Saturday, 31 December 2011

Theme Parks: Most Popular Articles: N. American Indoor Water Parks

Theme Parks: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month. // via fulltextrssfeed.com
N. American Indoor Water Parks
Dec 31st 2011, 12:25

If you are planning a visit to an indoor water park or a hotel with a water park, you've come to the right place. The listings that follow provide the most comprehensive guide to parks in the US and Canada on the Web. They are regularly updated. Note that very small parks and most municipal parks are not included.

First, a Little Background

It used to be that if folks in North America who lived pretty much anywhere outside of Florida wanted to ride down a water slide during February, they had a couple of options: Wait until June, or book a flight to Florida (or some warm-weather location outside the continent). That's no longer true. Indoor water parks now offer a low-cost alternative to expensive tropical vacations in the winter. And because they are weatherproof, they provide a surefire way to have water park fun any time of the year.

The concept began in earnest in 1994 when a Wisconsin Dells hotelier thought that if he erected an outdoor water park attraction in his indoor pool, he might be able to get a little more business in the early spring and late fall. When hordes of guests showed up -- and kept showing up straight through the winter -- he knew that he was onto something. (Read more about the history of Wisconsin Dells water parks.) The idea caught on and exploded in the Dells and around Wisconsin, expanded into the Midwest, and eventually spread throughout the US (even to Alaska!) and into Canada.

Before we Get to the Listings...

Here are some articles and info that may help you as you plan your vacation or visit to an indoor water park:

US Indoor Water Parks

Parks and resorts are arranged alphabetically by US state. Although there are some standalone indoor water parks, most are connected to hotels, and some restrict admission to the park for hotel guests only. Click on a park below to find out about its policy and to get more info. Indoor water parks in Canada follow at the end.

ALASKA

H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark
Anchorage, Alaska
Alaska's only indoor water park is open year-round -- even when it's 30 degrees below zero outside.

CALIFORNIA

Great Wolf Lodge California
Garden Grove
Part of the Great Wolf Lodge chain.

COLORADO

APEX Center
Arvada
Small park.

CONNECTICUT

CoCo Key Water Resort Waterbury
Waterbury, Connecticut (west of Hartford)
Medium-szied park open to hotel guests and to the general public.

FLORIDA

CoCo Key Orlando Water Resort
Orlando, Florida
Note that unlike the other CoCo Key Resorts, the Orlando property has an outdoor, but no indoor water park.

GEORGIA

Grand Empire Resort Indoor Water Park
Lithonia in DeKalb County (near Atlanta), Georgia
Don't get too excited. The grand plans for this indoor water park and theme park didn't materialize, and it was never built. But you can see what its developers had planned.

IDAHO

Silver Rapids Water Park at Silver Mountain Resort
Kellogg, Idaho
Medium-sized indoor water park at the Silver Mountain Ski Resort.

Raptor Reef Waterpark at the Holiday Inn Express
Hayden, Idaho
Small indoor park.

ILLINOIS

Illinois indoor water parks have their own page.

INDIANA

Big Splash Adventure at Valley of the Springs Resort
French Lick, Indiana
Medium-sized indoor water park.

Caribbean Cove
Indianapolis, Indiana
Medium-sized indoor water park resort.

Splash Universe WanaWaves
Shipshewana (near South Bend), Indiana
Comparatively small indoor water park

IOWA

'Boji Splash at Bridges Bay Resort
Arnolds Park, Iowa
Indoor water park open to registered hotel guests.

Grand Harbor Resort
Dubuque, Iowa
Indoor water park open to registered hotel guests.

Huck's Harbor at PZAZZ! Resort Hotel
Burlington, Iowa
Indoor water park open to registered hotel guests and general public.

King's Pointe Waterpark Resort
Storm Lake, Iowa
Indoor and outdoor water parks open to registered hotel guests and general public.

Wasserbahn Waterpark Resort
Amana, Iowa
Indoor water park for hotel guests with waterslides, interactive children's play area, spa, and sauna.

KANSAS

Great Wolf Lodge Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas
Open to registered hotel guests only.

Kansas Splashdown
Hutchinson, Kansas (in the Grand Prairie Hotel)
Open to hotel guests and to the general public.

