Wild Rivers is a waterpark located in Irvine in California which is approximately 20 minutes from Disneyland.
The amusement park opened in 1986 on land which was formerly used as a drive-by zoo which was called the Lion and Country Safari but this was replaced by Wild Rivers when it went bankrupt.
Initially, Wild Rivers amusement park only opened with just 4 rides but today it has over 25 rides and 40 attractions in total. It was also the first amusement park in the USA to feature side by side wave pools. Two of its feature rides include Bazooka Bowls and The Patriot and there are plenty of other rides at the amusement park featuring flumes, slides and chutes. In fact, Wild Rivers has more rides than any other water amusement park in Southern California.
Another interesting fact about this amusement park is that whilst catering for thrill seeking rides, it also boasts of having the most rides for younger kids and, unlike a lot of amusement parks, a lot of these kiddie rides are simply smaller scale versions of the larger rides. The latest addition to the amusement park is also a kiddies’ ride called Buccaneer Bay.
The amusement park, which is open from May until September also has a restaurant, café, sweet shop and a number of snack stands catering for all ages and tastes.
It is an amusement park which also likes to do its bit in helping underprivileged children and, each year, it hosts its very own Rubber Ducky Derby which is a rubber duck race down the lazy river with the proceeds going to help those children less fortunate.
Another interesting aspect of the amusement park is how keen it is to use technology to develop its service. Two good examples of this are its Congo Club Corporate Membership programme which allows you to print tickets and passes online from your own computer and thus saves you time when you get to the amusement park. The amusement park’s wristbands are also linked to a Safety Zone electronic tracking system which means you can keep track of your kids and other members of your party whilst in the park.
See also:
Amusement Parks: Raging Waters San Dimas - a Potted History
Amusement Parks: Pixieland Park - a Potted History
Amusement Parks: The Balboa Fun Zone - a Potted History
Amusement Parks: Castle Park - a Potted History