Attraction Rhino Rally

[Bill]

Link to Wiki page will go here...

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Description is a work in progress.

Rhino Rally opened in 2001. [1,2]

In 2013, Rhino Rally became a "seasonal" attraction, as it closed at the end of Summer Nights in August. While the attraction page was left on the park's website, the ride's name and graphics were completely removed from the park map. The ride did not reopen until after Memorial Day 2014. It remained open until Labor Day 2014, when it closed again.

While not yet official, several employees noted it was closing permanently at that time. The attraction's page and listing on the park's website has also been removed.

 

[Nicole]

It was World Rhino Day last Sunday (22 Sep). Too bad the ride is extinct.

 

[Bill]

I considered putting this under defunct attractions. But since it's still listed on the site, I'm assuming at this point it's just a "seasonal" closure.

 

[Mushroom]

I considered putting this under defunct attractions. But since it's still listed on the site, I'm assuming at this point it's just a "seasonal" closure.

As in, "Europe in the Air will be closed for the remainder of 2013"?

 

[Bill]

Given that several employees have said it's gone for good, and the fact the attraction's listing and page have been entirely removed from the park's website, I went ahead and moved this over to the Defunct Attractions section.

 

[basicallysam]

The ride kinda sucked after the water portion was removed anyways. Sad to see it go :/

 

[UncleDuncan]

Glad I got to ride it 2 years ago when it was still operating.

 

[Zimmy]

I have always wanted a pet Rhino.

 

[Nicole]

According to Screamscape, Rhino Rally has officially closed for good.

(1/18/15) Are you ready for the latest attraction to get budget cut? This may be one that you already forgot existed, mainly because it has been a Summer only thing for the past couple of years. According to our source Rhino Rally is said to be no longer a thing and will no longer return for the busy summer season. According to one rumor, the big Jeeps themselves may have been sold off and removed from the property, but if any insiders can refute this last park and confirm that they are still there, I'd love to know as previously I believe they could be spotted from the Skyride.
It may be interesting to note that the Elephant habitat, an area that the ride previously traveled very close to, was recently said to be modified to allow for the park to add a new large addition (a large male Asian Elephant named Spike) to the herd. Given the costly nature of Rhino Rally operations that require a staff of many drivers plus, daily fuel, plus intense maintenance on the vehicle fleet, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rally come to an end. More when we find out.

It is also worth noting that the elephant keepers are hoping to be able to expand into that area. They have been told that it will be used for "the next big thing."

 

[wombat96]

Last time I actually really enjoyed Rhino Rally. Sure the water portion was gone but it was like the Jungle Cruise on land. The drivers were making jokes left and right. Sad to see what start out as a fantastic attraction close.

 

[Mushroom]

It just felt like a wannabe Kilimanjaro Safaris after the removal of the water portion, anyway.

 

[Nicole]

I liked Rhino Rally, even after they modified it.

 

[Jonathan S]

According to Screamscape, Rhino Rally has officially closed for good.

(1/18/15) Are you ready for the latest attraction to get budget cut? This may be one that you already forgot existed, mainly because it has been a Summer only thing for the past couple of years. According to our source Rhino Rally is said to be no longer a thing and will no longer return for the busy summer season. According to one rumor, the big Jeeps themselves may have been sold off and removed from the property, but if any insiders can refute this last park and confirm that they are still there, I'd love to know as previously I believe they could be spotted from the Skyride.
   It may be interesting to note that the Elephant habitat, an area that the ride previously traveled very close to, was recently said to be modified to allow for the park to add a new large addition (a large male Asian Elephant named Spike) to the herd. Given the costly nature of Rhino Rally operations that require a staff of many drivers plus, daily fuel, plus intense maintenance on the vehicle fleet, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rally come to an end. More when we find out.

It is also worth noting that the elephant keepers are hoping to be able to expand into that area.  They have been told that it will be used for "the next big thing."

Just to clarify, Nicole, Rhino Rally had been confirmed to close on September 1. Not sure why this was just found out recently..

Also it has been rumored in the far future that another safari attraction would replace this.

 

[Nicole]

We are aware of the rumors; however, Rhino Rally has continued until now to open in the summers. It looks as if it has now closed for good.

The rumors from the elephant keepers are from New Years Eve.

 

[Jonathan S]

I believe while there was no official announcement, Rhino Rally drivers informed guests that the attraction was closing September 1. While it was seasonal for the past few years, it closed for good.
As with the expanded elephant habitat, that was confirmed as well. There has also been rumors about the animals being relocated from the attraction.

That ride had more problems than what I've been hearing about Scott Gasparich...

 

[CastleOSullivan]

My sister in law worked at Busch Gardens Tampa at the time this was built. She was offered a few employee test rides. She told me something about the problems this ride had. I should ask her what else she knows. She said that they were being too ambitious. Supposedly this ride was originally meant to rival any Universal story ride. Fun fact: Scott Swenson (former director of creative services) was involved in creating various original storylines for the ride.