The ride of your life at Waterworld

The Tornado Ride is the park’s main attraction.

SHAH ALAM: Families and their children will have more fun this school holidays as WaterWorld @ i-City open its doors to the public tomorrow.

The RM25 million water theme park features the Tornado Ride -- a zero-gravity journey on a tube raft down a 48.8m water tunnel connected to a seven-storey funnel. The thrilling 28-second ride is formed by connecting a steep 49m tunnel from the launch tower to the funnel, which opens at 18m in diameter at the top and reduces gradually to 3m at the bottom.

Riding in groups of four, adventurers enter the top of the tornado funnel in a tube raft at the speed of 13m per second before accelerating into the 45-degree funnel. The weight of the riders controls the oscillations during the ride. Oscillations of between four and six bring the riders high up along the opposite funnel wall, giving them the sense of weightlessness similar to the zero-gravity effect experienced in outer space. It is the only theme park in the region to feature such a ride, which originated in Canada in 2003.

The water theme park is offering a special discount of 50 per cent for the opening day, and thereafter 40 per cent until Nov 24 for pre-purchased tickets. Tickets are normally priced at RM50 per person. WaterWorld @ i-City will have a 10-day carnival to celebrate its opening.

I-Bhd director Monica Ong said the water theme park offers another outlet of wholesome outdoor fun for families to spend quality time together. "We are happy to bring the Tornado Ride to Malaysia so that families can have a memorable day out this school holidays. "This 4ha water theme park is able to accommodate up to 5,000 visitors a day.

"The theme park is suitable for all ages, as we feature sections that are specially designed for toddlers, teenagers, families and even for the elderly. "The Tornado Ride is in line with i-City's vision of having a technology-based hub in Shah Alam for both its commercial and leisure facilities," said Ong at a recent media preview. She added that every aspect has been taken into account to ensure that the Tornado Ride is safe.

Every minute, 20,000 litres of water is pumped into the funnel to ensure a smooth ride. The Tornado can take 480 riders an hour. For those who want a more relaxing activity, laze in the giant Jacuzzi while water jets relieve tired muscles, or enjoy a river adventure through a rocky cave illuminated by LED lights.

These activities are suitable for adults. There is also a children's adventure pool for toddlers, and multi-rainbow slides for older children. The are also food and beverage kiosks, and locker rooms at the park. WaterWorld@i-City also offers a wave pool with a stage and LCD screen for concerts and special events.

WaterWorld @ i-City operates from 10am to 7pm on weekdays, and from 9am to 7pm on weekends, inclusive of public holidays. You can also host private events and functions from 7.30pm to noon. For more information, call 03-5521 8800/8494 or email feedback@i-city.my.

-nst online.