Water Park Wars.

[Tony Perkis]

Also, while I'm curious about what Universal will do to differentiate itself from Disney's waterpark offerings, I can't imagine either company coming close to topping the crown jewel of waterparks in the nation: Schlitterbahn in New Braufels, Texas. That place is amazing.

 

[cheezbat]

Also, while I'm curious about what Universal will do to differentiate itself from Disney's waterpark offerings, I can't imagine either company coming close to topping the crown jewel of waterparks in the nation: Schlitterbahn in New Braufels, Texas. That place is amazing.

I disagree with you. Schlitterbahn is awesome(yes I've been there...and many other top notch waterparks), but I think with the elaborate theming, the size and scale of the park, and the type of rides, Wondersea will be better than all of them...as long as they have as many attractions as originally planned.

And I do believe WDWs parks will move from #1 and #2 to #2 and #3 shortly after Uni's park opens. Heck, Aquatica pulls in only a couple hundred thousand less than Disneys waterparks, and it's not even on the same level theming wise! Wondersea is going to impress. That I'm sure of.

 

[Tony Perkis]

I disagree with you. Schlitterbahn is awesome(yes I've been there...and many other top notch waterparks), but I think with the elaborate theming, the size and scale of the park, and the type of rides, Wondersea will be better than all of them...as long as they have as many attractions as originally planned.

And I do believe WDWs parks will move from #1 and #2 to #2 and #3 shortly after Uni's park opens. Heck, Aquatica pulls in only a couple hundred thousand less than Disneys waterparks, and it's not even on the same level theming wise! Wondersea is going to impress. That I'm sure of.

I'll take Schlitterbahn's incredibly unique ride systems far above theming at a water park. Most of what Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach offer can be done at any general water park in America. Schlitterbahn has the hillside rapids attractions, uphill float systems, and water coaster technology that far outweigh the theming at either park.

They look nice. But there's nothing particular unique at either park. Blizzard Beach has Summit Plummet, which is a blast, but that kind of attraction I can find at my local Hurricane Harbor park.

 

[TubaGeek]

I'll take Schlitterbahn's incredibly unique ride systems far above theming at a water park. Most of what Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach offer can be done at any general water park in America. Schlitterbahn has the hillside rapids attractions, uphill float systems, and water coaster technology that far outweigh the theming at either park.

They look nice. But there's nothing particular unique at either park. Blizzard Beach has Summit Plummet, which is a blast, but that kind of attraction I can find at my local Hurricane Harbor park.

I like to imagine that Uni's park will have a few custom-made toys that are better than Schlitterbahn when they open, but, whether they do or not, Schlitterbahn will just see that as a bar to surpass for the next season. They can be one-upped, but don't expect them to be complacent about it.

 

[Tony Perkis]

I like to imagine that Uni's park will have a few custom-made toys that are better than Schlitterbahn when they open, but, whether they do or not, Schlitterbahn will just see that as a bar to surpass for the next season. They can be one-upped, but don't expect them to be complacent about it.

We will see. I think the most innovative water ride company today is NBGS International, a sister company of Schlitterbahn. They're responsible for the uphill water coaster technology found in Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn, Crush n Gusher at Typhoon Lagoon, and Veruckkt at Schlitterbahn Kansas City (tallest water attraction in the world). I see Volcano Bay being a bit more slide heavy a la the Disney parks and numerous Hurricane Harbors and Wet n Wild parks, and that'd be a shame. If they go that route, they're providing a product very similar to that of Blizzard Beach, Aquatopia, and Typhoon Lagoon.

 

[Absimilliard]

We will see. I think the most innovative water ride company today is NBGS International, a sister company of Schlitterbahn. They're responsible for the uphill water coaster technology found in Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn, Crush n Gusher at Typhoon Lagoon, and Veruckkt at Schlitterbahn Kansas City (tallest water attraction in the world). I see Volcano Bay being a bit more slide heavy a la the Disney parks and numerous Hurricane Harbors and Wet n Wild parks, and that'd be a shame. If they go that route, they're providing a product very similar to that of Blizzard Beach, Aquatopia, and Typhoon Lagoon.

NBGS has stopped manufacturing slides as an outside vendor. They sold the rights to the Master Blaster and other products to Whitewater West, who now design and fabricate them.

No offense, but Schlitterbahn did.... mess up quite a bit with Verruckt at Schlitterbahn Kansas City. Sure, its the tallest water slide in the world, but capacity is laughably low and the steps required to ride are ridiculous. You need to book at park opening a time slot. Then, you need to have a group of two or three that weight between 400 and 550 lbs. Once that is settled, you get a time slot and return to the ride. You are reweighted to make sure you did not switch up your group and then are finally allowed to go up the slide tower. At the top, the 3 person raft have individual seats and require riders to wear a 3 point seatbelt. Once that is done, enjoy your experience!