Schlitterbahn Vacation Village
Kansas City, Kansas
Outdoor and indoor water park resort

MASSACHUSETTS

Cape Codder Resort
Hyannis, Massachusetts
Small, indoor wave pool, 2 slides, whirlpool, kids' play area.

CoCo Key Water Resort Danvers
Danvers, Massachusetts
Medium-sized indoor water park resort.

CoCo Key Water Resort Fitchburg
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Medium-sized indoor water park resort open to hotel guests and to the general public.

MICHIGAN

Michigan indoor water parks are listed on their own page.

MINNESOTA

There are quite a few indoor water parks in Minnesota, which are listed on their own page.

MISSOURI

Castle Rock Resort
Branson, Missouri
Indoor waterpark resort

CoCo Key Water Resort at the Clarion Hotel Kansas City Sports Complex
Kansas City, Missouri

Splash Country at Grand Country Resort
Branson, Missouri
Indoor and outdoor water park open to Grand Country hotel guests and the general public.

MONTANA

The Reef at Big Horn Resort and Billings Wingate by Wyndham
Billings, Montana
Indoor waterpark resort open to the general public and hotel guests.

NEBRASKA

CoCo Key Water Resort at the Holiday Inn Omaha Central
Omaha, Nebraska
Indoor waterpark resort, part of the chain of CoCo Key indoor waterparks.

Great Adventures Water Resort
Bellevue, Nebraska
Indoor waterpark resort

NEVADA

Las Vegas Wet Indoor Water Park Resort
Las Vegas, Nevada
Indoor waterpark resort and casino

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Manchester Marriott at the Pines
Merrimack, New Hampshire, near Manchester
Indoor waterpark resort

Kahuna Laguna at Red Jacket Mountain View Resort
North Conway, New Hampshire
Small indoor waterpark for registered hotel guests.

NEW JERSEY

CoCo Key Water Resort at the Mt. Laurel Marriott
Mt. Laurel, New Jersey
Part of the chain of CoCo Key indoor waterparks.

Sahara Sam's Oasis
West Berlin, New Jersey
Indoor water park

NEW MEXICO

Radisson Water Park Albuquerque
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Indoor water park at the Radisson Albuquerque hotel.

NEW YORK

Aquazonia Indoor Waterworld at Glacier Lakes Resort
Farmington, NY

The Cascades, part of Hope Lake Lodge Resort at Greek Peak
Cortland, NY

Maya Resort
Syracuse, NY

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge
Lake George, NY
888-708-2684
Affiliated Theme Park: The Great Escape

NORTH CAROLINA

Ray's Splash Planet
Charlotte, North Carolina
Small, municipal indoor water park with waterslides, lazy river, and children's play area.

Great Wolf Lodge Concord
Concord, North Carolina
Indoor waterpark resort. Part of the chain of Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterparks.

NORTH DAKOTA

Splashdown at Sleep Inn & Suites
Minot, North Dakota
Indoor waterpark open to registered hotel guests and to the general public.

Splashers of the South Seas at Canad Inn
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Indoor water park open to registered hotel guests and to the general public.

OHIO

Ohio indoor water parks have their own page.

OREGON

Lively Park
Springfield, Oregon
541-736-4244
Small municipal facility with indoor wave pool, water slide, water umbrella, family play area, adult spa, lap pool, and kiddie pool.

PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania indoor water parks have their own page.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Evans Plunge
Hot Springs, South Dakota
605-745-5165
Indoor and outdoor park. Features geothermal pools. Attractions include speed slide, body slide, kiddie slide, hot tubs, and kiddie pool.

WaTiki
Rapid City, South Dakota

TENNESSEE

The Resort at Governor's Crossing
Sevierville, TN
Small indoor water park.

The Water Resort at Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge, TN
Medium-sized indoor water park.

Wild Bear Falls at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort
Gatlinburg, TN
Mid-sized indoor park open to resort guests only.

Wilderness at the Smokies
Sevierville, TN
Mid-sized indoor water park resort.

