Amusement slide elements and systems

A slide apparatus, comprising a bowl having upper and lower ends and first and second entrances;

• the first and second entrances being distinct from one another and being spaced apart from the bowl lower end;
• the first and second entrances being configured to bias all users of the first and second entrances to travel about at least a portion of the bowl in a common direction, whether clockwise or counter-clockwise;
• a launch apparatus adjacent the first entrance and another launch apparatus adjacent the second entrance;
• each launch apparatus having a platform movable from a first position for supporting a user to a second position for releasing the user;
• each launch apparatus being under common control such that the platforms are movable from the first position to the second position substantially simultaneously.

A slide apparatus, comprising a bowl having upper and lower ends and first and second entrances;

• the first and second entrances being distinct from one another and being spaced wart from the bowl lower end;
• the first and second entrances being configured to bias all users of the first and second entrances to travel about at least a portion of the bowl in a common direction, whether clockwise or counter-clockwise, a pool of water at the bowl lower end, and one of:
• (a) a nozzle configured to direct a jet of water to bias a user towards an edge of the pool;
• and
• (b) a housing with first and second exit ports respectively leading to first and second exit slides, the housing being surrounded by the pool of water, the first and second exit ports being positioned to receive users generally simultaneously.