Schlitterbahn KC has announced their first ride, Torrent Tidal Wave River, a huge river powered by a 25,000 gallon, 20 foot tidal wave that races around the 1,620 foot long river. They are dubbing it the longest of it's kind in the world (it is the longest attraction of it's kind at any of the Schlitterbahn parks). It is scheduled to open in Summer 2009 along with the Water Resort. Sounds like a fun ride to me! :D
^That sounds really fun! I can't wait for Schlitterbahn to open. It'll be a huge, fun waterpark.
Here's an update on the park from Screamscape.
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.
Sounds exciting! :D Here are a few photos of the construction:
(http://screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_2009_0209_Schlitterbahn_Air1.jpg)
(http://screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_2009_0209_Schlitterbahn_Air21.jpg)
(http://screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_2009_0209_Schlitterbahn_Ferry1.jpg)
(http://screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_2009_0209_Schlitterbahn_Torrent1.jpg)
(http://screamscape.com/assets/images/db_images/db_2009_0209_Schlitterbahn_WaterScrew1.jpg)
I can't wait until this opens. It's going to be great for the KC area.
Schlitterbahn KC just launched a construction updates website that includes a live webcam. Check it out here:
http://www.schlitterbahn.com/kc/construction/default.htm (http://www.schlitterbahn.com/kc/construction/default.htm)
Schlitterbahn KC has announced what attractions will be open this spring/summer. Here's a list with descriptions:
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!
Here's a few looks at the map of the park as well.
http://screamscape.com/html/schlitterbahnkc_0.htm (http://screamscape.com/html/schlitterbahnkc_0.htm)
http://screamscape.com/html/schlitterbahnkc_1.htm (http://screamscape.com/html/schlitterbahnkc_1.htm)
http://screamscape.com/html/schlitterbahnkc_2.htm (http://screamscape.com/html/schlitterbahnkc_2.htm)
The Kansas City Star has a good article about the progress on the park. It still looks a long way off from being ready for the planned June opening of phase one. In fact, it may be a bit of a stretch to say phase one will be ready for June. For example, the screw pumps that will circulate the water in the river haven't even been put in the ground yet. Here's a link to the article: http://www.kansascity.com/842/story/1149727.html (http://www.kansascity.com/842/story/1149727.html)
About 40 days left. Yeah, not going to open on time, but it will be worth the wait. It's high time I got myself up to KC. If only there were a train line between here and there.
Here's a link to a construction update. Still not sure if it will open on time, but a lot of progress has been made.
http://www.coastercommunity.com/schlitterbahn-vacation-village-construction3.html (http://www.coastercommunity.com/schlitterbahn-vacation-village-construction3.html)
Here's another construction update. Most of the slides are now vertical and they've started installing the pumps. Also the Torrent Tidal Wave River has most of its mechanical equipment in place. They are still planning to open phase one this summer but a schedule has not been announced yet (it most definitely is not June 1 anymore :)).
http://www.coastercommunity.com/schlitterbahn-vacation-village-construction5.html (http://www.coastercommunity.com/schlitterbahn-vacation-village-construction5.html)
I'm thinking they should get as much work done in the next year as they possibly can and then open the park next summer. I'm worried they're in a big rush and the opening of the park won't be as great as it could be. From the looks of it, they've got A LOT of work left to do.
They just updated the blog with images from the entrance!
http://schlitterblogkc.blogspot.com/2009/06/sandcastles-stories.html
Joy
According to news reports, the water is now flowing at the village as the first phase of outdoor construction is complete. They should be announcing an opening date this week. Check it out: http://herald-zeitung.com/story.lasso?ewcd=2ce6a9284793a868&-session=HeraldZeitung:42F9448B115c5339CDqGK10E71C0 (http://herald-zeitung.com/story.lasso?ewcd=2ce6a9284793a868&-session=HeraldZeitung:42F9448B115c5339CDqGK10E71C0)
The park is NOW OPEN!!! It's open today from 10 AM to 6 PM for a special "sneak peek". The official first operating day is tomorrow, but you can get in today from 10 AM to 6 PM and also come back all day tomorrow for only $19.99. Yep, two days of admission for only $19.99! ;D If you're in the KC area and have the time you should definitely take advantage of this special offer. More details are on their blog: http://schlitterblogkc.blogspot.com/ (http://schlitterblogkc.blogspot.com/)
YES!!!! I'm excited. I doubt I'll get to go this year though.
Coaster Community has posted a trip report. Sounds like they had a great time!
http://www.coastercommunity.com/schlitterbahn-vacation-village2.html (http://www.coastercommunity.com/schlitterbahn-vacation-village2.html)