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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(ARA) - Vacation weather forecast? Although there used to be a time when rain or cold could ruin a vacation, a new getaway concept is making a big splash with families no matter what the climate. Amenity-packed indoor waterpark resorts are combining innovative water fun, thrilling amusement park attractions and tropical indoor environments to deliver the ultimate year-round family getaway.
Major advancements in waterpark technology and their ability to provide four-season vacation experiences are translating into a booming indoor waterpark industry. According to industry experts, only 24 waterpark resorts existed in the U.S. in 2000. Today there are more than 140, with more than 30 additional parks soon to open.
Indoor waterparks, which originated in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., in 1994, have helped create thriving year-round travel destinations throughout the U.S.
“We are big fans of indoor waterparks. It’s an easy-to-plan, no hassle getaway that is as much fun for my husband and me as it is for our daughter,” says Natalee Mueller of Sheboygan, Wis. “Not only are they packed full of fun rides and entertainment, you never have to worry about the weather ruining your plans. Summer, winter, rain, snow, whatever … at an indoor waterpark, it doesn’t matter.”
Although most new indoor waterparks usually measure between 30,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet, some resort owners are going bigger to accommodate more amenities and enable even grander creative visions. Kalahari Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., currently home to the largest indoor waterpark in the U.S. at 125,000 square feet, is in the process of building a 173,000 square foot waterpark at its Kalahari property in Sandusky, Ohio for those very reasons.
“When it comes to creating a fun and memorable atmosphere for our guests, our motto is go big or go home,” says Todd Nelson, owner of Kalahari Resorts. “It takes a tremendous amount of commitment and ingenuity to create an exciting waterpark. We believe travelers will continue to choose resorts that really ‘wow’ them and that take pride in making their getaway experience a big deal.”
And while the indoor waterpark resort business booms, so do the attractions which are making indoor waterparks some of the most exciting indoor/outdoor waterpark vacation destinations in the country. Water coasters are taking riders to entirely new levels, with rides like the Master Blaster shooting raft riders up and down hills at speeds averaging 20 mph. Even exotic water sports like surfing now live indoors with the FlowRider surf ride that jets 50,000 gallons of water each minute to simulate a five foot wave.
"People work hard for their vacations and deserve for them to be spectacular,” Nelson adds. “A waterpark is the ideal way for them to get away to a fun, exciting environment where the weather is always perfect, albeit a little wet, 365 days a year.”
If you’re planning a getaway to an indoor waterpark resort, the following are tips to help jumpstart your trip:
* Look for waterparks with features appropriate for your family. If you have little ones, look for toddler friendly play areas with less than one foot of water. If you have teenagers, you want to make sure there are high-octane rides to keep them engaged. There are resorts out there that offer rides to please the entire family.
* Plan your time outside the waterpark. During family downtime, top resorts employ special event staff to offer fun activities from cooking classes to scavenger hunts -- review Web sites to check event calendars before you go.
* Pack extra water supplies. Include water shoes that make it easier to navigate the pool decks and swimsuit cover-ups to keep your family cozy on the way to and from the waterpark.
* Don’t forget about the adults. Parents can have fun too by seeking out resorts that feature amenities adults can enjoy such as on-site spas and golf packages.
To find a waterpark in your area, visit: www.waterparks.org. For more information on Kalahari Waterpark Resorts visit: www.kalahariresorts.com.
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