Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark (Highway 34 and 75)

[Linkin5]

Wonder if that could mean some sort of Hot Wheels theme or attraction.

[CBJason]

That’s what I’m thinking as well. The biggest slide or racing slides will be branded hot wheels, something will be branded Barbie and so on. The main entrance will probably have toys, towels and clothing with that stuff on it you can buy.

[ita]

According to the Bellevue Times, Bellevue is expected to sign a sub-licensing agreement tomorrow to hold the exclusive rights within a 200 miles radius to use Mattel brands at the waterpark.

Not sure exactly what that even means for the waterpark. Although, it states that they will work to develop and incorporate Mattel-themed attractions, decor and merchandising.

Mattel plans five branded waterparks in the U.S.

[almighty_tuna]

Hah, I was wondering about KC in that 200 mile radius. Looks like the planned Bonner Springs water park is likely at 201 miles lol

[Greg S]

Hah, I was wondering about KC in that 200 mile radius. Looks like the planned Bonner Springs water park is likely at 201 miles lol

I was under the impression the Mattel Park in the KC area was a theme park, not just a water park?

[almighty_tuna]

Idk, could be. I was just looking at the article about how the KC market was being addressed. I found it hard to believe that a licensing agreement for Omaha would also preempt all of the KC area.

[ita]

Idk, could be. I was just looking at the article about how the KC market was being addressed. I found it hard to believe that a licensing agreement for Omaha would also preempt all of the KC area.

I believe the Bonner Springs location is an "Adventure Park," ie. Mattel's theme park concept.

[skinzfan23]

The Mattel licensing was approved tonight. The agreement is for 10 years.

According to the city, Bellevue Bay is still expected to open in early 2027.

[thenewguy]

maybe they will sneak in some rides to accompany the water park, a la log ride or something. It would also be cool if they would put in something like Soarin' at epcot. Doesn't take a huge amount of space, but is very immersive and fun

[skinzfan23]

Construction trailer on site now. They also have more areas marked out now. Thinking we will finally start to see construction of the waterpark soon.

[djc311]

Construction trailer on site now. They also have more areas marked out now. Thinking we will finally start to see construction of the waterpark soon.

Almost a Christmas miracle!

[skinzfan23]

It does seem like it’s been a long time. They broke ground exactly 10 months ago.

[djc311]

It does seem like it’s been a long time. They broke ground exactly 10 months ago.

Perhaps they were using a spoon - gold plated, of course (I mean it was the official ground breaking spoon!)

[BD PC Omaha]

I have heard that it will start in the next month. Have heard this before though.

[skinzfan23]

I have heard that it will start in the next month. Have heard this before though.

They haven't gotten close to any construction yet. So far it was just grading, which they did a ton. It crazy how flat they got the area compared to what it was originally. They also put in water and gas lines I believe.

Right now they just put in gravel to access the waterpark area and have it all staked off too along with the construction trailer.

[thenewguy]

I'll be sad if this falls through. You would think that if they are going to do all that ground prep, that means it's all systems go, but I just have a sinking feeling like it's going to be dead in the water. We never get anything cool.

[djc311]

I'll be sad if this falls through. You would think that if they are going to do all that ground prep, that means it's all systems go, but I just have a sinking feeling like it's going to be dead in the water. We never get anything cool.

I think the last time someone tried to build one in Bellevue, it had 1 or 2 exterior walls going up and that was it.

I would feel this has more potential given the local government's involvement. They have a licensing deal in place and I imagine other potential tenants for the surrounding space. But I guess we will see!

[skinzfan23]

This has been mentioned over and over again but that was a totally separate venture, not backed or led by the city. The developer had hoped to fund construction by selling memberships but didn’t sell as many as planned so halfway through construction stopped. That was more of a hotel with a small waterpark. This is a whole other level and meant to be a regional attraction.

[skinzfan23]

They gave an update to the Bellevue city this week. Currently, the basement is being dug out and the foundation is tentatively planned to start by the end of the month. Don’t know if they mean Jan or Feb. Still on schedule for mid-2027 completion date.

[skinzfan23]

Just for comparison, I just checked Epic Waters prices again (this is being modeled after their water park) and its not terrible for some days.

Tickets for some weekdays are as cheap as $25, with weekend prices anywhere from $39-64.
For residents of the area, they are $19 for some weekdays and $29-44 for weekends.

They also still have a special for 6 people on Thursday for $99.

Overall, I think the pricing in Bellevue will probably be similar.

[skinzfan23]

From the City of Bellevue Facebook page:

The basement excavation is nearly complete and will house the pumps and filtration systems. Concrete footings are being poured this week. Aluminum struts have arrived on site that will be used for vertical construction of the retractable roof.

[Gobears27]

It was mentioned in a news brief on grow Omaha that the Bellevue city council approved an option to purchase 22 acres in the good life district. Grow Omaha mentions a possible “racino” project. Is Bellevue getting a casino?

