originally posted on 6/11/2021
Photo: Kristopher Rowberry. View full-sized image.
For more than two decades, Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels, Texas) has welcomed ACE members to the waterpark voted Number 1 in the world. Known for its lengthy attractions, world-class rides, as well as innovation and creativity, Schlitterbahn has enjoyed entertaining the enthusiast community since the 1990s. Over the years, a mutual respect and love affair between the two entities has made SchlitterCon one of the most popular events in Texas.
This year, changes were inevitable. After a year off from the event (the park wasn’t even open in May 2020), new ownership and restrictions because of a global pandemic , ACEers were wondering what SchlitterCon 17 would look like.
There were many positives. With the park now under Cedar Fair ownership, ACEers immediately noticed upgrades all around the park. Schlitterbahn has never looked better: fresh color, landscaping and remodeled bathrooms made everything top tier. Also still in place — ACE love. Members were welcomed with great hospitality. Perks were still there: lots of food, an included event shirt, ERT, some SkyCoaster giveaways, “beverages” and more. Not to mention, attendees enjoyed a bonus day on Saturday, May 29, for an extra day at the park and an included meal.
Welcome words for ACEers!
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Event T-shirts were a nice perk.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
The unfortunate downside was the strict limitation on attendance: a hard 150. The Schlitterbahn team was bound by that restriction because of the meal arrangements of the dinner venue. For the first time ever, attendance was limited, and the event sold out quickly. It is assumed that once all restrictions are lifted, 2021 will be the only year this is necessary.
Schlitterbahn was also thrown a curveball — the weather. While during the event, the weather for the most part was cooperative, the Friday night before saw significant storms, which affected the water levels (and quality) of the Comal River. The original section of Schlitterbahn uses these spring-fed waters in the park’s renowned tube chutes. Alas, that part of the park was not able to open, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the upgrades in the original park had to be canceled. Taking that in stride, attendees enjoyed all the fun of the modern “innovative” sections of the park. The Surfenberg section, Blastenhoff and The Falls — the longest waterpark ride in the world — were ready to greet the Memorial Day weekend crowds.
Sunday morning, May 30, everyone gathered for an awesome breakfast in an updated catering area. All the standards were there, with chicken and waffles added into the mix. Fresh fruit and morning mimosas made for a stylish meal.
"The smell of bacon and the popping of champagne bottles — it must be SchlitterCon,” said General Manager Darren Hill.
Before the park opened, ERT on Dragon’s Revenge, the world’s first uphill water coaster, got everyone in the water. A Boogie Bahn competition was divided into one for adults and a junior division for kids.
Boogie Bahn competition. View full-sized image.
Dragon’s Revenge.
Photos: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
The park opened at 11. With the tour canceled, the afternoon was wide open with free time to explore and play. An unexpected rainstorm caused the skies to go black for about 30 minutes. Midafternoon downpours tweaked everyone’s plans. But the storm moved through.
Gathering for dinner, attendees were wowed with a spectacular meal in a decorated pavilion. Smoked beef tenderloin with a gorgonzola/horseradish sauce, succulent chicken breast in a poblano cream sauce, Gouda mashed potatoes and a fresh veggie medley were just part of an impressive meal. Medals were given out, announcements were made and a group photo was taken. Snagging medals in the Boogie Bahn competition were Alan Nichols, Zach Hinojosa and William Thornton for the adults and Haley Azlin, Sam Voss and Audrey Cyphers in the junior division. Best Wipeout went to Darien Cyphers and Zachary Neal in their respective divisions. Past winners enter a champion division, and the winners there were Bryce Azlin in the senior division and Nathan Stahmer in the junior division.
Boogie Bahn competition winners.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
The public was given an extra half hour of time to play, so ACEers enjoyed a selection of desserts and an adult selection from the Shipwreck Bar. Once the park cleared, attendees could hop on the world-famous Master Blaster and other rides in the Blastenhoff area for ERT. Multiple circuits on the water coaster were easy to achieve. Food, drink and rides were an ideal way to socialize at the event’s finale.
Schlitterbahn’s catering department provided one of the finest meals ever presented for an ACE event.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Attendees from three other states outside of Texas included ACE President Robert Ulrich — fulfilling a dare to don a Speedo.
Robert (wearing a hidden Speedo) and Peggy Ulrich floating in The Falls.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
SchlitterCon 17 was the park’s first event since the pandemic started, so numerous components had to be worked out at the last minute. ACE was appreciative of all the work that went into it, including that of several volunteers. Thanks were given to Angela Flournoy, Aaron Martinez, Nikki Adams, Darren Hill and the Schlitterbahn team for extending their hospitality, even in the face of ever-changing situations. It was nice to know that Schlitterbahn still “got” ACE.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor
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