In the News: New Water-Park Attractions for 2014

This winter's polar vortex, arctic blast, and Deep South snow have us yearning for days of summer. But until swimsuit season arrives, we can look forward to new water parks and attractions coming in 2014. These mild to wild additions include everything from a sublime float-through oasis, to highly themed indoor and outdoor resorts, to a high-speed drop taller than Niagara Falls.

Verrückt Meg-a-Blaster, Schlitterbahn Kansas City, Kansas
The most anticipated new water attraction of the year is 17 stories high, taller than Niagara Falls, and steeper than any ski slope. Riders plummet at speeds of 65 mph in a four-person raft with a multistory uphill "water coaster" blast after the initial plunge. The creators of this speed slide acknowledge how crazy the concept is — the name Verrückt is German for insane. Yes, seat belts are required. Opening day is May 23.

Schlitterbahn Beach Country, Corpus Christi, Texas
Elsewhere, the Schlitterbahn family of water parks, which feature some of the most extreme slides on the planet, will open its fifth park on Padre Island in Corpus Christi this summer. Centerpiece attractions of the 65-acre park include a Torrent Tidal Wave River (nothing lazy about it), a Boogie Bahn surfing ride, and a fast, high-splash ride called Shoot the Chute.

Roa's Aviary, SeaWorld Aquatica San Antonio
Get back to nature and float through a sanctuary with 300 birds of 50 different species in the serene Roa's Aviary addition to SeaWorld San Antonio's Aquatica water park. Guests can float, wade or walk among the tropical birds, some of which are threatened or endangered species.

Ihu's Breakaway Falls, SeaWorld Aquatica Orlando
The tallest, steepest and only multislide ride of its kind in Florida's theme park mecca will be found at SeaWorld's Aquatica in Orlando. Ihu's Breakaway Falls will top 105 feet and cause riders to gasp when a trap door opens beneath their feet dropping them into a thrilling high-speed plunge.

Legends of Chima Water Park, Legoland California, Carlsbad, CA
This summer, a highly themed Lego "Legends of Chima" water park expansion comes to Legoland California with a floating "Mount Cavora" in the Lion Temple Wave Pool as well as a splash ground equipped with slides, water cannons, and "Eglor's Build-A-Boat" where kids can create and race their own Lego crafts.

Great Wolf Lodge New England, Fitchburg, MA
The Northwoods themed all-suite, indoor water park resort will open its first property in New England, coming to the Boston area in June. Water park highlights include a wave pool, splash ground climbing structure with obligatory dump bucket, and eight different water slides including a six-story "Howling Tornado" funnel, and "Wolf Tail" trap-door drop slide with a 360 degree loop.

Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell, GA
The Atlanta area Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park will complete the largest expansion in its history when the Hurricane Harbor water park opens. The all-new park will include a Hurricane Bay wave pool, Paradise Island children's area, as well as Tsunami Slide and Bonsai Pipeline multislide towers. Admission to Hurricane Harbor is included with admission to Six Flags.

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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