Plummet Summit Magic Springs is a popular water park located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is known for its thrilling water slides, wave pools, and other fun water attractions. The Plummet Summit is one of the most popular attractions at the water park. It is a massive water slide that offers an adrenaline-pumping experience for thrill-seekers. Riders climb to the top of the slide and then plummet down at high speeds, twisting and turning through twists and turns before splashing into the pool below. It provides an exhilarating experience for those who dare to take on the challenge.

Thrills 'n' spills in the hills

Park goers slide headfirst down the Rapid Falls Raceway at Magic Springs & Crystal Falls in Hot Springs. The raceway is new this year.

LITTLE ROCK — For central Arkansans in need of a roller coaster fix, Magic Springs & Crystal Falls in Hot Springs is the closest place to quench the thirst for thrills. The amusement park, also home to a water park and an amphitheater, reopened to new ownership in 2000 and has been adding attractions each year since.

While the park has made big strides, roller coaster aficionados should lower their expectations.

With just three "high thrill" roller coasters and a vertical drop ride, the park is no daredevil haven just yet.

But that doesn't mean Magic Springs doesn't warrant a visit.

Park admission includes the Crystal Falls water park, which boasts the new Rapid Falls Raceway slides as well as two other slide towers, a wave pool, a lazy river and plenty of lounge space. The park is impeccably clean and well-landscaped and situated in rolling green hills, so even if the roller coasters don't quite get the adrenaline racing, the park offers variety and pleasant family fun.

Earlier this week Florida-based PARC Management LLC announced it is buying the property from Magic Springs Development Co. LLC. No changes to the park have been announced, but season passes from other PARC Management amusement parks, entitling holders to unlimited visits throughout the 2008 season, will be accepted at Magic Springs and other PARC properties. Those properties are Darien Lake Theme Park Resort near Buffalo, N.Y. (www.go darienlake.com); Elitch Gardens in Denver (www.elitchgardens.

com); Frontier City in Oklahoma City (www.frontiercity.com), White Water Bay, also in Oklahoma City (www.whitewaterbay.com);

Splashtown near Houston (www.

splashtownpark.com); Waterworld California in Concord, Calif.

com) and Wild Waves Theme Park, near Seattle (www.wildwaves.

Here's our advice for a day at the park:

Tickets: A daily pass is $45.99 plus tax. Buy online at www.mag icsprings.com for a $10 discount.

A season pass, which also buys entrance to all summer concerts in the Timberwood Amphitheater, is $49.99 plus tax. Parking is $9 each visit, so those planning more than three visits this season might consider the Gold Pass, $79.99 plus tax, which comes with free parking anda coupon book.

Getting there: Season passes purchased online must be processed at the park, so expect to wait on the first visit. On a weekday at the end of May when lines for rides in the park were minimal, we stood for 25 minutes in this line, the longest wait for anything that day. The park opens at 11 a.m., and passes aren't processed before then. Daily pass holders, however, can have their tickets scanned and head straight in.

It's OK to forget the sunscreen or extra money: Beginning last year, the park has free sunscreen stations near the entrance.

No brand or SPF level is listed, so it might be best to apply it more than once throughout the day.

Unlike many amusement parks where thirsty patrons must fork over cash for overpriced beverages, Magic Springs also offers free Pepsi products and water. Several selfservice fountain drink spots can be found throughout the park and all food vendors also serve free drinks.

Water tubes are also free.

And don't worry, it's not a ploy, says Aundrea Crary, the marketing manager of the park.

"Another park in Florida has seen their numbers go up by giving people an opportunity to have complimentary drinks," she says. "Really, people were under the assumption they would have to purchase some-thing, and we tell them, 'No, it's actually free.' The trend we saw was not only an increase in season pass purchases, but also an increase in purchases in other places in the park." Avoid crowds and go now: On our visit, lines for rides were essentially nonexistent. We rode the Arkansas Twister and The Gauntlet roller coasters three times in a row with no waiting.

Crary says the core season usually begins at the end of June, but she added that Hot Springs schools have now let out, so crowds may already be picking up. So to easily skip from ride to ride, go sooner rather than later. But while it may be convenient to avoid the lines, we discovered that some of the excitement about the roller coasters is lost without 30 minutes of anticipation.

Don't miss: Dr. Dean's Rocket Machine takes our top prize.

At 100 feet, the vertical free-fall ride isn't as tall as others we've ridden, but it's superior in one regard: Instead of slowly inching to the top, the "rocket machine" shoots up almost as fast as it plummets down. It only lasts about a minute, but it bounces back and forth three times for stomach-dropping, feet-tingling, weightless free-fall perfection.

The Arkansas Twister, an oldfashioned wooden coaster with a 100-foot drop and top speed of 50 mph, and The Gauntlet, a steel coaster with suspended seats, a steep 100-foot drop and five inverted loops, don't deliver Dr. Dean's thrills but are worthwhile.

The Hawk, which swings back and forth until riders are suspended upside down, was another favorite.

The Rum Runner Pirate Ship looks tame but offers surprisingly superb stomach drops. Riders sit in rows facing the other patrons, which adds to the "fun," depending on the other patrons.

We got into a screaming competition with the children across from us, which was amusing at first, and annoying after the seventh round.

We can't make a judgment on the X-Coaster, the 150-foot corkscrew coaster, because it was closed on our visit. Crary says the ride has been closed because a mechanical part must be special-ordered from Europe. She expected it to reopen soon.

What to skip: Unless you're a child or perhaps an exceptionally petite adult, avoid the mini-roller coaster Twist andShout at all costs. As the ride zips along on a zigzag track, the switchbacks slam riders from one side of the car to the other.

Some might call it fun; we call it whiplash. And the bruises on our hips are still healing.

Big Bad John, another wooden coaster, has no thrilling loops or drops to make up for all the uncomfortable jolts. Because the harness is only on the waist, we found it difficult to brace our necks and got off the ride feeling stiff.

Where to sit: Minimal crowds let us try out the roller coasters in different seats.

While the front might be enticing, it's not as fast as the back.

On the slightly rickety Arkansas Twister, the front was not only slower, but also brought more jerks, jolts and headache potential.

Eyes wide open: When the X-Coaster became stuck with a car full of riders last year, David Letterman joked in his Top 10 List: "I never realized how beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas, is upside down." He's actually right. MagicSprings has something many parks don't: a picturesque backdrop. Instead of staring down at a suburban mall parking lot or freeway while hanging upsidedown, riders are surrounded by the forested slopes of the Ouachita Mountains. Particularly on rides that linger 100 feet in the air, the views make the rides special. Make sure to pry open the eyes on Dr. Dean's Rocket Machine and The Hawk, and while bobbing up and down on the Arkansas Twister, which is tucked into a corner of the park next to the mountains.

Listen up: On our visit, the music, thankfully, seemed to be chosen for the adults, especially those who dig 1960s and 1970s rock. The playlist included Fleetwood Mac, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Neil Young, Black Sabbath, Journey, The Beatles, Joe Cocker, Bob Seger and Pink Floyd.

"Exceptionally tall or large guests may be too large to ride": This piece of advice is included in the recording played before each ride. Heed it. A 6-foot-2, 250-pound companionsat through several uncomfortable rides, shoulders cramped, struggling to take a deep breath.

He elected not to ride the Wild Thang or Dr. Dean's Rocket Machine.

Twist and Shout and Big Bad John were also particularly brutal for him. A frequenter of Adventure Land in Kansas City, Mo., Six Flags parks in Atlanta and Gurnee, Ill., and Waldameer Amusement Park in Erie, Pa., he deemed those two the most uncomfortable rides he's ever encountered.

As for The Hawk, he says, "It was by far one of the scariest . I spent half the time clinging for life just in case the mechanism holding me in broke." Maximum weight and height restrictions differ for each ride, Crary said. The best test is if the rider can comfortably fit in the seat with the lap restraint or safety harness. Slides in Crystal Falls have a maximum weight limit of 250 pounds.

For this friend, the only rides that passed the comfort test were Arkansas Twister, Rum Runner and the water rides Plummet Summit and Log Flume.

Park itinerary: Most people seemed to have the same idea as we did: We rode the roller coasters upon arrival, headed to the water rides in the amusement park, then ate lunch and saved the wave pool, lazy river, and slides in the water park for the hottest afternoon hours. The longest lines of the day were for the slides in the afternoon.

On a hot, busy day, reversing the order and heading first to the water park, then to the amusement park might be smart.

Nosh away: Despite the free drinks, food prices aren't outrageous. Two slices of pizza and a cheese-filled breadstick cost $7.99. An entire pizza plus a liter of soda and breadsticks cost $29.99. Stands with nachos, burgers and hot dogs, plus a sitdown restaurant are also available. Save room for fried Oreos, $4.99, at funnel cake stands.

Invest in a locker: "Smart lockers," where patrons choose a personal identification number, cost $10 for a large, or $7 for a small. When we spent an hour and a half looking for the car keys that fell out of a cargo pants pocket, the $7 locker seemed like a small price to pay.

Luckily, we eventually found the keys in a "log" raft. Whew.

Bottom line: For families who want to make multiple visits, the season pass is a good deal. The park also has plenty of games, kiddie rides and shallow swim areas for young children.

But roller coaster fanatics (and "exceptionally large guests") might want to save their money and vacation time for a trip to a bigger park.

Weekend, Pages 70, 71 on 06/13/2008

Take A Trip To Magic Springs In Arkansas, A Water And Adventure Park That's Tons Of Fun

Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.

Splash into summer by taking a trip to Magic Springs. Beginning June 1st, 2020 Arkansas’ favorite theme & water park will be open for the season. This thrilling water park has fun for the whole family! Let’s jump right in and explore this beloved attraction:

Arkansas is filled with water wonderlands both engineered and natural for your lazy summer days. Magic Springs is one of our state's most popular water parks. They'll begin their season on June 1st, 2020.

Magic Springs is practicing safe distancing and COVID-19 precautions so be sure to check out their website before you pack the kids in the car.

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park has amused Arkansans for two solid decades now! Most of the success comes from the variety of attractions and the fantastic balance of screams and splashes.

5 Ways to Have Fun at Magic Springs Theme and Water Park

No matter if you're looking for thrills, relaxation or delicious treats, here's what you can do at Magic Springs.

Are you ready to get away but don’t want to travel and stay somewhere far away? Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is just an hour from Little Rock — and it's packed with great outdoor fun.

No matter if you're looking for thrills, relaxation or delicious treats, here's what you can do at Magic Springs.

1. For Fun Seekers

Magic Springs has more than 33 rides, slides and attractions including eight theme park rides just for kids. Family rides and water attractions abound and for the adrenaline junkies. Magic Springs features jaw-dropping thrills with four heart racing roller coasters and five speed slides. Defy gravity on the X-Coaster, freefall 13 stories on Brain Drain or make a splash on Plummet Summit!

2. For Concert Lovers

Your season pass is your concert pass! Enjoy more than 14 concerts featuring more than 26 artists at the Timberwood Amphitheater. Concerts are included with a park admission with reserved seating available for an extra fee. Check out the full lineup of concerts right here.

3. For Movie Buffs

Ditch the car and relax in the Magic Springs Wave Pool for three Dive-In Movies! Enjoy movies for the whole family:

• July 12: “Ralph Breaks the Internet”
• July 19: “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”
• July 26: “Captain Marvel”

4. For the Busy Family

Want to relax in your own space while the kids play? A cabana rental is perfect! Enjoy tables, chairs, tube rentals, ice cold bottles of water, and food and beverage service in a private cabana of your choice.

5. For the Foodie

What’s an amusement park without fun and food? Enjoy bites for the whole family with 14 in-park dining locations, offering healthy options and park classics like funnel cakes and ice cream! New this year is Capone’s, a Hot Springs-themed eatery for the whole family.

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is now open for weekend operations and will begin daily operation on May 25. Visit the website for more information on admission prices, special events and more.

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It provides an exhilarating experience for those who dare to take on the challenge. In addition to the Plummet Summit, Magic Springs offers a variety of other water attractions for visitors of all ages. The park features multiple wave pools, lazy rivers, and family-friendly play areas.

It is a perfect destination for families looking to cool off and have fun during the hot summer months. The park also offers a variety of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit. There are dining options available where visitors can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshing drink. Additionally, there are plenty of shaded areas and lounge chairs where guests can relax and take a break from the sun. Plummet Summit Magic Springs is not only a water park but also an amusement park. It features a variety of roller coasters, carnival games, and live entertainment shows. Visitors can enjoy a full day of fun and excitement with both water-based and dry land activities. Overall, Plummet Summit Magic Springs is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a thrilling water park experience. With its exciting slides, wave pools, and other attractions, it offers something for everyone. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, this water park has it all..

Reviews for "Plummet Summit: An Adrenaline-Pumping Ride at Magic Springs"

1. Jessica B. - 1/5 stars

"Plummet Summit at Magic Springs was a massive disappointment. The ride itself was extremely short, lasting no more than 15 seconds. The drop was not as thrilling as advertised, and the rest of the ride was just a series of slow turns. I expected much more from a roller coaster with such a name. Definitely not worth the long wait in line."

2. Samuel R. - 2/5 stars

"I was really looking forward to riding Plummet Summit at Magic Springs, but it fell flat for me. The ride itself was alright, with a decent drop, but the restraints were uncomfortable and constantly digging into my shoulders. The ride was also quite jerky, which left me with a headache afterwards. Not the best experience overall."

3. Emily S. - 1/5 stars

"Plummet Summit at Magic Springs was a complete waste of my time. The ride was over before I even had a chance to enjoy it. I barely felt any thrill or excitement during the short ride. The whole experience felt rushed, and I felt like I was being cheated out of my money. I would not recommend this ride to anyone."

4. Ryan M. - 2/5 stars

"I had high expectations for Plummet Summit, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The ride was way too shaky and rough for my liking. The drop was the only exciting part, but it was over so quickly that I didn't have time to fully enjoy it. The lack of smoothness and comfort made the overall experience disappointing for me."

What Makes Plummet Summit a Must-Visit Attraction at Magic Springs