Lost Island Theme Park in Waterloo opens with new rides, including a roller coaster

Visitors at Lost Island Theme Park now get to ride a roller coaster with a speedy launch or get soaked on a water ride with a mighty drop.

That’s if they’re brave enough to get on, of course.

The two new attractions will open to the public when Lost Island Theme Park in Waterloo kicks off its second year this weekend with the water park set to open June 2.

Experience new rides at the theme park, have grub delivered straight to your seats at the water park or get even more immersed in the original story of the Lost Island world this year. Here’s what’s new at Lost Island.

From 2022: Lost Island Theme Park opens in Waterloo with 22 amusement park rides

New rides at Lost Island Theme Park in Waterloo

Last March, one of Lost Island Theme Park’s main attractions suffered a fire and had to be rebuilt.

While it didn’t open in time for visitors last year, super flume log ride Yuta Falls is expected to be open Saturday for the public, Eric Bertch, general manager, told the Des Moines Register in a phone call.

The water ride, which has a height requirement of 42 inches when accompanied by an adult, can seat two people in a row and a total of six people in each cart. The ride itself has two drops, one that is about 20 feet and another with a peak of 48 feet, Bertch said. Riders can expect to get quite a splash on the second drop, though there is a body dryer installed nearby for guests to dry off.

As guests wait in line, they can observe the murals that tell the story of the Yuta people as part of Lost Island Theme Park’s original world of characters and storytelling.

Another new and major attraction at Lost Island Theme Park is Matugani, with a powerful launch of 47 miles an hour in just two seconds, Bertch said. The roller coaster meant for thrill-seekers is named after the evil snake Matugani that’s located in the Yuta, or earth, realm. Riders must be 56 inches to ride the roller coaster alone. The ride is one minute and 13 seconds long and is a popular ride in the roller coaster enthusiast community, Bertch said.

Matugani’s previous home was Sweden, though it operated under a different name. Supply-chain issues delayed Matugani’s opening from last year to 2023.

The final ride to join Lost Island Theme Park’s now 25 rides is Nika’s Gift, a classic carousel ride with a tropical twist that swaps out horses for a sea turtle, otter, seahorse and more. Riders must be 36 inches tall to ride with an adult or 42 inches to ride alone.

“We're very excited to finally open the park as a whole this year and looking forward to showing people that we have some pretty cool hidden gems here in Iowa,” Bertch said.

More: Where to go and what to know for Adventureland Park's 2023 season, including two new rides

Order from a cabana at Lost Island Water Park for the first time

Customers lazing about in the rentable cabanas across the water park can now order food and beverages straight to their seats.

There won’t be any major changes to the menu across both parks, though visitors will be able to find a new macaroni and cheese pizza, Bertch said, perfect for folks with a hankering for something cheesy.

Expect the return of Des Moines’ Thelma’s Treats and its homemade ice cream sandwiches and Second State Brewing Co.’s Lost Island Tropical Blonde beer out of Cedar Falls available at both parks as well.

What’s new to see at Lost Island Theme Park and Water Park

Lost Island Theme Park is based upon the original story of the Tamariki, who maintain the balance of four sacred elements, mura (fire), awa (water), udara (air) and yuta (earth). The four realms, in addition to the Tamariki, or spirit realm, all make up the story of the theme park. Visitors can use an interactive cell phone app called Lost Island Adventure Guide to enhance their understanding of the theme park.

Visitors will get to see these unique characters come to life this year with the addition of live actors dressed in costume à la Disney princesses at Disneyland, Bertch said, perfect for Instagram-worthy pics while furthering the story of Lost Island.

While there are no new attractions at the water park, there will be cosmetic improvements that customers may or may not notice. Of the more noticeable updates include the addition of more plants, Bertch said.

More: Adventureland Park updates its security policies ahead of opening day for the 2023 season

Lost Island Theme Park looks to grow attendance

The theme park attracted 27,000 visitors last summer during its 65-day season, averaging 415 people a day. This is just a third of what the waterpark sees with about 1,500 visitors a day, Bertch said.

The theme park aims to match the water park’s attendance in its second year.

“If we can get to a thousand average daily guests that would allow us to at least pay our bills,” Bertch said. “We had a pretty tremendous operating loss last year because we were expecting to hit targets much higher than we did because of the success of the water park in its first year.”

Bertch declined to state what the operating loss was but said it was seven figures.

When does Lost Island Theme Park and Water Park open?

The theme park kicks off its second season this Saturday and Sunday. It will be open for Memorial Day weekend and open daily starting June 2. The water park opens June 2.

Where is Lost Island?

Lost Island Theme Park is located at 2600 E. Shaulis Road in Waterloo. Less than half a mile away is Lost Island Waterpark at 2225 E. Shaulis Road.

How much are tickets to Lost Island?

Tickets to Lost Island Theme Park vary depending on the date but range from $43 to $48. Tickets to the water park also operate the same, ranging from $32 to $36. A single day ticket to both parks is $62.

What hours is Lost Island open?

Lost Island Theme Park hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily starting June 2. The theme park will be open until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from July 1 through the second weekend of August. The water park will be open 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through Aug. 20 and one final weekend on Aug. 26 and 27.

Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Reach her at PBarraza@press-citizen.com or 319-519-9731. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Lost Island Theme Park in Waterloo to open with new rides, later hours