The reason for the low capacity? They can only run 3 rafts as the raft conveyor is underpowered and can only take one raft up at a time.

Meanwhile, you have Proslide who took the water coaster concept, replaced the water jets with Linear Induction Motors and created a much better and high capacity attraction. You can even order it with 6 person rafts for insane capacity. Here is a recent example:

 

[Tony Perkis]

NBGS has stopped manufacturing slides as an outside vendor. They sold the rights to the Master Blaster and other products to Whitewater West, who now design and fabricate them.

No offense, but Schlitterbahn did.... mess up quite a bit with Verruckt at Schlitterbahn Kansas City. Sure, its the tallest water slide in the world, but capacity is laughably low and the steps required to ride are ridiculous. You need to book at park opening a time slot. Then, you need to have a group of two or three that weight between 400 and 550 lbs. Once that is settled, you get a time slot and return to the ride. You are reweighted to make sure you did not switch up your group and then are finally allowed to go up the slide tower. At the top, the 3 person raft have individual seats and require riders to wear a 3 point seatbelt. Once that is done, enjoy your experience!

The reason for the low capacity? They can only run 3 rafts as the raft conveyor is underpowered and can only take one raft up at a time.

Meanwhile, you have Proslide who took the water coaster concept, replaced the water jets with Linear Induction Motors and created a much better and high capacity attraction. You can even order it with 6 person rafts for insane capacity. Here is a recent example:

I've never been on Verruckt. I'm sure it's a great thrill, but just like traveling to Orlando to ride a kiddie coaster, I'm not making a trip to Kansas City to ride a 15 second water slide. A Royals/Rangers baseball game? Yep. Not for a water slide, though. I'd rather make the 3 hour drive to New Braunfels to relax on the mile long river rapids tube chute.

My point is I'd rather ride a water attractions that's truly unique and can't be found elsewhere, and that's why I value Schlitterbahn so much. Their tube chutes are second to none, and the "never have to get out of your raft" design of the South Padre Island park is genius. I see Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, and all I see are well designed Hurricane Harbors. Except Hurricane Harbors at least get updates every few years.

As for the Proslide model, that's a pretty good design. It's a good deal that some parks are actually purchasing advanced models of the halfpipe/Tornado slides with the LIM uphill elements, instead of doing what everyone else in the country is and buying the boring base models.

If Universal actually invests in advanced models that put a new spin on established slides, then more power to them. I underestimated them. If they go the same route as the Disney parks, then I think they dropped the ball big time.

 

[JediMasterMatt]

Schlitterbahn is great; but, Holiday World's collection of slides has got them beat in terms of quality over quantity. The one-two punch of Wildebeest and Mammoth are hard to top. Granted, HW doesn't like body slides; but, I think they are in the right there. Give me a raft for my slide action.

If Universal aligns themselves with ProSlide and gets to pick from their current product catalog - there is no doubt they will have a better quality line-up than either Disney water park. It will all come down to theme.

 

[Nick Wilde]

I admit I do not know everything. I can also tell you I know a lot more than you when it comes to this subject. I have no reason to give you my resume or what I have done for the company. Nor do I care what you think. Moving on.

 

[Absimilliard]

Schlitterbahn is great; but, Holiday World's collection of slides has got them beat in terms of quality over quantity. The one-two punch of Wildebeest and Mammoth are hard to top. Granted, HW doesn't like body slides; but, I think they are in the right there. Give me a raft for my slide action.

If Universal aligns themselves with ProSlide and gets to pick from their current product catalog - there is no doubt they will have a better quality line-up than either Disney water park. It will all come down to theme.

Proslide was the exclusive supplier for all fiberglass waterslides over at both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. They were the best things available... back in 1989 and 1994! Since then, Proslide has replaced a single kiddie tube at Blizzard Beach and that's about it. They got Whitewater West to build the lame (in my view) Crush n Gusher at Typhoon Lagoon and both Aqua Dunk and Aqua Duck on the Cruise Line. Its sad that Disney never bothered adding anything at Blizzard Beach and only one addition to the other park. They have really allowed Universal and Seaworld to leap above them in terms of waterparks.

 

[champdisney]

I admit I do not know everything. I can also tell you I know a lot more than you when it comes to this subject. I have no reason to give you my resume or what I have done for the company. Nor do I care what you think. Moving on.

Says the guy downtalking to a 14 year old. Yeah ok.

 

[cheezbat]

Schlitterbahn is great; but, Holiday World's collection of slides has got them beat in terms of quality over quantity. The one-two punch of Wildebeest and Mammoth are hard to top. Granted, HW doesn't like body slides; but, I think they are in the right there. Give me a raft for my slide action.

If Universal aligns themselves with ProSlide and gets to pick from their current product catalog - there is no doubt they will have a better quality line-up than either Disney water park. It will all come down to theme.

Heck yes. While the Master Blaster is often considered the best Waterpark ride, it doesn't hold a candle to Holiday World's Wildebeest or Mammoth...or Noah's Ark's Black Anaconda...heck, I'd take Dragon's Revenge at Schlitterbahn over Master Blaster!

In reality, Schlitterbahn is a great family of parks that used to innovate big time, but aside from the bigger uphill water coasters designed in 1996 to the transportainment system designed around the new millennium, they haven't done anything to wow me. Proslide and Whitewater West's newer rides are far more exciting.

Overall, I'm excited that Universal seems to be doing a lot with Proslide. I really hope we get some stellar high tech new rides as well as awesome theming.

 

[Tony Perkis]

Heck yes. While the Master Blaster is often considered the best Waterpark ride, it doesn't hold a candle to Holiday World's Wildebeest or Mammoth...or Noah's Ark's Black Anaconda...heck, I'd take Dragon's Revenge at Schlitterbahn over Master Blaster!

In reality, Schlitterbahn is a great family of parks that used to innovate big time, but aside from the bigger uphill water coasters designed in 1996 to the transportainment system designed around the new millennium, they haven't done anything to wow me. Proslide and Whitewater West's newer rides are far more exciting.

Overall, I'm excited that Universal seems to be doing a lot with Proslide. I really hope we get some stellar high tech new rides as well as awesome theming.

I prefer the tube chutes over any kind of water attraction, but then again, I'm a huge fan of summer floats.

 

[Absimilliard]

Heck yes. While the Master Blaster is often considered the best Waterpark ride, it doesn't hold a candle to Holiday World's Wildebeest or Mammoth...or Noah's Ark's Black Anaconda...heck, I'd take Dragon's Revenge at Schlitterbahn over Master Blaster!

In reality, Schlitterbahn is a great family of parks that used to innovate big time, but aside from the bigger uphill water coasters designed in 1996 to the transportainment system designed around the new millennium, they haven't done anything to wow me. Proslide and Whitewater West's newer rides are far more exciting.

Overall, I'm excited that Universal seems to be doing a lot with Proslide. I really hope we get some stellar high tech new rides as well as awesome theming.

What I figure will happen at some point is that if Wet n Wild close, the newer Proslide things such as Blastaway Beach (the new awesome family area), Disco H2O (the 4 persons toilet bowl slide), Brain Wash (the enclosed Tornado) and the all new Aqua Drag Racer (fun Kraken Racer) will be moved to the new water park. Those are all modern fun and high capacity water park attractions that would compliment the new slides well.

What if Universal... added a roller coaster to the new park? YAS Water World in Abu Dhabi integrated a custom suspended roller coaster from Vekoma into the park. Water slides and theming was built around it and in addition to riders being able to dump water on people under, they even have laser guns. They shoot targets to activate things along the course.

 

[Tony Perkis]

What I figure will happen at some point is that if Wet n Wild close, the newer Proslide things such as Blastaway Beach (the new awesome family area), Disco H2O (the 4 persons toilet bowl slide), Brain Wash (the enclosed Tornado) and the all new Aqua Drag Racer (fun Kraken Racer) will be moved to the new water park. Those are all modern fun and high capacity water park attractions that would compliment the new slides well.

What if Universal... added a roller coaster to the new park? YAS Water World in Abu Dhabi integrated a custom suspended roller coaster from Vekoma into the park. Water slides and theming was built around it and in addition to riders being able to dump water on people under, they even have laser guns. They shoot targets to activate things along the course.

This park has been used as the golden standard of combining excellent theming and new, state-of-the-art water attractions.

And very rightfully so. It's freaking beautiful.

 

[danpam1024]

They need to take it one step further- have a slide(s) that dump you back into your resort pool (yes, I AM that lazy)

 

[DABIGCHEEZ]

Does anyone have any leaked plans of WonderSea?

 

[cheezbat]

Does anyone have any leaked plans of WonderSea?

Don't think we'll see that anytime soon...but man would that be awesome.

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

Born and raised and still reside in Orlando. Schlitterbaun or whatever, has nothing on Orlando's Water Parks

 

[cheezbat]

Born and raised and still reside in Orlando. Schlitterbaun or whatever, has nothing on Orlando's Water Parks

Schlitterbahn is pretty great...but I want a park that not only has lots of cutting edge rides but lots of themeing and space. I wasn't originally a big fan of Disneys waterparks, but as I got older I grew to enjoy them more. Still, I love a trip to Splashin Safari, Noahs Ark, or Schlitterbahn! Those parks have some of the best attractions the USA has to offer!

Still hoping Wondersea or Volcano Bay or whatever it's being called knocks all these parks out of the water!