Abstract: A time configurable water amusement ride of a type including a water course having a floor and upstanding walls for sustaining and directing a flow of water along a water path, a first set of water features along said water path and a second set of water features along said water path. The water course is divided into several thematic zones of activity such as depth charge zone, pipe forest zone, tipping bucket zone, etc. The ride includes a first set of features and a second set of features arrayed along the ride. A timer coupled to the second set of features includes an activation period having a start time and an end time wherein the second set of features are only active during said activation period. Accordingly, the ride can be configured to have repeatable periods throughout the day where only more sedentary features are active, and other periods where more extreme features are active to cater to different participants throughout the day.

Abstract: A water play area having a plurality of water devices and actuators for controlling those devices located outside of the play area for selective activation by spectators observing participants within the play area. The play area is preferably laid out like a giant pinball machine in which participants are placed in groups or individually within tubes representing the balls of the pinball machine. Movement of the tubes along the play area plane can be influenced by movement inducing devices such as flippers, spinners, stationary bumpers, guides and Dutchman's Dikes. Also included within the play area are water devices, such as whipping snakes, geysers, rain drops, shower sprayers, whirly-birds and water bomb launchers that can either be on continuously or be selectively activated to drench participants within the play area.