The wait is finally over.

Last week, Water World officially launched its latest 2012 summer attraction: the Mile High Flyer –– a four-mile hydromagnetic water coaster that moves water uphill and accelerates riders up to 20 mph for about two heart-stopping minutes.

“The Mile High Flyer will knock your socks off!” says Water World spokeswoman Joann Cortez. “It’s four and a half stories high, 950 feet long and travels about 30 feet per second.”

Only the 11th hydromagnetic water coaster of its kind in the world and the only one west of the Mississippi, this new ride hurls riders 45 feet in the air over five hills and tunnels while special sound effects imitate the clickety-clackety sounds of a regular roller coaster. The ever-popular Journey to the Center of the Earth features a 16-foot long animatronic T-Rex dinosaur that attracts families seeking a cool, leisurely indoor ride.

Located at 88th and Pecos in Denver, Water World is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and is owned and operated by the non-profit Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District in Federal Heights. The park employs hundreds of seasonal youth and adults for the summer for jobs as cashier, food service, retail shop, groundskeeping, lifeguards, ticket takers and other park service positions.

Now celebrating its 33rd season, safety remains a priority with 300 lifeguards and guidelines to protect guests visiting the 67-acre park. More than 100 lifeguards are on duty at any given time and are stationed at the start and finish of rides and around pool areas.

As part of its water conservation commitment, the facility uses drought-tolerant plants and artificial turf, bans midday watering and uses recycled water for irrigation. Splash guards recycle water and park officials estimate that these measures save an estimated 15 million gallons of water annually.

Family-friendly areas include Calypso Cove where parents can ride with their children and the Big Top Family Fun Zone featuring a circus-theme environment. The Revolution’s 6-story slide drops the rider swirling round and round into a massive bowl. Adventurous teens and adults can enjoy several body slide attractions — Flat Line, Red Line, Pipe Line–accelerating to more than 30 mph at a steep grade. The 8-lane Turbo Racer allows side-by-side slide competition among friends and family. The Thunder Bay wave pool simulates ocean movement and contains 1.8 million gallons of water while The Wave simulates fast-moving surf with side-by-side waves for two competing surfers.

The Travel Channel consistently ranks the facility in the Top 10 and this year Forbes magazine ranked it among the nation’s “coolest” water parks. Record-breaking heat means huge crowds so be prepared for long lines, squealing kids, rowdy teens and lots of energy.

“We want families to come out to have fun,” Cortez says. “We have free parking and picnics are welcome. We just ask people not to bring alcohol or glass containers.”

As with all amusement parks, be prepared to protect against overheating by bringing water (no alcohol allowed), use sun screen, some type of hat or umbrella, plenty of beach towels, a snack lunch and a meeting location if a family member gets lost. General admission for adults is about $42 for a full 8-hour day not including locker rentals, tube rentals or restaurant food and drinks. For those on a budget, individual and group discount coupons are available at local grocery stores, retail partners and publications. For information on prices, season passes, attractions and coupon discounts visit www.waterworlddenver.com.