Aqualoop (Mexico)

On the big attraction at Ixtapan Parque Acuatico, the drop that follows a fall through a trapdoor propels riders to 60 kilometers an hour -- fast enough to make it around an almost-vertical loop.

The Abyss (China)

At Bali Water Park in Fushun, China, northeast of Beijing, the Abyss's 29-meter-high, near-vertical oscillations and final, enormous bowl make it one of the world's most exciting water park attractions.

Verruckt (Kansas)

Though the team behind Verruckt refuse to confirm exact measurements, they've promised the ride will be the world's tallest once it opens in May at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City.

King Cobra (Turkey)

It's a game-changing waterslide and it can be found at Maxx Royal Belek Golf & Spa in Belek, Turkey. The double-tube ride is interactive because passengers race each other. It also incorporates special effects, such as hissing sounds.

Super S Ride (South Korea)

At Daemyung Resort, Python is one of the world's scariest water slides, thanks to several banked twists and turns, unbelievably tight corners and a six-meter-wide enclosed section that sends riders flying up the sides.

Behemoth Bowl (China)

"This is the largest bowl water ride in the world with a massive 18-meter diameter," explains Ruth McMahon at theme park designers ProSlide Technology Inc. "The size and shape allows passengers to speed around the perimeter and make multiple revolutions with maximum centrifugal force." The ride is part of Guangzhou's Chimelong Water Park.

Dawwama (U.A.E.)

"It's unique because it combines two iconic water rides," says Ruth McMahon at ProSlide Technology Inc. "After the first section passengers get dropped into the world's first six-person funnel ride." The ride is part of Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi.