Twenty-three (23) waterpark resort projects opened in the USA during 2013, a 8.0% increase over last year. This compares with 20 in 2012, 27 in 2011 and the record high of 40 in 2007. Thirteen (13) projects were brand names such as Hyatt, Marriott, Great Wolf, Wet 'n Wild, Carnival Cruise and Norwegian Cruise Lines, and 10 projects were independent owner projects. Fourteen (14) projects were new openings, and 9 were expansions of existing properties. While money is just beginning to loosen up for hotel developers, new hotel construction is still rather flat, but resort acquisitions and expansions are rising. Here's a review: