A water slide entry system in accordance with present embodiments may include an entry platform configured to support a rider above a water slide entry and an enclosure defining an enclosed space about the platform configured to at least partially enclose the rider when the rider is positioned on the entry platform. The water slide entry system may also include a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid within the enclosure to a predetermined fill level and a control system configured to receive a signal that the rider is positioned on the entry platform; provide instructions to the fluid delivery system to deliver the fluid within the enclosure when the rider is positioned on the entry platform; and trigger the entry platform to release the rider into the water slide entry.