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originally posted on 6/9/2025

Photo: Joseph Ciza. View full-sized image.

SchlitterCon is a Texas favorite each year. While the majority of the event took place on Sunday, May 25, attendees could enjoy a bonus day at Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels) on Saturday, along with activities that evening. From as far as Boston, 100 people registered for the annual event.

Most ACE events take place in amusement parks, but ACE has had a long-standing relationship with Schlitterbahn dating back to the first uphill waterslide coasters in the 1990s. Even with different ownerships, that mutual love affair continues.

It was no surprise to see Memorial Day weekend rather busy, but with temperatures in the upper 90s, it was only fitting that the “Hottest/Coolest Time in Texas” was exceptionally popular. Luckily for attendees, the ERTs and early rides allowed everyone to enjoy key attractions.

Check-in and comments from park staff kicked things off.

Some enjoyed a full day, but a check-in Saturday evening saw everyone arrive. Each attendee received a T-shirt as well as collectables based on the German theme of this year’s event, “Biergarten Karneval.” (Those staying on resort property even found other ACE goodies in their rooms.) A welcome from the event team, led by Serenity Fetherson, and a Q&A with General Manager Darren Hill kicked things off. Then it was time for a full dinner. (The slices of brisket were huge!)

A dinner of pulled pork sliders and smoked brisket was the first offering of nonstop food.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

Soon the park was closed to the public, and ACEers enjoyed ERT on Dragon’s Revenge, the original uphill water coaster from NBGS. The Boogie Bahn Competition always brings out the competitive edge for those snagging a boogie board.

The first evening featured ERT on Dragon’s Revenge and a Boogie Bahn competition.

It was belly up to the bar at Dragon’s Lair.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

The evening ended well with everyone enjoying a Dippin’ Dots sundae bar and … well, a bar. The Dragon’s Lair heated pool served up beverages of choice.

Sunday was full. Starting with a hot breakfast (various types of breakfast burritos along with fruit and pastries) on the park’s new rooftop Biergarten, eager attendees moved on to the morning ERT. Attractions feeding into the Lagoon were open. New for the event was the updated incarnation of Hillside Tube Chute, which opened midsummer in 2024. It still starts off gently, but ACEers were wowed by how wild the second half of the ride has become. It’s just one of those attractions that makes Schlitterbahn one of a kind. Another thing that was different is that alongside the Lagoon was a musician, a young fiddle player! How nice.

Breakfast at the new rooftop Biergarten started the day.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Breakfast burritos! Photo by Joseph Ciza, ERT on the attractions that fed into the Lagoon took place before the park opened.

Just before the park opened, Schlitterbahn allowed attendees early entry to Raging River, the park’s longest tube chute. The attraction travels from one side of Schlitterbahn West to the other, often taking 20 minutes or more. It still uses the fresh spring water — chilly! — from the Comal River.

The newly reconfigured Hillside Tube Chute still starts off mild (pictured) but becomes wickedly crazy.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Breakfast was sizable, and ACEers knew a big dinner was scheduled for the evening. So, what does the park do? They give everyone an all-day dining pass. Whaaaaaaat??

For those willing to get into the spirit of this year’s theme, two contests took place in the afternoon. There was a beer stein-holding contest (granted, plastic not glass) and a Bavarian pretzel-eating contest. The contests were so fun that the general public became intrigued and stood to watch.

The German theme was carried into afternoon competitions. The junior division beer stein-holding contest was first.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

The adults came next.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.

The Bavarian pretzel-eating contest was next, in both divisions.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

Keeping with the theme, dinner was appropriately crafted with brats, Rueben sandwiches and other German specialties.

Schlitterbahn’s great catering staff kept attendees fed.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Winners were announced. The Boogie Bahn Contest was divided into competitions of those 17 and under and those 18 and over. In the junior division: Best on Wave – Ian Simons, first place – Greyson Diehl, second – Riley Diehl, third – Carter Watson and Best Wipeout – Danielle Degeorge. Seniors: Best on Wave – Shawn Diehl, first – Robin Operhall, second – Myles Putnam, third – Rex Kremer and Best Wipeout – Carl Henderson.

Winners of the Boogie Bahn competition received fun prizes.
Photo: Jospeh Ciza. View full-sized image.

Adults got great prizes too.
Photo: Jospeh Ciza. View full-sized image.

In the German contests, Amelia Simons took the beer stein-holding contest (junior division) along with Shawn Diehl (senior). Scarfing down the huge pretzel, Carter Watson won the junior division, and Myles Putnam took the senior division.

A big highlight is the final evening. The attractions on the Blastenhoff tower were open to attendees for an hour-long ERT. Not having to wait for Master Blaster is a real perk. Staggered with that was a dessert bar and … well, a bar (again). Shipwreck Bar was the place to be.

ERT took place at Blastenhoff.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Photos: Jospeh Ciza. View full-sized image.

View full-sized image.

The Shipwreck Bar served up desserts and beverages.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

SchlitterCon has proved to be a great value with lots of perks. Attendees were eager to express their thanks to management as they exited the event.

— Tim Baldwin, ACE News

Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

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