TEXAS

Great Wolf Lodge
Grapevine, Texas

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island
Galveston Island, Texas

Waterpark at The Villages
Flint, Texas

VIRGINIA

Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia

Kalahari Virginia
Fredericksburg, Virginia

Massanutten Resort
Massanutten, Virginia

VERMONT

Jay Peak Water Park
Jay, Vermont

WASHINGTON

Great Wolf Lodge
On the Chehalis Reservation in Grand Mound, Washington

WEST VIRGINIA

Volcano Island Resort
Fairmont, West Virginia

WISCONSIN

There are so many indoor waterparks in Wisconsin Dells and throughout the state, Wisconsin has its own directory: Wisconsin Indoor Waterparks

Indoor Water Parks in Canada

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Waves Indoor Water Park
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
At the Americana Conference Resort & Spa.

World Waterpark in the West Edmonton Mall
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
North America's largest indoor water park

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Mick Foley Santa's Village

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
Mick Foley Santa's Village
Dec 31st 2011, 11:16

Things to know
  • Santa's Village
  • Location: Jefferson, NH (in the White Mountains region)
  • Phone: (603) 586-4445
As his alter egos Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love, Mick Foley is a pro wrestling legend. Wrestling's pageantry may be more pomp than circumstance, but his brutal style has resulted in death-defying acts of near-insanity, a barrage of broken bones, and some of sports entertainment's most ultra-violent matches.

A curious study in contrasts, the hardcore combatant has a soft spot for Christmas. Foley decorates his home for the holidays and listens to carols--year-round. And he makes pilgrimages as often as possible to Santa's Village.

Like many baby boomers who have rediscovered the charming Christmas-themed park nestled in New Hampshire's majestic White Mountains, Foley first visited the attraction as a youngster. Now, his kids adore Santa's Village while the park's rich patina of nostalgia sends him on a journey back to childhood innocence.

Off-season visit

Foley remembers, with vivid detail, visiting the park in the early 1960s. He was five when his family last took him, but the memories, along with the photographs on his parents' walls, endured. After performing at a wrestling event in Maine, Foley returned to Santa's Village with his wife and two young children and was struck by how well preserved and captivating it was.

Geared to the pre-teen set, the park features themed attractions including monorail cars that look like flying sleighs and a carousel with reindeer instead of horses. Foley says his favorite is the Yule Log Flume ride. The grounds are spotless, the staff is personable, everything is reasonably priced, and its nostalgic aura is nearly palpable.

When Foley's wrestling schedule took him to New England a few months later, he decided to go back for a solo visit to Santa's Village. Since it was the middle of winter however, the park was closed for the season. On a whim, he wrote to second-generation owners, Elaine and Mike Gainer, and asked if they would allow him to walk around the shuttered park. "My wife thought I was nuts," Foley laughs, "but the Gainers were wonderful, and I've since developed a friendship with them."

He's naughty and nice

"We have many loyal fans," says Elaine Gainer, "but nobody besides Mick has ever come here to wander around in the off season." Declaring wrestling "a hoot," she says she does not follow the sport and had never heard of Foley before he made his unusual request. Her Smackdown-savvy son brought her up to speed. "Based on his wrestling characters, we didn't know who the man behind the mask would be," Gainer says. "But, it turns out he's a gentle, kind, down-to-earth family man."

Well, as down to earth as a guy who takes sickening chair shots to the head, backflips onto a mat filled with thumbtacks, and has his face bloodied beyond recognition can be.

So why would a man who idolized Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, aspired to incite the roar of the crowd, drove himself with incredible devotion, and succeeded beyond his wildest dreams in the camp, mayhem-filled wrestling world seek the quaint charms of Santa's Village? "I find that it grounds me. It's a chance to escape and become a kid again," Foley says, acknowledging the odd conflicting passions that drive him. "I don't want to live in the big, scary world of pro wrestling all the time."

Tidings of comfort

Sometimes, we travel to discover new places, people and experiences. Other times, we delight in returning to the familiar. It's the travel equivalent of comfort food. The circa-1953 Santa's Village offers Foley and his contemporaries a chance to revisit an idealized, Currier & Ives family vacation of yore.

"It is like coming home," Gainer says. While the park is always adding new attractions and keeping things fresh, she adds that it takes great care safeguarding its older pieces. "For people like Mick who romanticize about their childhood, it's important that we give them the opportunity to reminisce."

