Tips for a smoother ride at Wet ’n’ Wild

By Brian Nordli

Saturday, June 1, 2013 | 2 a.m.

Since Wet ’n’ Wild Las Vegas’ long-awaited opening, visitors have flooded the water park excited to be the first to explore its towering slides and various attractions.

The much-anticipated park operated at full capacity on Grand Opening Day and continued to operate at higher-than-normal levels throughout the first week, park spokeswoman Nancy Katz said. With Las Vegas thirsting for a water park since the old Wet 'n Wild closed in 2004, Katz said the park is going to continue to be busy for the next few weeks.

Still, there is hope for eager guests who don’t want to wait in long, winding lines under the hot sun to ride the Rattler or deal with gridlock along the Colorado Cooler lazy river. Here are a few tips to maximize your trip to Wet ’n’ Wild Las Vegas:

• Visit during low tide: The best way to experience the park without the hassle of long lines and crowded wave pools is to visit during the weekdays, Katz said. If possible, Katz also suggested guests should consider visiting in the afternoon since most visitors come when the park opens and leave in the middle of the day.

• Bring your own chair: Although lounge chairs and shade are provided throughout the park, Katz said guests are allowed to bring their own as long as they are used in the grass area and can be properly secured.

• Floaties: No external flotation devices are permitted inside the park; however, the park does provide tubes and life jackets for free.

• Parking: Come an hour before the park opens to avoid packed parking lots. Wet ’n’ Wild Las Vegas has with two lots to handle the influx of visitors, and both open an hour before the water park, Katz said.

• Reserve a cabana: Guests can rent a cabana at Wet ’n’ Wild Las Vegas, but reservations are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested guests may call 702-979-1600, email [email protected] or visit a ticket window during operating hours to rent one.