Water Week: Splash In Action

Are you ready to take a splash? During our last blog we discussed some of the various types of water attractions at amusement and theme parks. But there are plenty more rides that use water, some to get you drenched, others to take you below the sea. So here’s 7 more attractions that are sure to make a wave on your park visits. 

Log Jammer

Opening: May 11, 1975

Manufacturer: Arrow Development

Splash level: Moderate 

When Log Jammer was installed at kennywood Park, Log Flume attractions were proving to be another successful endeavor for Arrow developments. The models provide just the right amount of splash, not drenching you like rapid attractions or Shoot the Shoots. Log Jammer also gave a great look at the surrounding forest and nearby Racer roller coaster. What made this attraction even more unique were its spillway drops, uphill sections of trough with no rails guiding the logs. Sadly in recent years we've seen the closure of many Arrow Log Flumes, leaving Log Jammer as the last Log Flume with a Spillway drop in operation.

One of the main issues plaguing these models is their fiberglass troughs, a material rarely used for amusement rides outside of coaster trains today. Some parks like Busch Gardens Williamsburg have put in funds to restore their Arrow Log Flume, Le Scoot. In its final years, fiberglass patchwork was plastered over the ride, with some rumors doubting the ride would not make it through the season. This may have had some validity as the park made the announcement of the rides closure only three days in advance, giving guests little time for their final rides

. On the site now sits Steel Curtain, a record breaking steel roller coaster, and a worthwhile addition to the park. Currently in the gardens to the left of the Steelers Country entrance way, a single log can be found, sure to provide plenty of splashing good memories. 

Jurassic Park River Adventure.

Soft opening    March 27, 1999

 Official Opening   May 28, 1999

Manufacturer: Vekoma

Splash Level: Moderate 

“Time, an ever-flowing river…” Lines that will forever be ingrained in my head after watching povs of this attraction in my childhood. The idea just seemed so perfect, an attraction based on the Dinosaurian theme park from Steven Spielburg’s 1993 film. As the ride was developed and built while the movie was in production, it captures the film perfectly, from music to overall design. The first few scenes play on the wonder and awe of the creatures, before quickly switching to the chaos and terror of the movie's climax as you enter the maintenance building. In terms of water effects, besides a blast from a Parasaurolophus and some water from a Dilophosaurus, the only main soak zone is the ride's 85-foot final drop. It's a good middle ground for those who want to cool down, but not get soaked on the attractions of Toon Lagoon.

The ride is also unique as it is one of the few Flume rides built by Vekoma and features many of its animatronics in an outdoor environment. This aspect comes at a cost, as the dinosaur's skin has to be consistently repaired, some of the creatures like the Ultrasaurus looking very worse for wear, even after a recent refurbishment. This scene was replaced in the California version with a Mosasurus tank, though the Parasaurs and Stegosaurus would remain. Also added was a new climax involving Blue the Velociraptor, an animatronic Indominous Rex, and appearances from movie actors Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. It's an interesting experience being able to see the Jurassic Park and World version of this ride exist simultaneously. Though a retheme of Orlando's version may come in the future with the lands rebranding, after the installation of the new Jurassic World Velocicoaster and the subsequent theming around that area and the Raptor Encounter meet and greet along with Jurassic World themed posters that mention the River Adventure as an attraction in Jurassic World.

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges

Opening: May 28, 1999

Manufacturer: Barr Engineering

Splash level: High 

Being located in the heat sponge that is Florida, a park like Islands of Adventure only benefits from having water-based attractions, especially considering its sister park Universal Studios Orlando still has no water attractions outside of Fievel’s Playland in Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone. While we discussed Dudley Doo Right's Ripsaw falls, the area of Toon Lagoon still has one other major water ride. Opening alongside the park, this Popeye attraction follows the tried and true storyline of Olive Oyl getting abducted by Bluto the Terrible and Popeye having to save her, featuring the characters in low-tech animatronic form. This attraction has many pluses, guaranteeing riders will get soaked on their long journey (One of the longest non-show attractions at Universal at 8 minutes long). The designers made sure that every rider would get drenched, unlike other rapid rides that select their victims at random.

The problem when telling stories on raft attraction is the vehicles themselves, the constant movement makes seeing the effects difficult for some riders. Universal Singapore has its own raft ride themed to the Jurassic Park franchise, and while it’s filled with gorgeous animatronics, they are a lot harder to focus on than in the Orlando and California variants. Popeye however does not suffer from this issue when it comes to the 18-foot octopus effect, each tentacle soaking guests. Guests on the Me Ship, The Olive playground can also get a chance to sneak attack riders with a splash cannon. So eat a can of spinach and check out this raft ride, 

LakeMonster Paddle boats

Opening: N/A

Manufacturer: N/A

Splash level: minimal, if your lucky 

Though not like the other water rides on this list, the lake Monster Paddle boats still provide a unique, even terrifying experience. Each boat uses pedals to propel the boats, these boats shaped like dragons lacked any restraints on the front seats. The haul also contained a back seat, also with no restraints or surfaces to grip onto. At first after taking off for our voyage in the park's lake, we expected barriers or other attendants. But to our surprise we were able to maneuver the entire lake, circling around the Island Water park. This island formerly held the Blue Ocean pool, an addition often credited with saving the park. It's currently branded as the treehouse Waterpark, though it has remained closed for the past few seasons.