That's part of the yin-yang mystique of classic amusement parks. They celebrate the high-tech, brave new world with the latest, greatest thrill rides, but reassure with the high-touch comfort of carousels, wooden roller coasters, and other living pieces of history. Add in the warm glow of its holiday theme and Santa's Village tugs at guests' heartstrings on two fronts. "There's a lot of emotion tied into theme parks and Christmas," Gainer says. "We offer a double whammy."

Christmas and wrestling myths

Despite their apparent differences, Foley sees parallels among Christmas, theme parks, and wrestling. "I think a lot of adults enjoy wrestling because they have fond memories of watching it as a kid. Like Santa's Village, it brings them back to a place of innocence."

Christmas myths and wrestling's passion plays both require a suspension of belief. Up until a few years ago, the wrestling industry carefully protected its pre-fab practices. Today, the audience is in on the sham--it's like acknowledging there is no Santa Claus--but the sport remains wildly popular. Foley bridged wrestling's old-school mentality and its new attitude. For the sake of the show, he sacrificed his body in incredible displays of athleticism and outrageousness. Foley even lost part of his ear in one infamous match.

A theme park freak, Foley says that he loves riding world-class coasters, but screaming fans get in his face and make it nearly impossible to move about the parks. The low-key Santa's Village, where guests generally grant him his privacy, is Foley's safe haven.

Foley plans to continue visiting Santa's Village often but worries that his children will outgrow the park. "It was a sad day when my kids told me that they liked Hersheypark better than Santa's Village," he says with a chuckle but adds that the Christmas-themed park moved back into the number-one spot during a subsequent family trip. "I hope they're developing the same kind of love (for Santa's Village)," he says. "My wife and I are counting on going there as grandparents someday."

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: What's New at Theme Parks?

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
What's New at Theme Parks?
Dec 31st 2011, 11:16

What new goodies are parks planning for us? This is where to get the lowdown on the new roller coasters, attractions, rides, and shows are on tap? Discover the latest and greatest theme park happenings.

Fairy Tales can Come True at Expanded WDW Fantasyland in 2012 and 2013

Disney 2009. Used with permission.

A major expansion at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Florida will more than double the size of Fantasyland. With two phases scheduled to open in 2012 and 2013, the land will offer richer, more immersive experiences and will introduce a wider array of characters. Instead of simple meet-and-greets, the new mini-lands will envelop guests in the worlds of Disney's classic films and get them involved in hands-on adventures.

All in All, Another Brick in the Fall at New Legoland Florida

© Merlin Entertaimants, 2010. Used with permission.
It's now open! Built on the site of the former Cypress Gardens and opened in October 2011, the new Legoland Florida is larger than any of the current four Legolands (including the sole US property, Legoland California). It offers about 50 rides and shows. Like the other parks, it is geared to the 12-and-under set, and features Lego-themed lands and attractions, many of which are interactive and include hands-on activities.

Putting the Disney into Disney's California Adventure

Disney 2007. Used with permission.

The transformed park will include a new entry plaza, a new Cars Land, new attractions, a new nighttime spectacular, and more.

Despicable Stuff Coming to Sunshine State. The Florida Ride Guide 2012

Universal Orlando, 2011. Used with permission.
Among the new goodies there will be an all-new motion simulator attraction based on the hit film, Despicable Me, headed to Universal Studios Florida and a 3-D film and marine life exhibit about turtles coming to SeaWorld Orlando.

California Parks Transform in 2012

Universal Studios 2008. Used with permission
Nostalgia is often part of the appeal of theme parks. Honoring and preserving the past is good, but parks cannot stand still nor rest on its laurels. Many California parks are transforming themselves in 2012 with a slew of new attractions, including Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, Transformers at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Manta at SeaWorld San Diego.

Bigger Better Potter

© Arthur Levine, 2010. Licensed to About.com.
From the moment that Harry Potter and the gang took up residence at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure, the response has been nothing short of phenomenal. And since people can't seem to get enough Potter, Universal is doing the logical thing and giving them more.

Roller Coaster Ride Guide 2012

Six Flags, 2011. Used with permission.
What a year for coaster lovers. Many parks will be spending big bucks to bring big, bad, new thrill machines. Read about the two "wing" coasters coming to Six Flags Great America and Dollywood, the 200-foot Skyrush debuting at Hersheypark, the monstrous Leviathan at Canada's Wonderland, the almost-as-monstrous Shambhala at PortAventura, and many more.

