Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas introduces new extreme slide for 2014 Season
TORNADO™ is water park industry’s premier funnel slide,
exclusive to Wet ‘n’ Wild and Nevada
Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas today announced it is bringing the world’s premier funnel water slide to Las Vegas and Nevada with the acclaimed TORNADO by ProSlide Technology. The award-winning extreme water slide simulates a natural storm experience and will join the water park’s more than 25 slides and attractions in providing outdoor water fun and lasting memories for families and thrill seekers. While the park will open on April 12 for Spring Break, the Wet ‘n’ Wild Tornado will launch during the official start to summer, Memorial Day weekend.
The Tornado is a four-person raft attraction that catapults riders from 36 feet in the air through a 110-foot tunnel before dropping them into the 45-foot-wide funnel where they spin back and forth through swirling water before plummeting into the eye of the storm. As the raft sweeps up the Tornado wall and crosses its centerline, guests experience weightlessness or zero gravity. With their raft almost vertical on the wall, riders report feeling like they are about to tip over, but the curved funnel wall keeps them perfectly safe. After a series of these oscillations, they descend through a tube to the exit pool.
“The Tornado is an exciting addition to Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas for our guests who will have a new shared extreme slide experience, and for our park in adding a ‘must-have’ slide that’s become a favorite among water park attendees,” said Tim Fisher, CEO of Village Roadshow Theme Parks, one of the world’s leading water and theme park operators that is Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas’ majority owner and oversees day-to-day operations. “And we’re pleased to continue our great partnership with ProSlide Technology. The company’s creativity in developing slides continues to innovate the water park industry.”
Canadian-based ProSlide Technology is a leading developer of innovative water rides.
“Finally Nevada thrill seekers can enjoy the most popular iconic ride in the world at Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas,” said Rick Hunter, ProSlide president and CEO. “The ProSlide TORNADO is the only ride anywhere with a true funnel shape. With its perfectly round opening and curved walls, this shape actually generates an unbeatable excitement level with a big drop into the massive funnel and zero-g sensations.”
He added the TORNADO’s true funnel shape is patented by ProSlide and can’t be replicated. “It’s the physics of the funnel shape that create the unparalleled experience for riders,” he said.
The innovation and ride performance of the ProSlide TORNADO has been recognized with many Best Water Ride honors, including the industry’s most prestigious Industry Impact Award from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).
In addition to the Tornado, Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas is adding more hours, more days, more parking and more shade; heating the water in children’s area; and other improvements. “We had a very successful first season, but are always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience,” said Fisher. “We listened to feedback; and as a result, we’re expanding the number of late night operating hours and operating days, adding more shade areas and lounge chairs, increasing our parking lot, and providing an early entry option for Gold Pass and new VIP Pass holders.”
Wet ‘n’ Wild is now selling its popular season passes, which sold out last year. “Gold Passes and Season Passes are well-priced offering a family and friends discount when purchasing four or more and can pay for themselves in as little as two visits,” Fisher added. “They’re a smart and affordable way to extend summer budgets. Our new VIP Pass will do the same.” The VIP Pass option expands on the Gold Pass package by including a number of free Xpress Bands.
In preparation for the April 12 opening, Wet ‘n’ Wild has started the hiring process for more than 450 seasonal jobs. Applicants should begin online at www.wetnwildlasvegas.com under Employment.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas is located at 7055 S. Fort Apache Rd. near I-215 and Sunset Road. For information, season passes, group sales or sponsorships, call (702) 979-1600 or visit www.wetnwildlasvegas.com.
About Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas
One of the world’s most iconic water park brands, Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas opens for its second season on April 12 with a new slide, expanded hours and a longer operating season. It is Nevada’s premier water park with more than 25 slides and attractions covering more than 20 acres, and a place for both thrill seekers and families. For the more daring, the multimillion dollar park features the new Tornado, the world’s premier funnel slide that catapults riders through a swirling 45-foot-wide funnel; Rattler, the first slide of its kind in North America, and Constrictor, an extreme water slide featuring some of the tightest turns. Families and those desiring a more relaxing experience enjoy Splash Island, the interactive children’s area with kid friendly slides and a giant dumping bucket; Colorado Cooler lazy river; and Red Rock Bay wave pool. With great amenities including shaded areas, private cabanas and misting, Wet ’n’ Wild is ideally located off I-215, at Sunset Road and Ft. Apache Road. The park is a partnership between Village Roadshow Theme Parks, the majority owner and overseer of day-to-day operations, and Las Vegas investors through SPB Partners, one of Nevada’s first private equity funds. For information, visit www.wetnwildlasvegas.com.
About ProSlide Technology
ProSlide Technology designs and builds the world’s most innovative water rides. The company has won 60 awards in the last 20+ years, more than all other manufacturers combined. These include three IAAPA Impact Awards, given to the top products in the entire attractions industry. The ProSlide TORNADO – like the ride opening this May at Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas – is an Impact Award winner. ProSlide has thousands of installations in more than 45 countries, including upwards of 150 ProSlide TORNADOS. For information, visit www.proslide.com.