Toy and family entertainment company Mattel has announced the next US location for its planned indoor water park concept.
Last year, the company unveiled plans to develop new Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks in five US cities, with locations confirmed in Orlando, Florida; Bellevue, Nebraska; and Bradley, Illinois.
Mattel has now confirmed that the fourth water park will be part of Weldon Mills Resort, a larger entertainment destination in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. It is expected to open in 2029.
Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks
Carida Capital Group, owner of the existing Weldon Mills properties, is expanding the Carolina Crossroads entertainment district with the development of Weldon Mills Resort.
The project aims to turn the area into a music-focused tourism destination for entertainment and recreation, offering visitors a place to eat, play, and stay while celebrating the spirit of North Carolina.
Bruce Tyler, co-founder of Weldon Mills Distillery and partner in Carida Capital Group said: "We’re so excited to bring a Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterpark to Weldon Mills Resort.
"Evolving Weldon Mills alongside the power of Mattel’s iconic brands will quickly create a premier destination that supports tourism, strengthens the local economy, and delivers lasting value for Halifax County and the broader region."
Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks will be year-round attractions inspired by Mattel brands, including Barbie and Hot Wheels, featuring immersive water-based experiences for all ages.
Attractions inspired by Mattel brands
The parks are being developed in partnership with aquatic design firm Martin Aquatic, water park management company American Resort Management, and I-dentity Group.
In a previous statement, Julie Freeland, VP of global location-based entertainment at Mattel, said: "Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks will encompass many iconic Mattel brands that span generations of play, offering innovative water-based attractions and amenities in a dynamic new format for Mattel."
Earlier this year, WhiteWater, a leading waterpark manufacturer, was named the exclusive global water attraction vendor for all future Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks by American Resort Management, the official licensor of the five newly announced locations.
Images courtesy of Mattel
Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in entertainment news. She graduated from the University of Kingston with a BA in fine art and has an MA in journalism from Birkbeck University. As well as being a theme park enthusiast, Harriet has an interest in the arts, which she explored in her thesis on Fine Art and Walt Disney.