Six Flags Ride Guide 2012

Six Flags, 2011. Used with permission.
There are some spectacular coasters and other rides coming to Six Flags. How spectacular? Well, how about the world's tallest vertical drop ride? It will cause hearts to race, armpits to perspire, and Lord knows what other bodily functions at Six Flags Magic Mountain. It's hard to imagine a more thrilling ride.

Turtles, Penguins, Rides, and Shows Coming to SeaWorld Orlando in 2012 and 2013

SeaWorld Orlando, 2011. Used with permission.
Continuing its tradition of combining live animal experiences with themed rides and shows, SeaWorld Orlando has two major attractions coming. In 2012, the park will open TurtleTrek, an exhibit that will include real sea turtles and super-duper virtual turtles presented in glorious 360-degree 3-D. The following year, SeaWorld's penguins will shuffle over to a newly expanded attraction that will feature a ride-through experience.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando, 2007. Used with permission.

Fans of one of the most beloved series of books and films can now visit J.K. Rowling's fanciful lands and characters at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, part of Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Wild Buffalo Lodge

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now
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Wild Buffalo Lodge
Dec 31st 2011, 11:16

Special Note:

The Wild Buffalo Lodge was scheduled to open in fall 2009. it appears that the project may be on hold.

Phone:

1-800-281-8503

Wild Buffalo Lodge Location:

Traverse City, Michigan

Indoor Water Park Square Footage:

61,000

Directions:

From Detroit: I-96W to Flint/Grand Rapids. Exit at 31-B onto Hwy. 131N. Turn left on M-113 to E Main St. Turn right onto garfield Rd. Turn left at S. Airport Rd. W. Turn right at Cass Rd., then right on E. State St. to Wild Buffalo Lodge.

Indoor Water Park Features:

Tube slides, body slides, wave pool, bowl ride, kiddie slides, indoor-to-outdoor whirlpool spas, activity poool, and interactive play structure with water cannons.

Official Web Site:

Unavailable

Wild Buffalo Lodge Indoor Water Park Resort Overview:

The Wild Buffalo Lodge will feature a rustic woodlands theme, not unlike its neighbor, the Traverse City Great Wolf Lodge. The indoor water park at the Wild Buffalo Lodge will offer a good array of rides and attractions including a "toilet bowl" ride and two indoor-to-outdoor hot tubs. The resort will also feature an arcade with redemption games, a miniature golf course, a spa and fitness center, conference facilities, and a restaurant. Among the guest rooms will be many family suites. The Wild Buffalo Lodge is selling some of its hotel suites as condos.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Mayan Adventure

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now
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Mayan Adventure
Dec 31st 2011, 11:16

Overview:

The Mayan Adventure indoor water park is quite small. It includes an interactive water play station with sprayers, slides, and a dump bucket. The park also offers two water slides, a hot tub, and a short lazy river.

The adjacent Waverton Hotel offers over 200 rooms, including some family suites, and an arcade with redemption games, function rooms, a ballroom, and a restaurant.

If you want to find more resorts, there are additional indoor water parks in Illinois other than Mayan Adventure.

Phone:

877-426-4386

Location:

Elmhurst, Illinois

Admission Policy:

The water park is pen to registered hotel guests. The park also makes day passes available to the general public based on availability. Check with the park for details.

Indoor Water Park Square Footage:

25,000

Directions:

From Chicago: I-290 W, exit at York Rd.

From the airport: I-294 S to I-290 W, exit at York Rd.

Indoor Water Park Features:

Water slides, interactive water play structure with dump bucket, activity pool, and lazy river.

Compare Rates for Waverton Hotel:

Search for Holiday Inn Elmhurst rates at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.

Official Web Site:

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Friday, 30 December 2011

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Volcano Island Water Park

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now
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Volcano Island Water Park
Dec 30th 2011, 11:08

It's Not Open Yet!:

Note that the Volcano Island Indoor Water Park Resort is scheduled to open in spring 2010.

Volcano Island Indoor Water Park Phone:


(866)-9VOLCANO

Location:


Fairmont, West Virginia

Indoor Water Park Square Footage:

50,000

Volcano Island Resort Indoor Water Park Admission Policy:


The water park will be open to registered hotel guests, and offer limited day passes to the general public.

