Wet 'n Wild Collection, 1975-2002
Collection context
Summary
- Abstract:
- This collection contains materials relevant to the opening of the world's first water park, Wet 'n Wild. There are newspaper articles, advertisements, brochures, photographs, and other materials about Wet 'n Wild from before the park opened through 2002.
- Extent:
- 0.25 Linear Feet 1 Box, 1 Flat File
- Language:
- English
- Preferred citation:
Wet 'n Wild Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Background
- Scope and content:
Series I: Alphabetical Files, 1975-2002 contains newspaper articles, brochures, and photographs about Wet 'n Wild from the planning phase through the Orlando park's 25th anniversary in 2002.
- Biographical / historical:
Wet 'n Wild was conceived by SeaWorld founder George Millay and opened in Orlando in 1977. Millay's concept of a park encompassing wave pools, water slides, kiddie pools, and thrill rides revolutionized the industry. Eventually there were ten Wet 'n Wild locations throughout the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and El Salvador. Wet 'n Wild Las Vegas closed in 2004.
The Orlando park was owned by Millay until 1998, when the chain was purchased by Universal Studios Recreation Group. In 1999, Ogden Corporation acquired all intellectual property pertaining to Wet 'n Wild, including trademarks, patents, names, and ride technology. Universal Studios manages the Orlando facility under a special licensing agreement.
- Acquisition information:
- Wet 'n Wild donated these materials to the University of Central Florida Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives in 2008 (CFM2008_08).
- Processing information:
Collection processed by Katie Seeler; finding aid prepared by Katie Seeler.
The materials were placed in pH neutral folders and box, the photographs and slides were put in sleeves, paperweight was wrapped, and one photograph removed from frame.
- Arrangement:
The collection is arranged in one series by type of document.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
- Subjects:
- Amusement parks
Attractions
Tourism
Water parks - Names:
- Wet 'n Wild, Inc.
- Places:
- Orlando (Fla.)
Access and use
- Restrictions:
The entire collection is open for research.
- Terms of access:
Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.
- Preferred citation:
Wet 'n Wild Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
- Location of this collection:
-
John C. Hitt Library12701 Pegasus Drive, Building 2OrlandoFL32816-8030USA
