White Water Rafting - Disney Style
Written: Apr 22 '04 (Updated May 23 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great theming, getting wet, thrilling but not too wild, fast passes available
Cons: Getting really soaked, sometimes there are long lines
The Bottom Line: A thrilling water ride with great theming.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Grizzly River Run - California Adventure |
This is one of my favorite rides at all of the Disney theme parks with one caveat - it takes a long time to dry off.
THEMING
The ride takes up quite a bit of space in the park which is very obvious on the park map. It is themed as a California white water rapids ride. The setting includes a fake mine, lots of evergreens and boulders. The whole area around the ride carries the same theme and there are lots of nice vantage points for those who don't want to actually ride but want to take in the scenery. As you wait in line, you pass lots of boats, maps of California and rafting equipment including oars and helmets (no helmets are required on the ride).
The centerpiece of this ride is visible throughout most of the park - a giant mountain shaped like a wolf head (or maybe a bear head - we had a family debate and I suppose it looks like either). The ride circles around this centerpiece. The rest of the ride is designed to look like the California wilderness. A nice touch is the wind sound you can hear in the "canyons" and a mist effect.
THE RIDE
Grizzly River Rapids is a boat ride. The boats are circular and each seat 8 people. If there are less than 8 in your party - then you will most likely be seated with other guests of the park.
Each seat on the boat has a seatbelt and is bucket style with a high headrest. The boat has a circular handrail in the middle that everyone can hold on to. There is no place to store your belongings so you will have to hold them in your lap or between your feet on the wet floor.
The ride starts slowly with a roller-coaster type ramp up. Then you slowly drop into the water and enjoy a little gentle "rafting." After that, the white water appears and you are bounced around quite a bit. There are also a couple of steep drops that could scare some smaller kids. The ride lasts 2-3 minutes once your boat leaves the launching area. We rode in daylight and at night. I prefer the night time ride better although it can be a little more shocking because you can't clearly see the drops up ahead.
YOU WILL GET WET
You will get wet on this ride and probably soaked. The people in the seats next to the door to the boat seemed to get completely soaked since they lacked the protection of the high seatbacks and guests on all sides - however that was not always the case. It usually just depends on the variable motion of the boat. Water comes in at each steep drop, splashes in from the white water, and squirts in from "geysers" in and around the ride.
They sell rain ponchos in the store next to the ride. There are also lockers to store valuables near the entrance to the ride but there is a fee. Consider bringing a plastic bag to protect pocketbooks, electronics or other things you would like to keep dry if you opt out of getting a locker. We saw some people strip down to bathing suits and others had brought a change of clothes. If you get soaked it can be uncomfortable for a long time - so plan ahead.
THE LINE
Fast passes are available. We visited on a busy day in August and waited 40 minutes to ride without fast passes. We visited on a slow day in April and the wait was 5-10 minutes. The line is mainly outside although there is some shade. The themeing along the line is cute and provides some entertainment but it is still hard to wait the 40 minutes.
OTHER STUFF
The minimum height to ride is 42 inches. My 4 year old just made the cut and the staff did measure him. We rode this ride about 6 months ago when he was probably just shy of the requirement and the staff didn't measure him and let him on.
The ride is bouncy and probably not great for those with back or neck problems.
On both occasions that we visited, this ride was shut down for part of the day due to "technical difficulties."
The Disney Animal Kingdom Park in Florida has a similar ride with an Asian theme.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
We love this ride and go on it a few times at each visit. It is fun to get damp but it can be a drag getting really soaked and waiting to dry so consider getting a rain poncho or bringing a change of clothes.
MY REVIEWS OF THE DISNEY THEME PARKS IN CALIFORNIA
Disneyland
Disney's California Adventure
MY REVIEW OF THEME PARK HOTELS IN CALIFORNIA
Disney’s Grand Californian
Marriott Suites Anaheim
Residence Inn Anaheim
MY REVIEW OF THEME PARK RESTAURANTS
Storyteller’s Cafe
Blue Bayou
Wine Country Trattoria
Goofy’s Kitchen
MY REVIEWS OF INDIVIDUAL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS IN DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Soarin’ Over California
The Sun Wheel
Orange Stinger
Mulholland Madness
Jumpin’ Jellyfish
Playhouse Disney Live on Stage
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Monster’s Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue
Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3D
It’s Tough to be a Bug 3D
Princess Dot Puddle Park
Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies
Flik’s Flyers
Francis’ Ladybug Boogie
Misson Tortilla Factory Tour
Boudin Bakery Factory Tour
MY REVIEWS OF INDIVIDUAL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS IN DISNEYLAND
Pirates of the Caribbean
Indiana Jones Adventure
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Snow White’s Scary Adventures
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Peter Pan’s Flight
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Alice in Wonderland
Matterhorn Bobsleds
It’s a Small World
Tarzan’s Tree House
Aladdin’s Oasis
Splash Mountain
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Autotopia
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience 3D
Astro Orbitor
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
MY REVIEWS OF OTHER THINGS TO SEE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Legoland
SeaWorld San Diego
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Wild Animal Park
Balboa Park
Cabrillo National Monument
San Diego’s Old Town
The Museum of Making Music
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
modernmarvel
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Can anyone recommend a western family dude ranch for a vacation this summer?
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