Directions to the Volcano Island Indoor Water Park Resort:


From Wheeling: I-70E to I-79S to Exit 139.

Indoor Water Park Features:


FlowRider surfing attraction, uphill water coaster, family raft ride, bowl ride, mat racing slide, lazy river, tube slides, body slides, interactive play structure with dump bucket, chidlren's activity pool, indoor-to-outdoor whirlpool spa.

Other Water Park Info:

Official Web Site:

Volcano Island Indoor Water Park Resort Overview:


The Volcano Island Indoor Water Park Resort will be a medium-sized indoor water park with tropical theming. For its size, it will feature a generous array of attractions including a Zip uphill water coaster, a FlowRider surfing attraction, a family raft ride, a bowl ride, a lazy river, and an indoor/outdoor spa. It will also offer an interactive play center with small slides and a tipping bucket. The bowl ride will feature a volcano theme. Every few minutes the "volcano" will "erupt."

In addition to the indoor water park, Volcano Island will offer some outdoor water park attractions during the warmer seasons, including a wave pool and a tube slide. Weather permitting, a section of the lazy river will also flow outdoors. Other features of the resort will include 300 guest suites, a video arcade, a dry play structure, meeting and conference facilities, function rooms, and restaurants.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Holiday Inn Madison Water Park

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now
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Holiday Inn Madison Water Park
Dec 30th 2011, 11:08

Phone:

608-826-0500

Location:

Madison, WI

Admission Policy:

For registered guests only.

Indoor Water Park Features:

Large water slide, smaller kiddie slides, activity pool, interactive water features, whirlpool

Compare Rates for Holiday Inn Crawdaddy Cove Water Park Resort:

Compare rates at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.

Official Web Site:

More Parks:

Overview:

Small indoor water park.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: West Virginia Water Parks

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now
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West Virginia Water Parks
Dec 30th 2011, 11:08

West Virginia water parks are arranged alphabetically.

Volcano Island Indoor Water Park Resort
Fairmont, West Virginia
Medium-sized indoor water park resort.

Waves of Fun
Hurricane
304-562-0518
Small municipal water park

Water Ways Park
Boone County
304-369-6125
Small, municipal park with water slides, lazy river, and pools plus mini-golf and go-karts.

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Thursday, 29 December 2011

Theme Parks: Looking Back at 2011: Legoland Florida Snaps Into Place

Theme Parks
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Looking Back at 2011: Legoland Florida Snaps Into Place
Dec 29th 2011, 17:53

The opening of Legoland Florida is surely one of the biggest park stories of the year that was. Built on the site of the former Cypress Gardens, the Florida version is similar to Legoland California and other Lego parks around the world, but among its unique features is the lovely botanical gardens that have charmed guests for decades. It also offers a Lego-themed rendition of Cypress Gardens' longstanding water ski show.

Although it only opened in October, everything is apparently clicking quite nicely at the Central Florida park. During this busy week between Christmas and New Year's, it reached capacity yesterday and had to close its gates to new guests. The park reported that it was near capacity today. Read more about Legoland Florida.

Connect with Arthur: Twitter | Facebook

Photo: Legoland Florida. Used with permission.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Indoor Water Parks

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now
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Indoor Water Parks
Dec 29th 2011, 11:08

Warm weather is no longer required to have water park fun. By putting a roof over water slides, wave pools, and other wet and wild attractions and moving them inside, parks can offer weatherproof, year-round havens. Most indoor water parks are attached to hotels, and many of them are full-featured family resorts. Discover which parks are the biggest, which ones are the best, and more from one of the Web's leading resources.

Find Indoor Water Parks in North America

©Arthur Levine, 2009. Licensed to About.com.
A comprehensive, state-by-state rundown of indoor water parks and indoor water park resorts throughout the US and Canada.

The Top 10 Indoor Water Park Resorts

©Jeremy Levine, 2006. Licensed to About.com.

There are dozens of indoor water park resorts and more opening all the time. Which ones make the biggest splash? Before you pack your bathing suits, check out About.com's top-10 picks for North America's best indoor water parks.

A Lotta Water: Who Has the Biggest Indoor Water Park?

