originally posted on 7/1/2024
Photo: Alexxis Ferguson/Schlitterbahn. View full-sized image.
In a May when Texas endured long strings of storms, SchlitterCon XX enjoyed warm and sunny conditions. In fact, it was downright hot, pushing 100 degrees, but 125 ACE members and guests knew Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels) was the perfect place to stay cool.
The two-day event (May 25 and 26) was an incredible value, considering the deluge of perks. Four ERTs, three catered meals, an all-day dining courtesy on Sunday, an event T-shirt, activities, time with park management, adult beverages and two dessert bars — it was humbling. But SchlitterCon has always been about ACE feeling like family.
All attendees received an event T-shirt.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
As it was SchlitterCon “XX,” the milestone is fitting to turn back the years to see how the special relationship between coaster enthusiasts and a waterpark ever developed.
Schlitterbahn was at the forefront of innovation and development. The first water coaster and Flow Rider were created for the New Braunfels park. In 1994, after the concept of a water coaster was brought to life, Schlitterbahn, and particularly the (dearly missed) late Sherrie Brammall, invited coaster fans to the debut of Dragon Blaster to see what enthusiasts would think of it. Everyone enjoyed it, but the feedback was to make it more “coaster-like” with drops included. Going uphill was fun, but the potential was really on the horizon. Two years later, Master Blaster was born, and it was the answer to ACE’s suggestions. Once again, regional members were called in to see the new star attractions. Since then, the relationship has only grown over the decades. Biannual events began, and an add-on day to Coaster Con XXII brought national attendees to Schlitterbahn. It was there that the name “SchlitterCon” was coined by one of the Texas members, Dawn Robinson.
The 20 events that followed have been filled with wacky activities, behind-the-scenes perks, loads of ERT and lots of bacon.
In 2024, those who wanted it received a bonus ERT before registration even began. Because Cedar Fair now emails tickets, people could arrive at the Blastenhoff area prior to park opening for some extra rides.
The new Hillside Terrace was reserved just for ACE for check-in and the evening meal.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Official check-in took place Saturday afternoon on the new Hillside Terrace, which offered great views. People picked up lanyards and event T-shirts, this year featuring park mascot Schatze.
A Tex-Mex buffet kept everyone well-fed, and attendees were welcomed by Communications Manager Chris Ozimek and General Manager Darren Hill. Everyone was quickly brought up to date on all that was new.
Darren Hill.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Chris Ozimek.
Photo: Alexxis Ferguson/Schlitterbahn. View full-sized image.
Evening ERT was close by in the Lagoon area with two slide attractions and the Lagoon open exclusively for ACE. Drinks, snacks and an ice cream sundae bar added to the fun.
ERT let ACEers cool off on a few of the slides and chill out in the Lagoon.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Adult beverages in the heated pool was an evening treat.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
As if snacks were needed, hot items and an ice cream bar were quite fun.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
But a full day lay ahead.
On Sunday, breakfast was in Surfenberg, and fresh fruit and traditional hot items were plentiful. And even though attendees were provided two big meals (breakfast and dinner), the park gave everyone an all-day dining plan as well. (!!!) Not that anyone could really eat that much, but …
Breakfast in a new location started the day off on a full stomach.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
ERT on Dragon’s Revenge started off Day Two.
Photos: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.
Some participated in morning ERT on Dragon’s Revenge, while others opted to show their skills in the annual Boogie Bahn competition.
The day was free to enjoy at one’s leisure, but the park threw in a hot dog eating contest (going with the Schatze theme and everything — all things dogs). Attendees made sure to enjoy the resort’s notable attractions such as The Falls, Raging River, Congo River Expedition and Whitewater Tube Chute, along with the new things in Schatze’s Storybrook Park.
A hot dog-eating contest was a new activity.
Photo: Jeremy Simons. View full-sized image.
Photo: Alexxis Ferguson/Schlitterbahn. View full-sized image.
Schatze’s Bow-Wow Blaster is the world’s first children’s Master Blaster. It is a part of a new area: Schatze’s Storybrook Park.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
In a pavilion on the east side of the park, dinner was particularly impressive with fantastic entrees and sides, which included bacon-wrapped filets. Delicious.
Winners were announced for the contests. Hot dog contest winners were Alek Nedelkovski, Jeremy Simons and Amelia Simons — all from Houston. Each winner had to eat five hot dogs. In the Boogie Bahn competition: Best on Wave went to Ian Simons in the Junior Division and Robin Operhall. Other placements in the Junior Division were George Neal (first), Landon Gravely (second) and Grayson Diehl (third); Samantha Watson took Best Wipeout. In the senior division: Matthew Werner (first), Teresa Hinojosa (second) and Darren Cyphers (third); the Best Wipeout went to Shawn Diehl.
Boogie Bahn competition winners received medals at dinner.
Photo: Alexxis Ferguson/Schlitterbahn. View full-sized image.
The dinner entrees were top tier. During night ERT, attendees enjoyed a refreshing drink from Shipwreck Bar.
Photos: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
The night concluded in the Blastenhoff area with ERT on all the attractions on the tower. Along with that came an extra hour with a dessert bar and “refreshment” from Shipwreck Bar.
Night ERT let ACEers ride on the three attractions on the Blastenhoff Tower.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Even in a water-pruned, sunburned state, it is still hard to say goodbye. Two days of great hospitality among friends was certainly worthy of thanks, and attendees conveyed their appreciation to the management and staff on hand for their gracious efforts.
Schlitterbahn XXI will be here before you know it.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
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