A groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday kicked off the project just south of State Farm Stadium, near 95th Avenue and Loop 101, that is expected to open before Arizona hosts its next Super Bowl in 2023.A Mattel-branded theme park with Hot Wheels and Thomas the Tank Engine attractions is planned alongside Crystal Lagoons Island Resort, a massive water park flanked by hotels, restaurants and entertainment, in Glendale’s sports and entertainment district.
2 parks in 1 location
The Mattel theme park is being developed under the same umbrella as the water park.
The longtime toy manufacturer in 2019 announced plans to create in-person attractions.
The company behind Crystal Lagoons water park, which goes by the same name, unveiled its Glendale project in September. The company has other water parks around the world, including Dubai, Egypt, Japan and Chile.
Crystal Lagoons will include:
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An 11-acre resort-style water park with paddleboards, boogie boards and scuba diving gear.
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Two hotels with a combined 650 rooms.
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Aerophile’s Aerobar, a venue that will serve food and drinks at 130 feet off the ground.
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A 4D theater and a “fly theater,” similar to the “Soarin’ Around the World” attraction at Disney’s California Adventure theme park.
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A massive balloon that will take visitors nearly 400 feet into the air.
“It’s not (just) a water park … it’s going to be second to none in the state,” Mayor Jerry Weiers said.