©Arthur Levine, 2006. Licensed to About.com.
Lots of water parks claim to be the "biggest in America," or the "biggest in North America," but they can't all be true. The About Theme Parks Guide sorts it all out (or at least tries to). So, which water park, truly, is the biggest? Read on!

Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park Resorts

© Arthur Levine, 2005. Licensed to About.com.
One of the pioneers and leading chains of indoor water park resorts, Great Wolf Lodge offers locations throughout the U.S. (and one in Canada). All of the Great Wolf Lodge properties offer a similar rustic, deep-woods theme, indoor water park fun, and a full-featured family resort experience. The locations vary in size and amenities. Find Great Wolf Lodge resorts.

CoCo Key Water Resorts

©Arthur Levine, 2007. Licensed to About.com.
One of the leading chains of indoor water park resorts, CoCo Key Water Resorts offers locations throughout the U.S. All of the CoCo Key Water Resorts properties offer a similar Key West theme along with indoor water park fun.

Wisconsin Indoor Water Parks

Jeremy Levine, licensed to About.com.

The indoor water park phenomenon began in Wisconsin Dells, the world's indoor water park capital. Find the many indoor water park resorts in the water park capital of the world.

Illinois Indoor Water Parks

Key Lime Cove, 2008. Used with permission.
There are a number of hotels with indoor water parks in Illinois, many of them located near Chicago.

Ohio Indoor Water Parks

© Jeremy Levine, 2006. Licensed to About.com.
Sandusky, Ohio is home to the world-famous amusement park, Cedar Point. But with the growing number of water parks in Sandusky, there is more fun to be had than Cedar Point's renowned collection of roller coasters and thrill rides. And with Sandusky's indoor water parks, the fun now continues year-round. Discover where to get wet in the Ohio playground.

Michigan Indoor Water Parks

Splash Universe
As is the case throughout the Midwest, Michigan has a fair amount of indoor water parks. Which is a good thing for folks in the state who long to don a bathing suit and frolic in the water, particularly in the winter when temperatures can get quite chilly.

Minnesota Indoor Water Parks

Big Splash.
Minnesota is another Midwest state loaded with indoor water parks. Perhaps the best known is the Water Park of America. There are quite a few other parks of varying sizes.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Minnesota Water Parks

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
Minnesota Water Parks
Dec 29th 2011, 11:08

Parks are arranged alphabetically.

Do you have a favorite water park in Minnesota (or two or three)? Have you had a memorable experience at a waterpark? Write a review of a Minnesota water park and share it with the Theme Parks community.

The Big Splash Indoor Water Park at the Arrowwood Resort
Alexandria, Minnesota
320-762-1124
Indoor water park, open to the public.

Bunker Beach
Coon Rapids
763-767-2895
Small, municipal outdoor water park. Includes wave pool, 2 slides, interactive kids' pool, and sand volleyball.

Cascade Bay
Eagan
Outdoor wster park.

The Edge Indoor Water Park at the Edgewater Resort
Duluth, Minnesota
Indoor water park resort.

Grand Rios Indoor Water Park Hotel
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
(763) 566-8855
Indoor water park resort.

The Great Serengeti
Owatonna, Minnesota
507-446-8900
Indoor water park for resort and non-resort guests.

Jim Lupient Water Park
Minneapolis
612 370-4937
Small, municipal water park in a rock quarry with three water slides, log water walk, lap pool, and childrens' interactive play area.

The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes--Paul Bunyan Indoor Water Park
Baxter, Minnesota
(866) 843-5634
Indoor water park for resort and non-resort guests.

Marriott Depot Waterpark
Minneapolis, Minnesota
612-375-1700
Indoor water park resort, open to the public.

Northern Hideaway Indoor Waterpark at Thumper Pond Resort
Ottertail, Minnesota
Indoor water park resort, open to registered hotel guests and the general public

Rapid River Lodge Waterpark
Baxter, Minnesota
877-5GETWET (877-543-8938)
Indoor water park resort, open to the public.

7 Clans Casino/Hotel and Waterpark
Thief River Falls, Minnesota
800-881-0712
Indoor water park resort, open to the public.

Soak City
Shakopee
800-FUN-RIDE
Good-sized outdoor water park. Included in Valleyfair's general admission.
Affiliated theme park: Valleyfair

Three Bear Lodge Waterpark at the Holiday Inn Express
Baxter, Minnesota
Indoor water park resort.

