Schlitterbahn Waterpark Debuts Congo River Expedition on Sunday

Already open on weekends, Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels will really kick off its 2009 season on Sunday, May 24 at 10 a.m. with the unveiling of the Congo River Expedition, a multi-sensory jungle adventure.

The fun is right out of an Indiana Jones-type adventure:

• After crossing makeshift rope bridges, guests enter the Congo River Outpost gaining access to the exploration campsite.
• A giant angry volcano verges 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 an enormous “lava-heated” hot tub offers explorers the last opportunity to relax prior to beginning their river expedition. The journey leads past the volcano where guests are greeted by the head 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.

Guests of all ages are welcome to ride, but the park notes that certain aspects of the jungle may be too scary for younger children.

Admission: Day passes are $39.99 for general admission and $31.99 for children, ages 3 – 11 and seniors 55 years or older. Taxes not included in the ticket prices. Parking is free. Discounted season passes are available.

For more information:

• visit www.schlitterbahn.com