Wet 'n' Wild GC Maintenance 2019

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

On 23/11/2019 at 10:12 PM, themagician said:

And the whirlpool, they’re crap and very unpopular so they should close 

On the contrary, when we go with a group, we usually set up camp near the whirlpool, and agree to meet back there at certain times. While waiting for the rest of our group, a dip in the spas is a great way to stay cool and keep the littler kids amused.

It is also a great escape for those with sensory issues as it is much quieter.

I've only ever experienced Whirlpool in its summer incarnation once (for those unaware, the spas are covered up, and the whole area flooded to create a massive whirlpool a little like a mini lazy river, but a bit faster) - but I believe they've removed most of the functionality of that, which is why it remains as spas year-round now. Its a shame they stopped doing the conversion, as on the day I saw it converted, it carried a decent queue.

[themagician]

@AlexB valid point, but I feel something a lot better could be used within that space. I definitely didn't mind when it alternated between the the fast river rapids and the spas. I remember having a good on the original attraction and it was quite good, even if it did become a bit chaotic at times. If anyone doesn't remember it or not what we are on about, here's a video

 

[MickeyD]

Thanks @themagician yeah I suspect it was a combination of cost/upkeep and like you said, the chaotic nature of potential injury may have got their Lawyers a tad worried 🙄. Shame because it was great for those not keen on riding traditional water slides and any Kidult with happy Childhood memories of making Whirlpools in back yard pools. 

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

4 hours ago, MickeyD said:

the chaotic nature of potential injury

I'm not sure I understand this point. The attraction worked the same way as a lazy river - with slippery tiled surfaces on the wall, as opposed to the sandpapered-style of Calypso. Speed wasn't too much faster, and unlike Calypso - everyone was moving in the same constant direction and speed. It was also easier to observe for the operator, as opposed to Calypso which has several spots one can muck about without the staff paying too much attention. It was deep enough that a fall from the tube wouldn't hurt, but shallow enough that nobody could really 'horseplay' as such. Riders were to remain seated throughout the ride and the operator would turn off the flow immediately if there were any issues, with only residual motion after that point.

I really don't see any particular injury risk here at all, and the video above should also show that.

For those who are struggling to put the two types of ride together - about centre of shot for most of the video is a darkened underwater almost-heart-shape. this is one of the several spas, covered over.

Edited November 25, 2019 by AlexB

[MickeyD]

@AlexB I recalled bumping into others when it was going, people kicking off walls etc and risk of crashing in to someone smaller than you and them getting injured/kicked in the head (potentially). Look, honestly I really don't know the real reason why they got rid of it because these kinds of accidents can happen in practically any water park ride.

Regardless of the reason, keeping the Spa baths there year round is just plain stupid. They belong in Hotels - not Water Theme Parks - especially not in the way WnW presents them. They look shit and are not even decent spas! Bring back the Whirlpool I say!

[themagician]

8 minutes ago, MickeyD said:

Bring back the Whirlpool I say!

Or even better, invest in something bigger and better 

[MickeyD]

Just now, themagician said:

Or even better, invest in something bigger and better 

Or even better, do both! 

[Gazza]

Going past this morning a crane was over Black Hole and the roof framing was gone.

[themagician]

The roof framing was removed a couple weeks ago, if a crane is there maybe the new roof is being installed 

[themagician]

A new roof structure for the Black Hole has been installed, just a shade sail to go

Edited December 2, 2019 by themagician
Photo added

[westical]

14 hours ago, themagician said:

A new roof structure for the Black Hole has been installed, just a shade sail to go

Seems odd to replace the roof on a slide that’s done for. 

[themagician]

Were those slides second hand like Mach 5?

[MickeyD]

Yup. I believe they came from an American waterpark. I recall riding an exact same version at the now closed WnW Orlando, unsure if it's the same one.

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

Didn't it come from the same park that Mach 5 came from, somewhere in south america?

 

Yep, just checked the wiki -

Quote

The Blackhole was acquired second hand from a defunct waterpark in Brazil

 

[MickeyD]

Thanks for Clarifying A-Lexi-B, I got the Americas part right 🙄...                         I do enjoy the Black hole and the Park needs more slides with reasonable capacity, not less. Especially with how good WWW is looking.

Edited December 2, 2019 by MickeyD

[Gazza]

3 hours ago, westical said:

Seems odd to replace the roof on a slide that’s done for. 

They could re-use the tower at some point? It's actually a massive platform for 2 slides IMO.

[Park Addict 93]

Perhaps it will still operate for summer once the shade sail is installed?

Whirlpool Springs have left the maintenance page.

[themagician]

Not things under maintenance 

[MickeyD]

Hopefully they get all these 3 up and running by Boxing day as WnW most definitely needs the capacity plus attractions that offer a point of difference from the other "wet" competition - and of course the additional revenue from up-charges like their Giant Swing..

 

[Park Addict 93]

Black Hole has a nice new black shade sail installed, although construction fencing still surrounds the ride as of today. 

The Dive In Movies attraction page also mention it as a ride open until 8:30PM so it seems clear they are trying to get it ready for Boxing Day.

Edited December 22, 2019 by Jordan M.

[Dano46610]

I don't understand why we have dirt bikes at Wet n Wild, all I want to see is a new ride...

[Brad2912]

2 hours ago, Dano46610 said:

I don't understand why we have dirt bikes at Wet n Wild, all I want to see is a new ride...

Pretty sure motorbikes cost slightly less than a new slide and tower...

it’s about planning. 
clearly the current major capex program is for SW. 

until that’s completed I reckon we’ll only see fillers at the other parks 

[Dano46610]

@Brad2912 yes I understand that new Attractions cost a lot more but what I don't get is why we have dirt bikes I personally think a high speed boat or jet ski show would be better although SeaWorld already has this. 

[Brad2912]

2 minutes ago, Dano46610 said:

@Brad2912 yes I understand that new Attractions cost a lot more but what I don't get is why we have dirt bikes I personally think a high speed boat or jet ski show would be better although SeaWorld already has this. 

You clearly have never been to Wet n Wild if you are suggesting they have the ability to have high speed boats and jet skis at the park... 

[Dano46610]

@Brad2912 temporary pool, have seen these overseas before.