In 2025, you’ll encounter some of the biggest water slides, like Mt. Olympus’s Icarus Tower, featuring the tallest in North America at 145 feet and a thrilling 780-foot drop. Golfland Sunsplash is adding Riptide, a 65-foot-tall slide with nearly vertical walls and twists. Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi is expanding with over 20 new rides and immersive themes. Stay tuned to discover how these colossal slides are redefining thrill and adventure in water parks.
Key Takeaways
- Rise of Icarus Tower at Mt. Olympus features North America’s tallest waterslide at 145 feet, with a 780-foot ride called *The Fall*.
- Golfland Sunsplash introduces the Riptide Waterslide in late summer 2025, offering a 65-foot drop with vertical wall propulsion and TornadoWAVE.
- Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi expands in July 2025, adding over 20 new rides, including dueling tube races and mini zero-gravity boomerangos for kids.
- New slides emphasize thrill with dark interiors, high speeds, and safety features, including height restrictions of at least 48 inches.
- Leading manufacturers like ProSlide ensure quality, with regional-first features and immersive environments enhancing water park experiences in 2025.
Rise of Icarus Tower at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park
Rising majestically at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, the Rise of Icarus Tower is a true thrill landmark. It features five slides, with the tallest reaching 145 feet—the highest waterslide in North America. The centerpiece, *The Fall*, twists from the tower’s summit, offering a 780-foot ride in about 30 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. Four additional slides descend from a lower 60-foot platform, giving thrill-seekers multiple options. Riders climb roughly 10 stories to reach the top, with height restrictions of at least 48 inches. The tower’s sleek design, combined with the dark, lightless interior of the slides, amplifies the adrenaline rush. To ensure safety, riders are advised to use proper slide safety precautions and secure themselves well before the descent. Open seasonally from mid-May to September, it’s a must-visit for anyone craving the ultimate water slide adventure in Wisconsin Dells.
Riptide Waterslide at Golfland Sunsplash
The Riptide Waterslide at Golfland Sunsplash promises an adrenaline-pumping experience for thrill-seekers in Mesa, Arizona. Standing over 65 feet tall, it features a 65-foot drop that delivers a heart-racing descent. After the initial plunge, you’ll be propelled up a nearly vertical wall, creating intense moments of weightlessness. Designed for 2-4 riders per raft, it requires a minimum height of 48 inches, with weight restrictions ensuring safety—minimum 200 lbs and a combined maximum of 700 lbs. The slide’s layout includes dizzying twists before the vertical ascent, with a TornadoWAVE element similar to the California model. Manufactured by ProSlide, it combines adrenaline with fleeting weightlessness, making it a standout addition to Golfland Sunsplash’s collection of thrill rides. Every journey has a story, and this new water slide offers a memorable chapter for adventure enthusiasts. Opening is expected late summer 2025.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Expansion
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi has expanded considerably, opening a 13,445-square-meter area on July 1, 2025, that introduces over 20 new rides and attractions. You’ll find the park now boasts more than 60 adventures, all themed around the “Lost City,” continuing the story of “The Legend of the Lost Pearl.” Among the new rides, the Al Falaj Race offers the region’s first side-by-side dueling tube raft race, while Al Sahel Junior features the first mini zero-gravity boomerango for kids. Bahamut’s Rage delivers dramatic drops on a log flume, and there are high-thrill slides for adrenaline junkies, alongside family-friendly options. The expansion enhances immersion with a new themed dining venue and storytelling elements, making Yas Waterworld a year-round destination for visitors of all ages. Self Watering Plant Pots are an example of innovative structures designed to improve efficiency and convenience in maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Safety Features Are Implemented on These New Slides?
You’ll find advanced safety features on these new slides, like fiberglass structures for strength and lightweight durability, non-slip surfaces to prevent slips, and computer simulations to optimize rider control. They meet ASTM standards, undergo load testing, and include safety signage for rider awareness. Additionally, real-time monitoring and security systems help staff respond quickly to emergencies, ensuring your safety from start to finish while enjoying the thrill.
Are These Slides Suitable for Children or Only Thrill-Seekers?
You’ll find that many of these new slides are designed with children in mind. For example, a water park might feature a 12-foot inflatable slide with multiple entry points and non-slip surfaces, making it safe and fun for kids of different ages. These slides often include splash pools and gentle curves, ensuring children can enjoy the thrill without the risks associated with high, fast-paced rides meant for thrill-seekers.
Will There Be Height or Weight Restrictions for Riders?
Yes, there will be height and weight restrictions for riders. You need to be at least 36 to 48 inches tall, depending on the slide, and meet specific weight limits, usually between 250 and 300 pounds for thrill rides. These restrictions help guarantee your safety by fitting you properly on the slide or raft. Staff strictly enforce them, and you may need supervision or accommodations if you’re near the limits.
How Long Does the Typical Ride Experience Last?
The typical ride experience lasts between 20 and 60 seconds, depending on the slide’s length and design. You might enjoy a quick, intense thrill on shorter slides under 30 seconds, especially those with steep drops and high speeds. Longer rides over 600 feet can extend closer to a minute, offering more prolonged excitement with turns, drops, and splashdowns. Your ride duration varies based on the slide’s features and your body position.
Are There Any Planned Special Events or Previews Before Opening?
You’ll likely find some exclusive previews or media events before the official openings. Parks like Kings Island’s Soak City and Zoombezi Bay often host media sneak peeks or VIP previews to generate buzz. While public preview events aren’t always announced, industry trends suggest that select guests and influencers get early access to new rides. Keep an eye on park announcements and social media for potential special events and sneak previews.
Conclusion
Get ready to plunge into a world where thrill rides soar like Icarus chasing the sun and waves crash with wild abandon. These new water slides are set to turn your adventure into a rollercoaster of adrenaline and splash-filled fun, transforming water parks into playgrounds of dreams. As you brave these towering giants, you’ll feel like a daring explorer riding the winds of excitement—because 2025’s water slides aren’t just rides, they’re epic stories waiting to be written on the waves.