The Tropics
Shoreview, Minnesota
651-490-4600
Indoor water park resort, open to the public.

Venetian Indoor Water Park at the Holiday Inn Arbor Lakes
Maple Grove (near Minneapolis), Minnesota
Indoor water park resort, open to the registered hotel guests.

Water Park of America
Bloomington (near Minneapolis), MN
Indoor water park resort.

Wild Mountain
Taylors Falls
800-447-4958
Good-sized outdoor waterpark at at a ski resort. Attractions include Big Country innertube ride, Black Hole speed slide, lazy river, and kids' area.

Wild Woods Indoor Water Park at Elk River/Rogers Holiday Inn
Elk River (near Minneapolis), MN
763-656-4403
Indoor water park resort.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes
Dec 29th 2011, 11:08

Overview:

The Paul Bunyan Waterpark is a medium-sized indoor water park with a lazy river, body slides, and an interactive water play structure. Unlike most parks' opaque tubes, the body slide is made of clear acrylic, so riders can see sunlight--and snow falling durting the winter--as they whoop and holler through the chute.

The park's most unique feature is its themed tube slide, which offers riders a choice of holographic images, lights, and sounds. Guests seeking solace will appreciate the indoor-to-outdoor hot tub and the heated outdoor patio floor (because nobody likes cold feet, especially after exiting a cozy hot tub).

The The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes also offers over 100 guest rooms, many of them suites, as well as an arcade with redemption games, conference facilities, and a restaurant.

Paul Bunyan Water Park is one of many indoor water parks in Minnesota.

Location and Phone:

6967 Lake Forest Road
Baxter, Minnesota

877-843-5634

Indoor Water Park Square Footage:

30,000

Admission Policy:

The Paul Bunyan water park does offer day passes to the general public, but registered hotel guests get priority if the park reaches capacity.

Hotel Rates:

Compare rates for The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.

Directions:

From the Twin Cities: I-94W to Clearwater. Exit onto Hwy. 24. Turn right (north) on 24, then left (west) onto Hwy. 10 and follow to Little Falls. After Little Falls, take Hwy. 371 north to Brainerd/Baxter. At the intersection of Hwy. 371 and Hwy. 210, continue north 3 1˜2 miles. Get into the left hand lane to turn left onto Lake Forest Road.

Water Park Features:

Tube slides, body slides, lazy river, kiddie slides, whirlpool spas, and interactive play structure with water cannons.

See the Park:

Official Web Site:

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: California Theme Parks

Theme Parks: What's Hot Now
These articles that had the largest increase in popularity over the last week // via fulltextrssfeed.com
California Theme Parks
Dec 29th 2011, 11:08

Walt Disney began the theme park revolution at Disneyland in a sleepy Anaheim orange grove and forever changed our notions of entertainment and vacations, let alone the amusement industry. That sleepy orange grove is now a destination resort with two parks, hotels, and more. While Disneyland remains the nexus of California's theme parks, there are a number of other noteworthy parks as well as water parks throughout the state. Get info, reviews, tips, and more to help plan your next California theme park visit.

Disneyland California Resort

© Arthur Levine, 2007. Licensed to About.com

Are you planning a visit to Disneyland? Want to know what's new at the iconic California theme park resort? Get the info you'll need to have fun at Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and all that the Disneyland California Resort has to offer.

Find California Theme Parks

© Arthur Levine 2007. Licensed to About.com.

A comprehensive list, with links, of the many California theme parks and amusement parks throughout the state.

California Theme Park Deals

2004. Jeremy Levine, licensed to About.com

Learn about the latest travel packages, discounts, and deals to plan your California theme park visit or vacation. Updated regularly.

California Theme Park Holiday Events

Disney. Used with permission.

Go over the (jungle) river and through the (zoo's) woods at California's parks with an overview of Christmas and holiday events including Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Knott's Merry Farm, and Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.

California Ride Guide 2012

Disney. Used with permission.
There are plenty of new, transformative attractions coming. See what Disney California Adventure, SeaWorld San Diego, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and Universal Studios Hollywood have in store.

Find California Water Parks

Cedar Fair.

A comprehensive list, with links, of the many California water parks throughout the state.

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