[skinzfan23]

It was mentioned in a news brief on grow Omaha that the Bellevue city council approved an option to purchase 22 acres in the good life district. Grow Omaha mentions a possible “racino” project. Is Bellevue getting a casino?

Yeah they mentioned that as well. Gave the developer first option to purchase. Although, I think Bellevue forgot that the state would have to approve the casino, which I hope and think that they won’t.

[skinzfan23]

More updates from the city of Bellevue:

Foundation footings are being poured today:

[ita]

It was mentioned in a news brief on grow Omaha that the Bellevue city council approved an option to purchase 22 acres in the good life district. Grow Omaha mentions a possible “racino” project. Is Bellevue getting a casino?

Yeah they mentioned that as well. Gave the developer first option to purchase. Although, I think Bellevue forgot that the state would have to approve the casino, which I hope and think that they won’t.

Bellevue is well aware. It is an option to purchase only and the developer can extend up to three more years. Maybe with a change of legislators and the head administrative officer, ahem, the governor, things will be different. But that's all a long shot. I don't think the racino in Bellevue will happen, but at least the City is getting something out of the agreement. That 1% can help pay for its lobbyist to keep fighting for the racino at the state level.

[Garrett]

I forget the casino constraints, Omaha is limited to something like 3 right?

[WiinterU]

It feels like they're only working on this as soon as we begin looking at their progress. It's like White Lotus only working on Civic Square whenever they start to get pulled out of the contract by Omaha.

[skinzfan23]

Some video showing the progress and materials. According to the mayor, the hotel construction should begin in about 6 months.

[Brad]

Grow Omaha talked to Harrison Johnson from Bellevue this weekend about the water park.

[skinzfan23]

Thanks for posting. Interesting that they are going to change the name from Bellevue Bay. I am guessing for better brand recognition with Mattel.

They have definitely been working quite a bit lately, Still working on the foundation but they were out there on Saturday pouring more concrete.

[thenewguy]

Thanks for posting. Interesting that they are going to change the name from Bellevue Bay. I am guessing for better brand recognition with Mattell.

They have definitely been working quite a bit lately, Still working on the foundation but they were out there on Saturday pouring more concrete.

the name is "Mattell Wonder Park" if I heard correctly?

[djc311]

Thanks for posting. Interesting that they are going to change the name from Bellevue Bay. I am guessing for better brand recognition with Mattell.

They have definitely been working quite a bit lately, Still working on the foundation but they were out there on Saturday pouring more concrete.

the name is "Mattell Wonder Park" if I heard correctly?

Surprised they're getting that much name sponsorship.

[skinzfan23]

I did a quick Google search and it looks like there are going to be 5 of these in the country and Bellevue is one of them.

[WiinterU]

So, what you're telling me is that we aren't special anymore.

[thenewguy]

So, what you're telling me is that we aren't special anymore.

you are unique and special....just like everyone else.

[OmahaOmaha]

I hate the new name. Having Mattel in the name makes it sound like the place is nothing but an indoor kiddie pool, and I don’t understand the “Wonder” part at all. At least “Bellevue Bay” sounded like a place that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to say you’re going to if you were older than a sixth grader.

[Louie]

I hate the new name. Having Mattel in the name makes it sound like the place is nothing but an indoor kiddie pool, and I don’t understand the “Wonder” part at all. At least “Bellevue Bay” sounded like a place that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to say you’re going to if you were older than a sixth grader.

At first, I didn't care about the name change. But you actually bring up a good point on the external branding. I mean, I'm sure families would be the bulk of the visitors, but the new name is definitely bordering on infantile.

[NEDodger]

I hate the new name. Having Mattel in the name makes it sound like the place is nothing but an indoor kiddie pool, and I don’t understand the “Wonder” part at all. At least “Bellevue Bay” sounded like a place that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to say you’re going to if you were older than a sixth grader.

At first, I didn't care about the name change. But you actually bring up a good point on the external branding. I mean, I'm sure families would be the bulk of the visitors, but the new name is definitely bordering on infantile.

I’m torn. I think this may have a possible negative impact on local visitors but would be a big boost for regional tourism. It’s still a recognizable brand name, and would draw people from out-of-stare more than “Bellevue Waterpark” would. It’s like Universal Studios vs. “Generic Theme Park with exact same rides”.

[skinzfan23]

I’m torn. I think this may have a possible negative impact on local visitors but would be a big boost for regional tourism. It’s still a recognizable brand name, and would draw people from out-of-stare more than “Bellevue Waterpark” would. It’s like Universal Studios vs. “Generic Theme Park with exact same rides”.

I agree, brand recognition is very important. At least they are keeping Bellevue Bay as the overall name of the development. I know their target demographic is families with kids, but the way the Grow Omaha video made it sound is that the overall development is going to be targeting all demographics.

[Louie]

I think 'Wonder' is the word that could be changed easier and make more impact.