Monday, January 12, 2015

Winter at Waldameer: Journeying Into the Eye of the Storm

Temperatures have reached into the single digits, the snow has been falling, and the wind has been howling. There must be another infamous Erie Winter upon us. While we were blessed with a mild December, January has been the exact opposite so far. After a week of snowy frigid conditions keeping us inside, Cabin Fever sent some of the Waldameer Team out into the midways to explore the Winter Wonderland during a break in the lake effect snow. We had to move quickly, as this eye of the storm didn't last for long.

Our first stop is one of everybody's favorite classic wooden coasters, Comet. You would never know a massive Water World expansion is underway to the right with the blowing snow everywhere.

A winter look into the "Heart" of Water World.

Wild River or Olympic Bobsled Course?

Speaking of Olympic Sports, Thunder River could fool anyone as a Ski Jump, but be careful of that landing!

A little snow never stopped the Pirate from protecting his Cove from treasure hunters.

Some of our worst fears all in one shot: Spiders, Haunted Houses, Heights, and Snow!

Spider's tubs are in the Maintenance Shop for their annual "Spin Up."

 The Shack might be cold and snow covered on the outside, but the spirits inside are alive and well.

Did anyone inform these guests that it is 7 degrees outside?

Ravine Flyer 3 might be the smallest of the "Ravine Flyers" but we need some practice for the challenge ahead.

Make sure you sit upright, hold on tight, and enjoy your Snow Flight on Ravine Flyer II.
Are you nervous yet?

But this special ride on Ravine Flyer II is going to pause for a moment to take in the spectacular winter views.

To our right, the North End is looking more like the North Pole.

Kiddieland and its neighbors brace for the next band of lake effect snow.

click image to enlarge
Wow! What a view of the entire park! But watch out, a storm is brewing.

Correction: A storm is brewing with the exception of this part of the track where the snow never sticks, because it's always a hot 90 degrees.

One last chance to enjoy the spectacular winter view. Just a few days ago, Lake Erie was wide open with crashing waves. Weather sure changes quickly around here.

Would you dare to ride Ravine Flyer II in the snow?

A "snow bunny" hop ahead.

Now that was one Waldameer and Water World adventure you will never forget! Until next time, stay warm!

Monday, January 5, 2015

Over the Hill

Guess What? Did you know that we just passed the halfway point between our recent 2014 Season and the beginning of the 2015 Season? That's Right! January 4th was Day 125 of the 250 day off-season. We have made it over the hill, and what a better way to celebrate than to actually go over one of the largest "natural" hills at Waldameer and Water World. Lace up your boots and do some stretches, as we are about to take a rare opportunity climb the treacherous, but temporary, Mount Waveside.

Challenge Accepted!

(click on image to enlarge)
Made it to the top, but you may be asking why we are climbing this mountain? To make a long story short, a Giant Wave Pool expansion construction progress update is way overdue. So let's explore from an aerial perspective.

First thing we see is the progress on our Giant Wave Pool. Much of the concrete for the building holding the wave makers has been poured. The extension in the middle is the "peninsula" that will divide both sections of the massive pool. It might not seem like a lot of progress has been made since September, but this is the most complex section of the pool due to the amount of concrete needed for the very deep foundation in addition to the structures and plumbing needed to generate waves.

To the right of the Giant Wave Pool we can get a great aerial view of the progress on the new family restrooms and the expanded Locker House. The expanded Locker House (next to Comet) is actually the former Pizza Beach concession stand which will be recommissioned for locker rentals and some merchandise offerings. Each one of our new buildings will feature vibrant blue roofing seen here that will shine brightly in the sun.

Near Awesome Twosome and Liquid Lightning, the Waveside Grill is taking shape. You will find all of our most popular food items here as well as some new specialty items such as fresh handmade burgers and even spaghetti dinners. For you water slide dare devils, we left just enough space for a future giant bowl slide behind the Waveside Grill.

Looking South we see construction crews hard at work preparing the necessary drainage systems that will control runoff in the soon to be paved Peninsula Drive Parking Lot. Yes, that's right! Goodbye dirt and dust, and hello smooth, organized parking!

We might have a long Winter ahead of us, but it's okay to get excited for another Summer of Family Fun as we are more than halfway there. From here on out, expect the Giant Wave Pool and the surrounding area to really take off and begin looking more like their finished result. 

Until next time, Stay Warm!