USA: A Tornado Ride for Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas

In about one month from now, on April 12, 2014, Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas will start into its second season for spring break – with expanded hours and much more: “We had a very successful first season, but are always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience,” said Tim Fisher, CEO of Village Roadshow Theme Parks (majority owner of the park). He adds, “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.” But what the guests can be really excited about is the opening of a new TORNADO funnel slide, which will launch during the official start to summer, on Memorial Day weekend at the end of May. Supplied by ProSlide from Canada, the huge funnel slide will enrich the water park’s attractions portfolio providing a new extreme slide experience for visitors. Guests sit in a four-person raft that starts in a height of around 11 meters (36 feet) catapulting riders through a 46 meter (110 feet) long tunnel section. At the end of the tunnel, the rafts drop into the virtually 19 meter (45 feet) wide funnel. Rick Hunter, President & CEO of ProSlide, is convinced that the Tornado’s funnel shape, which is patented by ProSlide, can’t be replicated. (eap)