JON S. CORZINE
Governor, Chair

VIRGINIA S. BAUER
Commerce CEO/Secretary

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Karen Wolfe
609.292.2523

Thrills and Chills Make for an Exciting Summer
for Visitors to New Jersey's Amusement and Water Parks

Trenton, NJ —The adrenaline rush from traveling at speeds over 100 miles per hour, or a sudden splash of water while traveling on a log or winding down a slippery slide, are experiences that make for fun and excitement at any of New Jersey’s amusement and water parks. This year’s new activities and attractions will be even more pleasurable for thrill seekers.

Faster, wetter, wilder, aptly describe theme park amusements making their 2006 debut. The young and the young at heart will find plenty of jaw dropping, drenching fun.

“Amusement and water parks throughout the state are gearing up for a spectacular summer season,” said Nancy J. Byrne, Executive Director of Travel and Tourism. “This year, the state’s theme parks are offering various attractions that will appeal to people of all ages.”

Water Parks:
Delaware River Tubing, Inc. is a new tubing and raft riding attraction located in Frenchtown. This attraction offers an exclusive free-floating BBQ picnic area. Satisfy your appetite with a BBQ snack half- way down the river ride, sponsored by The Famous River Hot Dog Man. Fun for the entire family. For more information visit www.delawarerivertubing.com, or call at 908-996-5386.

At Splash World Waterpark in Clementon, the newly automated Sky River Rapids slide is ready for “extreme” river rafting. Groups of six can experience the thrilling sensation of practically being airborne while traveling through three sets of slides and three huge splash pools. For information visit www.clementonpark.com, or call 856- 783-0263.

Mountain Creek Waterpark in Vernon features High Anxiety, a four-story drop into a huge funnel where you’ll swing back and forth along the walls to dizzying heights. The H2-Oh-No Speed Slide catapults you 99 feet in seconds. The Colorado River Ride will give you the experience of white water rafting as you twist and turn at high velocity down the mountain. Test your courage on the Tarzan Swings by jumping from a platform 15 feet over a deep mountain pool. You’ll decide when you're ready to release yourself from the rope and splash into the water below.

Parents will enjoy the Hightide Wavepool where they can relax in the sun or shade while the kids romp through the clean rolling surf. Ride down Thunder Run, a two-passenger tube ride that hurls you through twists, turns and sudden drops. Race your kids down Sidewinder; the side by side mat slides, or try Rogue River, a breathtaking body slide that winds around the mountain before plunging into total darkness.

Toddlers will enjoy Half Pint Harbor, which features Lost Island Lazy River. Drawn by a gentle current, kids can drift around a channel in inflatable tubes. The Fishing Village is an interactive water play fort complete with water cannons, slides and tunnels to crawl through. There’s also Li’l Dippers, a shallow pool with a frog slide and spray fountain surrounded by lounge chairs. For information on Mountain Creek amusements visit www.mountaincreekwaterpark.com, or call 973-864-8444.

Splash Zone Interactive Water Park is considered Wildwood’s coolest interactive water park. Splash Zone is home to the Speed Dominator an amusement aptly described by its name. The Beast of the East offers visitors giant rafts big enough for riding the whitewater. Relax your way down Adventure River. Brave the World’s Highest Bucket – a 1,000-gallon torrential downpour of wet refreshment every three minutes, on anyone who dares to stand under it! For information visit www.splashzonewaterpark.com or call 609-729-5600.

Runaway Rapids at Keansburg Amusement Park has been renovated and park officials are anxious to show visitors a good time. Among the many features this mega million- dollar rehab will offer are: “Crazy” Lazy River, Resort-style warming pools with waterfalls, a brand new toddler area designed especially for the younger guests and six new slides with “The Big Tippy”, a newly designed tipping bucket. For information visit www.runawayrapids.com or call 732-495-1400.

Jenkinson's Breakwater Beach Waterpark at Casino Pier in Seaside Heights (Formally Water Works) now offers more family fun and excitement. Breakwater Beach Water Park is a brand new, state-of-the-art water park with the largest interactive play area on the North Atlantic Coast. For information visit www.casinopiernj.com/breakwaterbeach or call 732-793-6488.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is one of the world’s largest water-adventure parks where you can experience some of the wildest, wettest thrills in a 45- acre hideaway. For information on Six Flags Great Adventure visit www.sixflags.com, or call 732-928-1821.

Amusements:
Clementon Amusement Park in Clementon continues to maintain its old time charm, while entertaining the modern day crowd. New for 2006 is the J2 Wooden Roller Coaster. Other recent additions include the thrilling turn-you-upside down Inverter and the breathtaking Chaos rides. For information visit www.clementonpark.com or call 856- 783-0263.

The Adventure Aquarium in Camden is now featuring the SpongeBob SquarePants® 4D Ride. Guests can help SpongeBob on an adventure as he pursues a runaway pickle in his heartfelt desire to serve the perfect Krabby Patty. Join SpongeBob as he chases his best friend Patrick through Bikini Bottom in this hilarious and zany adventure. The audience will be able to experience the spray of the sea, smell the ocean breeze and see lightning illuminate the theater. For information visit www.adventureaquarium.com or call 856-365-3300.

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson recently opened Bugs Bunny National Park, which consists of a children's area, six themed rides, show venue and snack bar for kids to enjoy rides, musical revue Looney tunes "we got the beat" where children can meet the characters. "Plaza del Carnival" a newly themed area with a coastal Mexican theme featuring rides for both thrill-seekers and children. El Toro is one of tallest, fastest wooden coasters. Tango swinging spinning ride is good for kids and parents opens later this summer. For information on Six Flags Great Adventure visit www.sixflags.com, or call 732-928-1821.

Casino Pier offers a variety of amusements that will satisfy the entire family. From the Star Jet roller coaster to the relaxing Sky Ride that gives you an extensive view of the shore. Children will enjoy the endless amount of kiddie rides. There is even a haunted Stillwalk Manor for the brave at heart. For information visit www.casinopiernj.com or call 732-793-6488.

Keansburg Amusement Park has always been a family destination and crowd pleaser. Amusements to enjoy include the Moby Dick ride, a rotating platform that whisks up to 24 riders high and away at increasing speeds. Kite Flyer offers a simulated free flying experience for young and old. The Chaos, Tornado, Pharaoh's Fury and Wild Cat Roller Coaster are other dazzling amusements. For information visit www.keansburgamusementpark.com or call 732-495-1400.

Surfside Pier at Morey's Piers in Wildwood: Surfside Pier at 25th Avenue has been transformed into Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club. Formerly Raging Waters, the enhancements to the park make it more appealing parents and children. Kids will enjoy many of the same great rides that made the park attractive, such as AtmosFEAR and Zoom Phloom, at the same time, parents can enjoy the all new resort-themed atmosphere featuring: beverage service, private cabana rentals with towel service, hammocks, outdoor pool tables, chess, backgammon, a new retail area and other amenities. For information visit www.moreyspiers.com or call 609-522-3900.

New Jersey travel and tourism information is available free at all New Jersey Tourist Information offices, or by calling the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism at 1-800-VISITNJ or via the state’s tourism Web site at www.visitnj.org.