We braved big waves and screamed our way through thrilling slides to find out all that's important about Cartoon Network Amazone, ahead of its first anniversary tomorrow (Oct 3).
1) Cartoon Network Amazone is the world's only Cartoon Network-themed water park. Your favourite characters are featured everywhere, from the attractions themselves to shop displays and trash bin lids.
2) A wristband will be given to you upon entering the venue. You can put money on it to purchase services and food within the water park. Umbrellas and lounge chairs are provided free of charge. Want your own space? Rent a cabana for a starting price of B1,600 per day. It comes with a portable air-con, two lounge chairs and a dining set. Lockers are available for an extra charge of B300 per day. Really? Really.
3) Attractions range from the kid-friendly Cartoonival Zone to a collection of thrilling slides at the Omniverse Zone. There are 13 total attractions.
4) A ride on the Banana Spin is akin to being flushed down the toilet. We think. You and your friend travel together on a raft, down a tube, then swirl in a big bowl for several rounds before going down another tube and landing in a pool, making a big splash.
5) The Goop Loop makes you feel like in a movie. You enter a capsule, only to have a door under your feet open, letting gravity pull you down an enclosed tube. It's of the most thrilling experiences you may ever have.
6) Intergalactic Racers is an individual race for four. Lay on your stomach on a foam mat and hold tight to handrails as you swoop down the colourful slides. In our experience, the one with the most meat on their bones is likely to travel the furthest.
7) Jake Jump lets you accelerate on the stretchy body of Adventure Time's Jake the Dog. Near the end of the ride, your raft shoots up almost vertically, close to the dog's silly face, before gravity grabs you, resulting in an adrenalin-pumping drop.
8) The Omnitrix is another daring attraction, set 23m above the ground. Four people zoom down a tube before entering a giant sphere, where they will swing up and down. Visual projection and music will soon be installed, giving riders an even more heart-racing experience.
9) If you just want to relax, drift away on the Riptide Rapids, the 335m lazy river. Or brave large, artificial waves in the Mega Wave pool, to the tune of upbeat music. You can learn to ride the waves at the Surf Arena.
10) Ben 10, Johnny Bravo and other CN characters will put on a show for you. You'll be left wondering how the Powerpuff Girls sing and dance without tumbling over, given their disproportionately large heads.
11) Recharge with gelato at Dexter's Ice Cream Lab or at the adjacent Dee Dee Bakery, named after the boy genius's sister. More food options are available at Foodville, which offers a variety of options such as Johnny's Burgers and Powerpuff Girls' Asian Delights.
12) Stairs. You'll be walking up a lot of stairs in order to try different slides. Zippers and buttons aren't allowed. A T-shirt and beach shorts combo is the way to go if you want to be modest. Bikinis or speedos for those with beach bods are welcomed.
Cartoon Network Amazone (888 Moo 8, Na Jomtien, Sattahip, Chon Buri) opens daily, from 10am-6pm. Tickets for a one-day pass cost B1,290 for adult, B890 for children and seniors. Visit www.cartoonnetworkamazone.com.
