Bilge rat barges questions

[laurajetter]

Never been to IOA but I can't wait to go on the Bilge Rat Barges with DH! I love river rapids rides...I've never even seen pictures for this but have heard that it is really good. Anyone care to tell me a little more about it?

Also, for the parks that are near where I live I can usually get away with putting my small backpack and camera bag inside a plastic grocery bag, tie it off and just hold it tight on my lap...it always stays dry. Do you all think this would suffice on the Bilge Rat Barges or is it too intense? Do they have lockers near the ride to hold personal items while riding?

One final question...are there any steep drops? I've never been on a river rapids ride that did, but I don't know what to expect from IOA! One thing I can't stand is really long, steep drops (the kind that give you that dropping sensation in your stomach). So I'd like to know if this ride has anything like that!

Thanks for any info! We're going in 10 days and we can't wait!!!!!!
:thewave::thewave:

-Laura

 

[Motherfletcher]

No big drops. They have lockers and I would use them. You can easy receive a lap full of water.

 

[sherries]

The center of the raft also has a covered bin where you can put your shoes, or camera, etc. It might be a good idea to bring along the plastic bag you spoke of for your camera, just to be on the safe side.

No steep drops on the ride and it is really fun. Enjoy.

 

[msr709]

I would put the camera in a Ziploc bag, tying it just might not make it. That center bin gets full of water also. But it is a very fun ride. I always buy a couple of waterproof cameras to take on the ride to take pictures. I have some if you would like to see them but I don't know how to post them. I can send you the link if you want by email. Don't miss it, it was one of the most fun rides there and very refreshing if you're going in the summer months. Good luck and have a great trip.

 

[phamton]

This site as lots of pictures and a very good description of the ride:

http://www.ioacentral.com/islands/toon_lagoon/attractions/popeye_and_blutos_bilge_rat_barges.htm

I went to one of the merchandise stores and asked for a small bag to put my cellphone in. I tied the bag and put my phone in my pocket and it was fine. I put my shoes in the center compartment of the barge and they didn't get wet either but I was soaked. Great fun! You'll love it.

Bev

 

[msr709]

Great site Phantom! Thanks.

 

[RC Fan]

It is a great ride! It is much better than Kali River Rapids!

I know you said you don't like drops, but Ripsaw Falls is also an EXCELLENT ride! I loved it as well.

 

[natt]

This is one of the best I've been on! Due to crowds, we've yet to experience Kali River , so I can't compare. But this summer,we were on our 3rd visit to Busch Gardens (Williamsburg) and were looking forward to getting cooled off on the river ride. It was the lamest thing and all 4 of us got off saying "I thought we got really wet last time" Then I remebered that it was Universal that we'd gotten really soaked (wearing ponchos)! Have fun!

 

[JT3000]

There are no actual drops, but there's a lift hill and steep ledge that the boat flys off of that will try to freak you out.

 

[katz99]

OMG NATT I totally agree with you about BG Williamsburgh!! I get wetter doing the dishes!! So nice to see a fellow Delawarean on this board. We are planning our first trip to US/IOA in June of 2005 for my daughters 13th birthday. Thanks to all for alll the great info.