity, Phoenix Flyers, Desert Racers, Tornado and Mammoth Falls.
Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe (Greensboro, NC)
2009 - Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror - (4/15/09) The latest word from the park is that Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror is on track to open on May 23rd, when the park opens for the season.
(2/18/09) Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe has  send us a picture showing off the construction of the new Dr. VonDark’s Tunnel of Terror slide. In addition to a fun looking slide, you’ve got to check out the water drop character in the photo. The hard hat is a classic touch.
(2/5/09) Now that the latest park map has been added to the website it looks like the rumored removal of the Skycoaster and Whitewater Run slides is true, as both attractions are now missing. See for yourself here.
(1/26/09) While Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe may have a new slide to offer this year, it looks like the park may have an attraction or two on the way out. I’ve heard a rumor that the Skycoaster may be removed (or just not run) this season, and this change has been reflected on the park’s website which no longer lists it. I’ve also heard that the employment page is also not showing any Skycoaster positions. Along the same lines I’ve heard that the old Whitewater Run slides are also no longer mentioned on the site as well. Both are still seen on the park map on the website, but this appears to be last year’s map since the new slide is also not shown. Anyone know more?
(1/23/09) Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe has confirmed the name of their new 2009 slide as Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel Of Terror. You’ll drop 40 feet, hit vertical banks and spin in total darkness. The park opens on May 23rd to kick off their 25th Anniversary season.
(12/23/08) Today I’ve received artwork that shows off the details of the new Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror attraction that will be installed into both Splish Splash as well as Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe.
(12/18/08) Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe has confirmed that they are indeed adding a major new attraction for 2009 with a small teaser on their website as well as this more detailed one send out in their online newsletter. The graphics used so far on the website teaser are nearly identical to the ones used on their sister park’s teaser at Splish Splash where they are installing a Proslide Tantrum, a dark enclosed slide with a mini Toronado element in the middle. I’d expect the Emerald Pointe ride to be the same or very similar at this point. Proslide has posted video footage of a Tantrum in action here. The park will also be celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary in 2009 as well.
(12/17/08) While we don’t have any solid information yet, we have heard that a new attraction may have been approved for Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe and that it should be a ProSlide attraction of some kind. Anyone know more?
White Water Bay (Oklahoma City, OK )
2009 - (5/29/08) The local news posted an article on White Water Bay where they mention they’re working on the design of a new attraction, most likely for 2009.
White Water (Branson, MO)
Buy White Water Tickets
2009 - Nothing new is expected to be added this year.
Wild Rivers (Irvine, CA)
Park News - (4/1/09) California waterpark fans can rejoice as Wild Rivers has announced that they have managed to sign a new multi-year lease agreement that will allow the waterpark to remain open for at least the 2009 and 2010 seasons at this point. The 2009 season will run from May 23rd to September 27th and they also promise that a “new attraction” is also on the way for this summer.
(8/30/08) Good news for fans of Wild Rivers, the park has announced that they are about the sign a lease extension once again that will allow the park to remain open for the 2009 summer season. Meanwhile the leaders of Wild Rivers have been also looking into building a new combination Science and Waterpark project that could become part of the nearby Great Park project.
(8/6/07) According to the OC Register, the Irvine Company has announced that they have agreed to extend the lease on Wild Rivers for one more year at the request of the mayor. It will now close at the end of the 2008 season.
(7/9/07) The OC Register has confirmed that Wild Rivers’s 22 year run will come crashing to an end this fall when the land lease runs out and The Irvine Co. will not offer a renewal despite a request from the park for an extension. The city changed the zoning of the property last year to allow for residential housing which is what they have planned for the site… building an estimated 3,700 houses and condos on the site of Wild Rivers and the Verizon Amphitheater (formerly Irvine Meadows Amphitheater… or at least it was when I went up to see Oingo Boingo play a Halloween show back in the early ‘90s.) The Amphitheater will stay for awhile though as their lease doesn’t expire until 2017. Meanwhile, an effort has been started to try and Save Wild Rivers, and while I’m thinking The Irvine Company has already made up their minds, it can’t hurt to sign it.
Wilderness at the Smokies (Sevierville, TN)
2008 - New Waterpark Resort - (11/18/08) The new indoor waterpark resort is now set to open on December 19th. See more at the official Wilderness At The Smokies website
(1/18/08) A Screamscape source was able to obtain some site plans for the new Wilderness at the Smokies indoor waterpark resort project. As you can see it will include both an indoor and outdoor waterpark areas, including a site labeled for a future expansion to the indoor waterpark. Looking over the plans for the indoor section, it appears that it will feature a ProSlide Tornado slide, an enclosed family raft slide and two smaller slides. In addition it will have a large wave pool, seemingly bookended by a pair of kiddie pool areas, a water fortress with a single body slide and nearby an odd looking vertical rectangular object that looks to be about the size a stationary surf wave.
(5/29/07) Okay, I think we’ve got a lock on this new indoor waterpark sighting in Sevierville. If I’m not mistaken, this will be the new Wilderness at the Smokies resort project that will feature an 20,000 square-foot indoor waterpark. This is the second waterpark resort project from the people behind the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. The resort will offer 236 rooms, stand four stories tall and be connected to the Sevierville Events Center via an enclosed corridor and is expected to open in early 2008. Once complete, they will expand and build a six story tall Condo resort on another piece of property across from the Events center that will offer it’s own 55,000 square-foot indoor waterpark that will have a Tornado slide, wave pool, raft and body slides and a spa. The best way to see what this new resort may look like would be to look at their existing Wilderness Resorts in the Dells.
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