Rattler waterslide at Wet ‘n’ Wild snags Travel Channel spotlight

A Las Vegas water park is home to one of the top U.S. waterslides.

The Rattler, a more than 360-foot long green and pink water slide at Wet ‘n’ Wild, was recently ranked by the Travel Channel as being an “insane” water ride, along with six others across the country. The multi-rider slide will be featured on “Xtreme Waterparks,” airing at 9 p.m. Sunday.

Takuya Ohki, general manager of Wet ‘n’ Wild, said The Rattler is his favorite ride.

“When you see the faces of the kids and parents as they come out from the tunnel, you can tell it’s a good (ride),” he said.

The ride was introduced in 2013, when the waterpark reopened. At 7055 S. Fort Apache, the slide joins eight other slides at the park, ranging from single to multi-rider.

He described the ride as being on the “extreme side” because of the rocking and rattling effect of the pools of water during the ride down.

“That’s the fun part — you’re not expecting it,” he said.

Lindy Frye, marketing manager, said the ride is inclusive for some of the younger kids too, who are usually barred from certain rides because of height requirements. Ohki said because the ride uses a different type of pool at the end of the ride, it’s more inclusive to younger ages.

“It’s so great when the kids hit the mark at 42 inches,” Frye said. “And then they get to go experience that with the older brother, mom and dad.”

On busy days, The Rattler has about 20-35 minute waiting times, Ohki said. Express bands are available, which virtually save a person’s spot in line, and notifies them when it’s their turn in line. The bands help reduce waiting in line, he said.

On a weekday afternoon, about 20 people waited at the end of the slide, waiting to haul a lime green two-person or four-person raft to the top of the staircase where the ride began. The sound of rushing water and screams of joy echoed near the tunnel’s end.

Austin Osborn, who waited in line with his sister, said the ride was a great time because it was family-oriented.

“The more people you have, the quicker you go,” the 16-year-old said.

As they were near the front of the line, the ride stalled for about 10 minutes. He was about to walk away, but the sound of the rushing water drew them back in line, where many potential riders had walked away.

Monteen Javenes, and her kids and family friend are season pass holders. She said they’ve been riding The Rattler since the park opened in 2013. They go to the waterpark about two times a week, and the Rattler is always on their list.

“It’s our favorite ride,” the 41-year-old said. “The heavier the raft is, the higher you go. It’s awesome.”

Her son, Cameron Dobis, 11, animatedly explained that his favorite part was the splashing.

“It splashes like pshhh and it goes like high,” he said, waving his arms in arc as he described the rocking motion of the raft during the ride.

Samantha Criswell, 12, said they try to go with adults so it goes higher. But her favorite part?

“The rattling of it,” she said with a smile.

Contact Melissa Gomez at mgomez@reviewjournal.com or at 702-383-0278. Follow @melissagomez004 on Twitter.