18 AMUSEMENT TODAY <strong>June</strong> <strong>2010</strong>
<strong>June</strong> <strong>2010</strong> AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 WATERPARKS www.<strong>Amusement</strong><strong>Today</strong>.com AQUATIC CENTERS INDOOR FACILITIES RESORTS REVENUE SUPPLIERS BRIEF Myrtle Waves celebrates 25th anniversary Myrtle Waves, a PARC Management waterpark located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., is getting a facelift for its 25th season including a new roadside marquee, 11 pool-side private cabanas, new landscaping and parking lot overhaul, as well as remodeling and refinishing the Ocean in Motion Wave Pool, two restrooms, Sharkies Snack Shack, and the Island Café. Myrtle Waves has also added new colors on rides and attractions throughout the park. “We’re extraordinarily excited to unveil the park this year,” said Myrtle Waves’ General Manager Graham Faris. “What better a way to celebrate our 25th season than pulling back the curtain on an off-season loaded with improvements?” Newly-installed tropical-themed cabanas will offer guests daily rentals of a private, shaded retreat with call-in wait service and other exclusive perks including free locker rentals and discounts on food & beverage orders, retail, and more. “Our new pool-side cabanas afford us a great opportunity to offer an exclusive guest experience while giving the park a fresh and clean look at the same time,” said Vince Nicoletti, director of marketing for PARC Myrtle Beach. Slide equipment provided by WhiteWater West CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort opens in Orlando Tim Baldwin <strong>Amusement</strong> <strong>Today</strong> In May of 1970, prior to the opening of Walt Disney World and the plethora of attractions that would soon make the area the world’s playground, a pioneer named Finley Hamilton opened I-Drive’s original hotel. Originally built as the Hilton Inn South, it was nicknamed “Finley’s Folly” as no one thought it could be successful being so far from downtown Orlando. To his pleasure, Finley’s foresight proved to be hugely successful. Even Disney executives stayed at the property as Walt Disney World was being completed. <strong>Today</strong>, the facility lies right in the heart of the action − centered on I-Drive between the Universal Orlando resort and SeaWorld. Of course, during the past 40 years, the property has been known by different names. It changed hands to become a Ramada and then eventually the Legacy Grand Hotel. In 2008, the latest owners, CNL Lifestyle Properties, purchased the property and began a $19 million renovation last spring. On April 15, <strong>2010</strong>, CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort Orlando opened to the public. Its aim is to capture the spirit and feel of Key West. It is the 10th property in the CoCo Key chain. This re-imagining of the property came complete with a 54,000 square-foot waterpark. Geared toward families, the waterpark facility offers fun and thrills no matter the age. Factory Wholesale Pricing! • Over 100 Designs Available! • Ask us about our show specials! Hey There cowboys! Come and try our hot western drinkware! For the bigger thrills, three waterslides are geared toward the more adventurous. Three pools provide exercise and relaxation. An outdoor children’s play island offers interactive fun that includes water cannons, slides and a sizable 400-gallon tipping bucket that offers its deluge every few minutes. And for the youngest of all resort guests, a play area geared toward the small ones provides a zero depth entry pool. With the more high profile capital supplied by White- Water West, CoCo Key offers guests a two-person Boomerango slide. “This is my favorite slide,” says Richard Jackson, director of sales and marketing. “It provides guests with near-vertical sliding complete with moments of weightlessness. It is very unique and the first such attraction in all of Florida. It’s a real thrill!” Surfer Splash and Over the Falls are more traditional bodyslides, with the Surfer Splash being milder than the twisted Over the Falls, a high speed enclosed thrill slide. Several areas seem to accommodate particular ages and specific likes. Minnow Lagoon is designed for the very 4See COCO KEY, page 20 for a surprise, click on Adventures of sipperella at www.sippersbydesign.com CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort has opened in Orlando, Fla. In the mix of new waterpark equipment is this slide tower, with Boomerango slide from WhiteWater West. Below, hotel guests can still enjoy the traditional setting of a swimming pool. AT PHOTOS/ SAMMY PICCOLA Toll Free: (800) 395-9980 • email: Ldsippers@aolcom • www.sippersbydesign.com