Water parks are, today, one of the summertime leisure options that are most preferred by young people and families. They are a fun alternative to have a day out with your family or group of friends while you enjoy the many activities and attractions that revolve around the water world.
Dining, sport, and guided activities are linked with the water park’s slides and pools, making there be something for everyone. Still, water parks are not just a trend from current times. They have a long, curious history that dates back thousands of years.
The origin of water parks is said to come from the hot springs which abound in Mexico and a good part of South America. Ancient civilizations like the Mayas or the Aztecs used these places with large waterfalls and hot water as centers for the community to come together at. As the centuries passed, the populations that settled around these natural paradises began to build larger leisure centers around them with food stalls, lodging, and even rudimentary attractions.
The success of the aforementioned leisure centers (which are still today “must-visit” places for travelers and citizens alike, and which are built today with vast guarantees and services without losing their natural essence) and the proliferation and acceptance of the theme parks which appeared at the end of the 21st Century, made the “industry of fun” take a step forward and add water to its rides.
Thus, in the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s, the first water parks began to arise in the United States. The first one to open was Wet’n’Wild in Orlando, which was conceptualized by the creator of Sea World — a leader in terms of leisure and theme parks. In few years, Europe, Asia, and America added this new type of leisure.
In 1985, the first water park to exist in Spain appeared — Aqualandia. It was built in the tourist city par excellence, Benidorm, and was one of the largest water parks in the world — likewise being a park that, for many years, was able to hold the honor of being the largest in Europe. Its inauguration, on June 28, added a new concept for fun which complemented the touristic options at the time.
Since its doors opened, Aqualandia has grown into one of the favorite leisure alternatives. Its success is due to its faith in cutting-edge rides and a careful way of working in which its customers, its quality, and its safety are the main priorities.
As the years have passed, many cities in Spain have begun to imitate Benidorm and water parks have begun to pop up offering fun all around the country. Although others have appeared on the scene, Aqualandia continues receiving more and more visitors every year and is constantly working to improve and offer the most innovative range of water attractions possible.
Remodeled attractions and new rides which have not left any of its visitors cold such as the Black Hole or Verti-Go; milestones such as the Guinness Record for the number of swimmers using water guns continuously for five minutes in an artificial wave pool — a record which was obtained in 2010; or the celebration of its 30th anniversary with big events and a nighttime opening. These are the results of more than 30 years of hard work on the behalf of leisure and tourism.
The fun and water formula is a winning bet with millions of followers worldwide: customers who are loyal to traditional slides and pools, and demanding users who want to experience new emotions every year and who, thanks to the industry’s efforts, do indeed experience them firsthand.