Sunday Special: Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls VS Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges

When I was sitting in the sun this week, my thoughts couldn't help but turn to water rides.
The thrill of splashing down a steep drop, great theming and stories along the way and of course all getting drenched in the process!

Now I've been on a lot of water rides, around the world. But there are two that always stand out for me.
One is a classic 'Log' style attraction. While is other is a 'Rapids' attraction. Both just happen to be next door to each other!

Yes, I am of course talking about 'Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls' ( RF ) and 'Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges'. ( BRB )

So its time to head on back to Orlando and Universal's Islands of Adventure...

As always with a Sunday Special, I will be pitting these two attractions, up against each other.
Judging across 3 different factors that I think make a good water ride.

Theming,  Thrill and Drench Factor..

So, Lets Go!....

THEME: 

Theming is all too important when it comes to water rides. As without a good story, atmosphere and sets, the ride would almost completely rely on a lift hill and a couple of drops. 

So the first set of points here, goes to BRB. 

The characters of Popeye stand out, with impressive and interactive structures, set pieces and that dread filled lift hill, you really can't help but be sucked into the overall experience of the ride! 

This is were I also think that RF lacks somewhat. The animatronics throughout, seem tired, clunky and some need to be oiled! 

With RF placing so much emphasis on these animatronics, it's easy to spot their downfalls. 

In the darker sections of the ride, sudden spotlights appear, attracting the riders attention to the moving characters in some sort of show scene. But with a lack of theming surrounding the figures themselves, this comes off rather lacklustre. 

Comparing this to BRB, the characters, are static and strategically placed throughout the ride's natural environment, within the 'real world'. 

No show scenes, no dark ride elements, just simple audio cues and funny sculptures. 

RF: 0                   BRB: 1

 THRILL: 

Of course, we love a thrill! 

Now while some could argue that 'Rapids' could in no shape or form be as thrilling, as a 'Log' style ride, we have recently seen this not to be true.

With parks like Seaworld, building 'Rapids' with vast drops and high tech lift hills. The two styles have somewhat become a hybrid between each other, taking elements that work from both. 

But, it will come as no surprise, that in this case, the winning attraction for this category is RF! 

With its multiple drops, and it's final finale 75 ft, 50 degree, double down, this category has got to go to RF fare and square. I really don't this this one, needs much explaining.. 

RF: 1                 BRB: 1

Drench Factor: 

Ok so, theme, check. Thrill, check.... But which attraction gets you the most soaked? 

While RF has the drops, does it really have the splash? The truth of the matter is, yes it does. 

Every single drop on RF gets you absolutely sodden from head too toe! 

But then again, so does BRB! The speed off the water as your moving round, is incredibly fast. Meaning the waves are bigger and the tidal of crashing, chlorinated ride water, is stronger than ever! The lift hill is so imposing, it really creates a sense of dread, as we get closer to the big drop, which has to be seen to be believed! 

So a point goes to each! 

RF: 2.                  BRB: 2 

Overall: 

These two experiences are great water rides, in fact, arguably, some of the best in the world! 

But I have to in the end give this Sunday Special to 'Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls'. 

The thrill and multiple drops, splash factor, all make up for a wild ride! Although the theming could use a little work, it would be unfair of me to forget all the attraction's other positive qualities, in which it does highly excel! 

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls! 

Do you have a water ride you love? Have you been on either of these?
let me know by leaving a comment or get in touch on our Insta @coastersamblog
Look out for more articles next week!


Until next time,

Sam x