Project 2019: Calico River Rapids

[Zachary]

Looks like Knott's is renovating their existing river rapids ride with "new animatronics, themed show scenes, a new story overlay and plenty of dynamic water effects."

Seems like a really interesting project! Here's some of the concept art taken from the project's website:

 

[lightninlady]

I love the name and the concept art, super cute.

 

[Mushroom]

Cedar Fair is really killing it with theming lately. That their entire 2019 project is an elaborate theming overlay for an existing ride is really impressive in my opinion.

 

[Thomas]

Can SEAS give Roman Rapids some love with this new Raft Ride Renaissance?

 

[Pretzel Kaiser]

While I'm happy for any ride getting great theming, I hate that they're doing it to a rapids ride where you have no choice but to get soaked.

 

[warfelg]

While I'm happy for any ride getting great theming, I hate that they're doing it to a rapids ride where you have no choice but to get soaked.

As opposed to just a boat ride? Getting soaked is the point of a rapids ride.

Sorry to sounds so snarky. It’s just a park pet peeve of mine when people dislike a ride doing what it’s intended to.

 

[Pretzel Kaiser]

I'm not suggesting that the rapids ride shouldn't exist, there's a place for them. I'm just of the opinion that adding extensive theming to rapids rides is annoying because in order to experience the great theming, you have to get soaked. As good as Infinity Falls looks, I wish they did it with a different ride style.

 

[warfelg]

Ok? So my counter is that because I enjoy them I shouldn’t get a well themed ride?

I’m not so sure it’s great to suggest the themeing should be contained to certain perameters. I kinda argue moreso that a ride like this needs this level themeing because it does move slow at times and needs that “show element” to keep it feeling fresh.

 

[Pretzel Kaiser]

I understand that water rides are potentially the best when it comes to opportunity to theme them due to their slow pace. That's why I think Jurassic Park River Adventure is a better dinosaur ride than Dinosaur at DAK.

Rapids are are a bit different from a flume or shoot the chutes as you constantly are getting wet and the other two you have less of a chance of getting soaked. I just wish that they wouldn't heavily theme rides where you're garanteed to get soaked because getting soaked at theme parks is something that not everyone wants to do.

 

[warfelg]

But again, just because not everyone wants it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be the best experience possible.

I hate spinning rides (makes me notion sick). Doesn’t mean I think they should shortchange themeing it because not everyone will ride it.

 

[Pretzel Kaiser]

*shrug* Personal preference I guess. I would take that money and theme a coaster or area.

 

[warfelg]

They rehabbed a ride that needed it in an area that was have large dips in foot traffic.

 

[GrandpaD]

Behind-the-scenes look at animatronic characters that will be in the new ride.

 

[GrandpaD]

The revamped ride will open May 17. This article includes another behind the scenes video from the production company.

 

[GrandpaD]

Construction photos via @coasters101 Twitter.

 

[b.mac]

I get to ride this in June, always gotta give a rapids ride a shot especially when this much effort is put into one.

 

[GrandpaD]

From @SoCal360 (Attractions 360°) some shots of the revamped ride. "Lots of great animatronics!"


Big Foot

 

[GrandpaD]

Here's a local newspaper review of the ride. (With more photos)

I love this from the article -
My favorite part of the ride passes by a pile of TNT barrels lined up on one side of the river. On the theme park walkway side of the river are three dynamite plungers where visitors can get riders even more wet. But the best part is that the plungers backfire every once in awhile, turning the tormentors into the soaking wet victims. What a great idea. Every theme park should do that.

Take note BGW.

 

[GrandpaD]

Another review from Mice Chat with photos and a POV.