As an avid water park enthusiast and Southern California resident for over 20 years, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting countless water parks across the region. And in my opinion, Wild Rivers Irvine is one of the best.
With its grand reopening in 2024 after a complete renovation, Wild Rivers is better than ever before. As someone who has visited this park over a dozen times since first going as a kid in the 90s, I can confidently say the upgrades take this iconic water park to the next level while still retaining its old-school charm.
In this visitor’s guide, I’ll share my insider tips and tricks for making the most of your Wild Rivers Irvine experience in 2024, including:
- The best rides for thrill-seekers, families, and small children
- Top tips for avoiding long lines
- Where to find the best food
- Important rules and policies to know before your visit
- And much more to help you plan your perfect water park getaway!
As a resident water park expert who has been going to Wild Rivers for over 20 years, you can trust my advice will set you up for an epic adventure at one of California’s top water parks!
The Best Rides at Wild Rivers Irvine After $60 million in renovations and upgrades, Wild Rivers Irvine boasts some seriously exciting rides in 2024. Here are my top picks:
King Cobra: Hold onto your tubes! At 65 feet tall, King Cobra packs a major adrenaline rush with its extreme slopes, high speeds, and daring loops. This thrilling slide is not for the faint of heart but delivers nonstop action. As a longtime visitor, I can say King Cobra is one of the best additions to Wild Rivers in 2024.
The Bora Bora Boomerango: If you’re a thrill-seeker like me, don’t miss this unique slide! You and a friend race down a massive bowl shape, zooming up one side and then the other in your raft. The feeling of weightlessness when you reach the top is a total rush!
WildVenture: This epic five-story water play structure has it all – dumping buckets, slides, ropes, bridges, and over 100 soakers to discover. With towers connected by net crawls and tunnels, it’s perfect for adventurous kids and kids at heart to explore. After many visits over the decades, I can definitively say WildVenture is the most elaborate water fort I’ve ever seen.
The whole family can enjoy thrill rides like Venom Drop and Monster Falls, while little ones have their own pint-sized play areas like Kid’s Cove. With upgrades expanding the park to 23 acres and doubling its size, Wild Rivers Irvine truly has something for everyone when it opens in 2024.
Insider Tips for Beating the Crowds
As a longtime visitor, I know crowds can put a damper on the fun during peak season. Use my insider tips to make the most of your visit:
Arrive Early: Get to the park right when gates open, so you can snag inner tubes and ride all the top slides with little wait time. Mornings are less crowded!
Avoid Weekends: If possible, visit Wild Rivers on a weekday when most crowds are at school or work. The park is busiest on Saturdays.
Use Single Rider Lines: If you don’t mind splitting up, use the single rider line to skip ahead on many rides. Just ask an attendant which slides offer it.
Book Cabanas: Splurge on cabanas to have premium seating plus exclusive food and drink delivery. It’s pricey but worth it to relax in the shade away from crowds.
As a 20-year park veteran, I know how annoying long lines can be. Using my insider tips will help you make the most of your time at the park by cutting down on waiting and letting you have more splashing fun!
Where to Find the Best Food?
No visit to Wild Rivers is complete without tasty food and drinks to keep your energy up. With a complete culinary overhaul, you can expect awesome new dining options park-wide in 2024.
Based on my years of experience, here are my picks for the best places to grab a bite:
Wild Rivers Cantina: This vibrant, Baja-style cantina serves fresh tacos, loaded nachos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites. And the margaritas look amazing too!
Island Grill: For classic water park grub like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken fingers, check out the Island Grill. It has plenty of outdoor seating with a laidback tropical vibe.
Coco Cabana Bar: When you need a cold beverage or sweet treat, stop by this coconut-themed oasis. Smoothies, ice cream, and adult drinks sound like the perfect way to cool off!
With more restaurants and upgraded menus compared to the old park, the food at Wild Rivers gets a major level up for 2024. Just don’t forget to grab a souvenir cup for discounted refills all day long!
Park Policies and Important Rules
Before your visit, be sure to review Wild Rivers’ park policies and rules to make the most of your day:
- All guests must sign a safety waiver before entering. Having it filled out ahead online saves time.
- Life jackets are required for kids under 48 inches tall and are available free of charge.
- Tubes are provided for rides, though a few slides do allow body sliding.
- Most rides have a 48-inch minimum height requirement. Check signs before waiting in line.
- Outside food and drinks are not permitted, with exceptions for medical needs.
- Smoking, alcohol, and general misconduct can result in ejection without a refund.
- Photography and videography are allowed but not for commercial purposes.
As someone who has visited for decades, I know the rules front and back. Following them ensures safety and lets everyone have an awesome day. Don’t hesitate to ask friendly staff if you have any questions!
With over 35 slides spanning over 23 acres, Wild Rivers Irvine is ready to make a huge splash when it reopens in 2024. Thanks to major upgrades, new attractions, and better dining options, this iconic Southern California water park is better than ever before.
As a lifelong fan who’s watched Wild Rivers evolve over 20+ years, I can’t wait to experience the park in its renewed glory. With my insider visitor’s guide in hand, you’re guaranteed to have an epic adventure too on your 2024 visit!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about making the most of your Wild Rivers Irvine vacation! With decades of park experience under my belt, I’m happy to share more tips and tricks.
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Sandeep Karki is a passionate travel writer with a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and over 8 years of experience exploring and documenting the world’s most pristine natural landscapes. As the sole writer for RiverandEarth.com, Sandeep blends his love for travel with a deep understanding of environmental sustainability, offering readers unique insights into eco-friendly travel destinations, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. His work emphasizes responsible travel practices that respect and preserve the environment.
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