As we made our way around the island back to the docks, we came across a low hanging bridge. Now back when the park opened the lake contained canoe boats, with this bridge in the same spot. For a canoe, as shown in photographs, there was plenty of clearance. For the fiberglass lake monsters, their heads just barely squeeze under the bridge's supports, my first genuine head chopper effect. After a good half hour we finally returned to the station, our attendant Karl not batting an eye at our absence. Roller Coasters like Leap the Dips and Skyliner tend to get all of the attention, but it's paddle boats may top both in terms of fear factor.

PS: You possibly will get wet, due to each boat containing holes in the bottom of the seats.

Shrek Sinkhole Slammer

Opening: October 1, 2020

Manufacturer: ProSlide Technology 

Splash level: High 

Our water slide representation for the list, and just like every attraction at dreamworks Water park this slide was made by Proslide Technology. This Canadian company was founded in 1986 after purchasing a ski resort called Mont Cascade. Founder Richard D. Hunter would test new rides and concepts at the facility, and the company still uses the facility to this day.

Shreks wonderfully named Sinkhole swamp shows off the impressive designs and engineering as its massive 60 foot bowl is supported by rows of metal supports. In terms of theming, other than being green and having a Donkey statue, it has far less theming than Dragon and Dronkeys Flight. The best aspect of the ride has to be the signature sinkhole. The feeling as you slide towards the ceiling, surrounded by green, does leave a sinking feeling. The smaller swamps or dips are less thrilling, but its signature element does not disappoint. 

Jungle Cruise (Disneyland)

Opening: July 17, 1955

Manufacturer: Walt Disney Imagineering

Splash Level: Minimal 

Unlike the previous version we covered in part one, the version at Disneyland is the original. Its original intention was to be a more factual and information-based attraction, with no jokes from the skipper. In prior years Jungle Cruise has seen many notable additions, like the Indian Elephant pool in 1962, and the rerouting of its waters to make way for the Indiana Jones Adventure in 1995. 

As of 2021, the attraction has undergone another renovation, adding a new storyline involving the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. This group was first introduced as part of the walkthrough attraction Fortress Explorations at Tokyo DisneySea, before adventuring to other  Disney Parks. Their mission statement goes as follows: “The mission of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers is to collect, conserve, and curate valuable cultural and artistic artifacts from around the world and make them available to the public in an artistically pleasing and sensitive manner. It is furthermore the mission of the organization to equip and mount socio-cultural expeditions to discover, explore, chronicle and protect the artistic achievements of human society, past and present, exalted and forgotten.” The group as a whole fits perfectly with the Aesthetic of Adventureland and gives the ride even more lore. 

Even with a cinematic adaptation being released the same year, the modifications don't feel like an advertisement. This problem is notable with Pirates of the Caribbean and its captain Jack animatronic, whose presence disrupts the whole ride. A few easter eggs from the film can be found in the queue line, like the map used in the film and the clothing of the main characters Skipper Frank Wolf and Lily Houghton. The changes on the Jungle cruise are much more minor, such as the hunters being exchanged for explorers, the removal of Trader Sam, and additional show scenes like a crashed boat with chimp animatronics highjacking it. Though you won’t get very wet on this cruise, where else can you see the backside of water? 

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. 

Courtesy of @Disneyland.Stan on Instagram!

Soft opening date: June 9, 2007

Opening date: June 11, 2007

Manufacturer: Walt Disney Imagineering

Splash level: none 

Out of all the attractions on this list, this is the one that will keep you dry the entire ride. Yet these submarines still take guests below the depths of the Disneyland Lagoon. Replacing a ride known as Phantom Boats, the ride originally known as Submarine Voyage was opened on June 14, 1959. This attraction took guests past underwater figures like mermaids and one fairly creepy dragon. After it’s reopening in 2005, the characters of Pixar’s Finding Nemo would be added, including new screens on the viewports. The illusion of submersion is achieved through audio and bubble effects, so during the whole ride you are barely below the surface.

If you’ve ever entered an actual submarine, you’ll know there are very tight and claustrophobic spaces, and this attraction is no exception. Many guests have issues with the confined space along with the idea of being submerged underwater. Because of this, the submarines would remain closed beyond the park's reopening. Having been removed once before, many fans worried the attraction would be removed. As of July 2021, work walls have gone up around the lagoon, promising its return. So if you wanna take a dive, but don’t actually wanna get wet, take a ride to the CAC.