Waterparks continue to be built in large numbers throughout the country, responding to the great popularity of the facilities among families and groups. And technology is making it possible to build larger and more elaborate facilities.

In the past, guests climbed to the top and slid down to the bottom. Some of the rides might have included a serpentine path or a speed path, but guests basically were still restricted to simply sliding from the top to the bottom of the slide. Today, technology allows slides to follow any path imaginable.

“Ride designers have created technology that allows them to move riders up and down the slide path, so they're not limited to simply using the momentum derived in the past from starting out at the highest point on the ride,” says Aleatha Ezra, Director of Park Member Development, World Waterpark Association, Overland Park, Kan. Ride designers are using similar technology to create oscillating rides and bowl rides.

Waterparks also are merging or blending waterpark attractions. This trend has evolved from the time when most rides used to be separate from one another. Waterparks offered a wave pool, a leisure river, slides, and a kids' area that were all individual elements. Today, parks are tying these attractions together. For example, many leisure rivers now offer wave elements and waterspouts. At other parks, you can float from one ride to another without ever having to stand in a line.

Venue News
Waterparks Update

Aquatica at SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando, Fla.

The News: New in 2008, Aquatica at SeaWorld Orlando offers a South Sea Islands theme, lush landscaping, lots of water rides and attractions for all ages and thrill levels. And because it's SeaWorld, there are opportunities to interact with animals. Perhaps its most unique attraction is side-by-side clear water slides that shoot riders underwater where they encounter black and white Commerson's dolphins.

KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark

Gurnee, Ill.

The News: Adjacent to Six Flags Great America, the new waterpark has 65,000 square feet. Accommodations include more than 400 hotel rooms of varying configurations — some accommodating up to 12 guests — as well as meeting and banquet facilities, a spa, and an arcade.

CoCo Key Indoor Waterpark at the Mount Laurel Marriott

Mount Laurel, N.J.

The News: The 55,000-square-foot waterpark, which is being added to the existing Mount Laurel Marriott, is scheduled to open in November.

The Aquazonia Indoor Waterworld at Glacier Lakes

Farmington, N.Y.

The News: The Aquazonia Indoor Waterworld at Glacier Lakes Resort is scheduled to open in fall 2008. Waterpark square footage is 70,000.

Maui Sands Indoor Waterpark Resort

Sandusky, Ohio

The News: The park opened in 2008; the waterpark is 55,000 square feet. Accommodations at Maui Sands Resort include a variety of suites and guest rooms with three affiliated hotels, spa and salon, Hawaiian-themed restaurants, and an arcade.

The Water Resort at Pigeon Forge Indoor Waterpark

Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The News: The resort and 43,000-square-foot waterpark is scheduled to open in September. Accommodations are 336 one- to three-bedroom condo and hotel units.

Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort

Sevierville, Tennessee

The News: Indoor waterpark with 52,000 square feet opened this year.

Great Wolf Lodge

Grapevine, Texas

The News: Lodge with 80,000-square-foot indoor waterpark opened this year. Accommodations include 402 all-suite guest rooms. An expansion planned for December completion will add 203 suites and introduce meeting and function space.

The Great Wolf Lodge Chehalis Reservation

Grand Mound, Wash.

The News: Lodge with 65,000-square-foot indoor waterpark is open. Accommodations include 317 all-suite guest rooms. The property is a joint venture between Great Wolf Resorts and The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation.

Kalahari Waterpark Resort Convention Center

Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

The News: The resort has added 10 five-bedroom luxury condominiums, complete with home theater system and billiard room. Each sleeps up to 22 people.

Noah's Art Waterpark

Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

The News: America's largest waterpark turned 30 this year and is marking the occasion with a special park exhibit that chronicles three decades of Noah's Ark history and features waterpark memorabilia. The park also unveiled a new kiddie play area, Tadpole Bay.

Theme Parks Update

Disneyland Resort

Anaheim, Calif.

The News: A 200-room expansion of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is scheduled to be complete in late 2009. Disney's California Adventure theme park is undergoing a multiyear expansion plan that will introduce new attractions and entertainment and offer new private-event options for groups.

Disney World Resort

Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The News: An American Idol-themed attraction is scheduled to debut in January 2009. It will follow the model of the television show, and guests will be able to experience auditioning, performing, and judging in an interactive entertainment setting.

Universal Orlando Resort

Orlando, Fla.

The News: The Simpsons Ride, based on the TV show The Simpsons, is new this year and reached 1 million riders faster than any ride in resort history.

Cedar Point

Sandusky, Ohio

The News: To mark its 139th summer, the park has added Planet Snoopy, a new area for kids.

Belle Island Village

Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The News: The $114 million development opens this fall. It will include entertainment, attractions, retail, and accommodations..