The precursor to MyMagic+ gets tested at Wet n' Wild
Image: RFID-Armbands
Though Walt Disney World guests have been using MagicBands and MyMagic+ technology for several years now, what some may not remember is a technology that very closely resembles what is currently in use at Walt Disney World was first tested out at Wet 'n Wild back in 2006. Known as GO technology, Wet 'n Wild guests who opted to use this brand new technology could store credit card info on a waterproof bracelet that used Radio Frequency (RFID) technology in order to pay for food, souvenirs, rentals and more by scanning their bracelet. Though this technology wasn't as intricate as what was being developed at the same time at Walt Disney World, it is certainly interesting to think that theme park wearables actually debuted more than a decade ago at a water park.
Wet 'n Wild gets hit by a Volcano
Image: Universal
Universal continued to expand Wet 'n Wild in the early 2010s, with the park getting a new kids' area named Blastaway Beach in 2012 and the all-new Aqua Drag Racer slide complex in 2014. However, even though new attractions were coming in at regular intervals, plans were coming together just across the street that would eventually become this park's undoing.
In 2015, Universal Orlando Resort announced that it would be opening its own brand new water park: Volcano Bay. This new park would have an explosive icon, several new slides, and would be constructed right across from the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Now those with knowledge of the immediate vicinity of Universal Orlando Resort know that this location is just a block away from the existing Wet 'n Wild park. Which presented Universal with an interesting question: did a resort with two theme parks also need two water parks? And perhaps more importantly, would the presence of the well-established Wet 'n Wild hurt the brand new Volcano Bay? By now, you probably know how Universal answered.
Image: Universal
Just a few weeks after Volcano Bay was first announced, it was confirmed that Wet 'n Wild would be closing forever on December 31st, 2016. This certainly came as a shock to fans of this water park, and while the aforementioned location concerns were certainly a factor, some have hypothesized that Universal may also be trying to poach some of Wet 'n Wild's slides in an effort to boost Volcano Bay's early ride count during its first few years of operation. Whatever the case is, Wet 'n Wild is counting down its final days of operation, which is sad news indeed.
The lasting legacy of the world's first modern water park
Image: Wet 'n Wild
Founder George Millay imagined Wet 'n Wild as a new kind of destination for Florida tourists, and he most certainly accomplished his goal of introducing the world's first modern water park. Throughout his life, Millay was honored for his contributions to the theme park industry. In 1994, Millay was inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame, and in 2004 (only two years before he would pass away due to complications from lung cancer), the World Waterpark Association gave him their first ever Lifetime Achievement Award and named him the official "Father of the Waterpark".
While George Millay may not have the lasting name recognition that Walt Disney has, there's no doubt that he had almost as great an impact on the theme park industry. While Walt dreamed of a park where families could have fun in the sun, Millay solved a practical problem for Florida tourists and invented a new kind of theme park in the process that would go on to pave the way for water parks around the country like Water Country, Adventure Island, and even Walt Disney World's Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, which would not exist if it wasn't for Millay's invention.
Image: Wet 'n Wild
Though the park that started it all, Wet 'n Wild Orlando, may be facing down its final days, this park's historical impact will be felt for years to come, as water parks around the world owe a huge debt to both founder George Millay and the original Wet 'n Wild.
Did you get the chance to visit Wet n' Wild Orlando during its nearly 40 year history? What are your favorite memories of this water park? Share your stories in the comments below!
Comments
This park could easily survive. Universal is being lazy in this respect, they are afraid that this old park will hurt the new one because they don't believe in the design of the new one. This is a case of one person with all the power forcing others in the Universal group to follow along.
I'm from Central Florida and went to Wet N Wild many times growing up. Enjoyed the lean times as well as the crazy times of the MTV Summer Nights while in High School. Going to be sad seeing it closed up.
Hum do we need 2 Water parks on top of 2 theme parks? Disney has 2 Water parks and 4 theme parks so blah excuse Universal. Hopefully you can atlest recycle some of the slide somehow rather then leave them to rot.
I am sure three waterparks in the Universal Area could work. They could make WetnWild the budget option of three. While Aquatica and Volcano bay are heavily themed WetnWild is the one with great rides teens will love more. So two parks catering families and one catering teens and young adults would certainly work.
So many memories here. Having patroned every water park in central Florida and the Tampa area, I found Wet n' Wilds lineup of attractions the most impressive. The addition of the attractions in the lake also helped make this park stand out in the crowd. The slides were intense and very fun. Disco H2O was especially a special mix of entertainment and thrills. I understand the decision to close this park. I hope Universal does indeed reincarnate or relocate the major slides and attractions at Wet n' Wild to Volcano Bay. Maybe a final trip is in order. Great article! Never knew the significance of the man behind the World's first water park!