New in 2009 – Congo River Expedition Family-Thrill Ride Adventure

This summer guests are invited to float an ancient river filled with mystery!

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, March 31 /PRNewswire/ — Visiting families will be thrilled with the unveiling of Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort’s latest blockbuster sensation, the Congo River Expedition, a multi-sensory jungle adventure scheduled to open this summer.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090331/DA91054)

Deep in the heart of the rainforest guests discover an ancient river teeming with wild animals, restless natives, thundering waterfalls and a mysterious underground diamond mine.

After crossing makeshift rope bridges, guests enter the Congo River Outpost gaining access to the exploration campsite. Towering over the encampment is a giant angry volcano on the edge of eruption. As the epicenter of the outpost begins to rumble warning of an eminent explosion, the volcano vents plumes of steam before blasting water more than 20 feet in the air!

At the volcano’s base lies an enormous “lava-heated” hot tub offering explorers the last opportunity to relax prior to beginning their river expedition. The journey leads past the volcano where guests are greeted by the lead archeologist who warns about the unknown dangers of traveling the Congo River. Against his wishes, riders choose to float the uncharted waters of the river. As the voyage begins, riders float deeper into the jungle and are surrounded by an intensifying thunderstorm.

The adventure continues as guests float at the will of the water’s current and encounter a variety of special effects and animatronic creatures including a mischievous monkey; angry, snapping crocodiles; a ferocious lion; a menacing, coiled python; a mammoth, trumpeting elephant and an agitated tribe of natives ready to attack without warning.

The attraction finale takes unsuspecting riders down a 25-foot long waterfall and plunges them into an underground abandoned diamond mine on the verge of collapse. As the shaft begins to shake, sparking diamonds are revealed on the walls of the mine. Luckily, explorers float into the safety of sunlight narrowly escaping before the next collapse occurs.

“We are thrilled to unveil the most elaborately themed attraction in our 30-year history on Memorial Day weekend,” explained Darren Hill, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort’s general manager. “Not only do we feel that this is the most exciting new attraction to open this year in Texas, but we are also proud to premier our new family adventure as part of our 30th anniversary celebration.”

The Congo River Expedition is a completely immersive adventure and guests of all ages are welcome to ride, but beware, certain aspects of the jungle may be too scary for younger children. Please visit www.schlitterbahn.com for more Congo River Expedition attraction and opening event information.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort will open weekends beginning Saturday, April 25.

Discounted season passes and park tickets are available at schlitterbahn.com. Day passes are $39.99 for general admission and $31.99 for children, ages 3 – 11 and seniors 55 years or older. Taxes are not included in the ticket prices. Parking is FREE! Operating hours, dates and attraction availability are subject to change.

The 65-acre Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort features more than 40 family attractions and 238 overnight accommodations. Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort has been voted the world’s best waterpark for 11 consecutive years by the readers of Amusement Today industry magazine is ranked as the most popular summertime waterpark in the United States and has been rated the number one waterpark in the world by the Travel Channel.

Schlitterbahn Background

Family-owned and operated, Schlitterbahn Waterparks has been a leader in family water entertainment since 1979. The company operates three parks in Texas, all of which offer family amenities that include free parking and free inner tubes. Guests are also welcome to bring a family picnic basket, excluding alcohol and glass containers, into the parks.

Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, South Padre Island

The 26-acre park opened in 2001 and features more than a dozen family attractions including the state-of-the-art Transportainment(R) river system. Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark has received the industry’s top awards for design innovation.

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, Galveston Island

The Waterpark was recently ranked as the world’s best indoor-waterpark! The world’s first convertible, climate-controlled indoor / outdoor waterpark features more than 30 family attractions including three interconnected rivers, two uphill water coasters and the signature Boogie Bahn surf ride.

Schlitterbahn Vacation Village, Kansas City, Kansas

The company is also currently developing a $750 million groundbreaking, trend-setting retail entertainment destination comprised of multiple shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment venues connected by a Transportainment(R) River System. In the Vacation Village, manmade rivers carry guests between lodging units and a large summertime Water Resort and a covered Riverwalk with shops and restaurants. The Waterpark is scheduled to open this summer.

For more information, contact Schlitterbahn Waterparks’ corporate office in New Braunfels, Texas at 830.625.2351 or visit the parks’ website at schlitterbahn.com.

SOURCE Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort